Arsenal injury update: Ethan Nwaneri, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli latest news and return dates | OneFootball

Mikel Arteta will once again be down to the bare bones in attack as the Gunners face Nottingham Forest

Your matchday briefing on Arsenal, featuring team news and expert analysis from Simon Collings

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Arsenal suffered a potentially damaging defeat to West Ham at the weekend as they failed to apply more pressure on Liverpool in the Premier League title race.

An unhappy Mikel Arteta blasted his players afterwards, stating he hoped they “suffered” for the rest of the weekend after delivering a performance that left him “very, very angry”.

Fortunately, defence is an area where the Gunners have strength in depth but concerns in attack remain and won’t improve - in terms of personnel - anytime soon.

Gabriel Martinelli

Gabriel Martinelli injured his hamstring against Newcastle on February 5 as he was forced off in the 37th minute at St James’ Park after going down clutching the back of his thigh, and is facing around a month out of action.

Martinelli is set to miss the game against Nottingham Forest and is a doubt for the Champions League last 16 first leg. Though he is ahead of Bukayo Saka in his recovery.

“I am not sure,” Arteta told reporters last week when asked if the pair would be available to face PSV. “That’s a question for the doctor. They are both evolving really well.

“Probably Gabi Martinelli is a bit ahead of Bukayo, as well for the extent of that injury. But then we will have to see the next steps, the previous weeks before that, how the boys are feeling and what we are prepared to do.”

Potential return date: March

Arsenal will hope to welcome Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli back from injury soon

Action Images via Reuters

Bukayo Saka

Arsenal have been without Bukayo Saka since December when the winger tore his hamstring during the win over Crystal Palace.

Saka was initially ruled out until March but Arsenal sparked excitement among supporters when they posted pictures of him training in the gym in Dubai earlier in the month.

As mentioned above, a return against PSV in the Champions League last-16 has been discussed, but Arteta is unlikely to take any risks with him.

Potential return date: March

Ethan Nwaneri

The youngster sparked concern amongst many Arsenal fans as he limped around the pitch, after being substituted in the second half against West Ham.

Though, Arteta provided an update after the game and it doesn’t sound like it’s a major injury problem.

“It was just fatigue, I think,” Arteta said when explaining the decision to take off the teenager.

Potential return date: Wednesday February 26, 2025 vs Nottingham Forest (a)

Takehiro Tomiyasu

Takehiro Tomiyasu has played just six minutes of football this season, coming on as a late substitute in the Premier League win over Southampton in October.

That followed a three-month lay-off from a knee injury that meant he missed the start of the season.

As confirmed by the versatile defender on Tuesday, he has undergone knee surgery which will rule him out for the remainder of the campaign.

Though, he has vowed to not give up: “I’ve had a surgery on my knee few days ago and I’ve already started my rehab to do what I love the most again,” Tomiyasu said in an Instagram post.

“It has been the toughest period in my career for sure and it carries on a bit more but I won’t give up. Thank you for your support and see you again.”

Arsenal have since revealed the extent of Tomiyasu’s injury nightmare, stating the defender’s recovery and rehabilitation programme is expected to be completed towards the end of this year.

Potential return date: Late 2025

Kai Havertz

Kai Havertz will miss the rest of the season after hamstring surgery.

Havertz tore his hamstring during training in Dubai and Arsenal have confirmed he will not return until next season.

The striker has confirmed he underwent a successful operation as he targets a return to fitness in the summer.

In a post on his Instagram and Twitter accounts from his hospital bed, Havertz said: “The last few days have been tough to process both physically and mentally. But yesterday was a good day. A successful op and a win.

Gabriel Jesus