Arsenal Injury Update: Latest on Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and More | OneFootball

Arsenal Injury Update: Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz Latest News

Arsenal’s Premier League title challenge has faltered following a frustrating goalless draw with Nottingham Forest, leaving them a distant 13 points behind leaders Liverpool. While the Gunners do have a game in hand, their hopes of domestic glory now appear slim. This makes their Champions League campaign all the more critical if they are to end the season with silverware.

Mikel Arteta’s squad has been hampered by injuries to key players, and the latest updates will do little to lift spirits at the Emirates. With both Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli sidelined, Arsenal’s attacking options are looking increasingly stretched ahead of their crucial round of 16 ties.

Here’s the latest on Arsenal’s injury situation.

Bukayo Saka’s Injury Blow

Bukayo Saka has been out of action since December after tearing his hamstring in a Premier League clash against Crystal Palace. Hopes were raised when he was seen training in Dubai earlier this month, sparking speculation over a potential return against PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League.

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However, Arteta poured cold water on that optimism following the draw with Forest, confirming that Saka is unlikely to return before the March international break.

Potential return date: April

Gabriel Martinelli’s Fitness Race

Gabriel Martinelli suffered a similar fate in the Carabao Cup semi-final against Newcastle, pulling up with a hamstring issue that forced him off before half-time. Initially expected to be sidelined for around a month, the Brazilian forward was in contention to feature in the first leg against PSV. However, Arteta has since confirmed that both Martinelli and Saka will miss both ties.

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Speaking about their recoveries, Arteta stated: “I think so, but again, let’s see how they evolve in the next few weeks to make the right steps as well. And then after that, they’ve been out for a long, long time, so we’re going to have to integrate them as well, probably gradually. So they’re evolving well, but they’re still a bit far.”

A club meeting was scheduled to assess Martinelli’s situation, with Arteta hinting that he could be in contention to return slightly ahead of Saka. However, any return will be handled cautiously to avoid a recurrence of the injury.

Potential return date: April

Kai Havertz’s Season Over

In another major setback, Kai Havertz has been ruled out for the rest of the campaign after tearing his hamstring during a training session in Dubai. The German international has since undergone successful surgery, but his focus is now on regaining full fitness ahead of next season.

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Havertz took to social media to update fans, saying: “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. Thanks for all the messages of support over the last few days, it’s really helped. I’m now focused on my journey to full fitness and giving all the support I can give to the team in the background.”

Potential return date: Start of 2025-26 season

Other Injury Concerns

Takehiro Tomiyasu has endured a nightmare campaign, managing just six minutes of football this season due to persistent knee issues. The versatile defender recently underwent surgery and is set to miss the remainder of the campaign. Arsenal have confirmed that his rehabilitation process is expected to extend until late 2025.

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Tomiyasu remained defiant in his response to the setback, posting on Instagram: “I’ve had a surgery on my knee a few days ago and I’ve already started my rehab to do what I love the most again. It has been the toughest period in my career for sure and it carries on a bit more, but I won’t give up.”

Potential return date: Late 2025

Gabriel Jesus’ Uncertain Timeline

Gabriel Jesus is another key player on the sidelines after undergoing knee surgery in January. Unlike the other injured stars, there is no clear timeline for his return, with the club monitoring his recovery before providing a definitive update.

Potential return date: Unknown

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Arsenal’s Champions League Challenge Without Saka and Martinelli

With two of their most influential attackers missing, Arteta faces a tactical conundrum ahead of the Champions League knockout rounds. Arsenal’s ability to break down defences has already suffered in recent weeks, and the absence of both Saka and Martinelli will place even greater responsibility on the likes of Gabriel Jesus (once fit), Leandro Trossard and Ethan Nwaneri.

The Gunners will be hoping for swift recoveries, but as Arteta has emphasised, patience will be key in reintegrating them back into the side. Their season may now hinge on how well they can cope in their absence.