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

Gunners without a host of key players as Premier League title run-in begins in earnest

Arsenal are dealing with an injury crisis as they bid to hunt down Liverpool in the Premier League title race.

Makeshift striker Mikel Merino scored twice as the Gunners beat Leicester 2-0 on Saturday but manager Mikel Arteta desperately needs some key players back.

Arsenal face West Ham in the Premier League on Saturday before a trip to Nottingham Forest next Wednesday, as the run-in begins in earnest.

With Arteta down to the bare bones in attack, here is a look at the latest Arsenal injuries…

Bukayo Saka

Arsenal have been without Bukayo Saka since the winger tore his hamstring in December.

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 last week.

Arteta was last week asked about Saka’s progress and whether he is tempted to rush him back, given his shortage of forward options.

“I don’t know, we have a long-term injury, so what is faster?” said the Arsenal manager. “In a 10-day injury, three days is a lot because it’s 30 per cent, but in three months, a week is probably not that much.

“It's too early, he’s in an early stage of the rehab, so when we get a little bit closer and he starts to do more demanding stuff and has more load, we will see where he is. There’s no setback, he’s fine.”

Arsenal are said to be targeting their Champions League last 16 first leg on either March 4 or 5, or their trip to Manchester United on March 9.

But Arteta is unlikely to take any risks with him.

Potential return date: March

Gabriel Martinelli

Gabriel Martinelli injured his hamstring against Newcastle on February 5.

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 games West Ham and Nottingham Forest and is a doubt for the Champions League last 16 first leg, as well as games against Manchester United and Chelsea.

Potential return date: March

Gabriel Martinelli is another Arsenal player who has suffered a hamstring injury

Getty Images

Takehiro Tomiyasu

Takehiro Tomiyasu’s fitness is of growing concern for Arsenal, who are exploring the prospect of a second knee operation for the defender.

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.

Arsenal are considering surgery for Tomiyasu in a bid to cure his troublesome knee issue.

An operation would rule him out for a significant period and almost certainly end his season.

Potential return date: Unknown

Kai Havertz

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

Havertz tore his hamstring when blocking a shot in training in Dubai and Arsenal have confirmed he will not return until next season.

The striker has confirmed he underwent a successful operation on Saturday, 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.