Arsenal’s hopes of winning the Premier League took a huge hit on Wednesday night as they were held to a 0-0 draw with Nottingham Forest. The stalemate at the City Ground was compounded by Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Newcastle.
It means the Gunners are now 13 points behind their title rivals with Arne Slot’s men now in pole position to lift the Premier League trophy at the end of the season. For Mikel Arteta and his team, it was another frustrating contest with no threat in attack.
Injuries to Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli mean Mikel Merino has been forced to play as the North Londoners’ last line of attack. Unfortunately, they have failed to score in their last two games.
Here, football.london looks at the latest injury news and when key players will be back…
Kai Havertz
Havertz’s torn hamstring was confirmed at the start of the month meaning the forward will miss the remainder of the season. In a statement, the club said: “Subsequent assessments and specialist reviews have confirmed that the injury will require surgery, which will take place in the coming days.
“Soon after surgery, Kai will begin his recovery and rehabilitation programme, which is expected to extend into pre-season preparations for next season. Everyone at the club is fully focused on supporting Kai to ensure he is back to full fitness as soon as possible.”
Havertz sent a message of his own over the weekend after undergoing surgery. “The last few days have been tough to process both physically and mentally. But yesterday was a good day,” he wrote on social media.
“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.”
What Arteta has said: “Yeah, he was going to stop a shot after a set piece and stretch the leg and he felt his hamstring.”
Expected return date: Summer 2025.
Gabriel Martinelli
Martinelli suffered a hamstring problem in the Carabao Cup semi-final second-leg against Newcastle. The Brazilian limped off before reports from South America claimed he could miss a month of action.
What Arteta has said: “Yes, he felt something. I think it was his hamstring and he wasn’t comfortable to continue so we’ll have to do an MRI scan tomorrow to see the extent of the injury.”
Ahead of the draw at Forest, Arteta confirmed he was “still a bit far” to a return.
Expected return date: End of March.
Bukayo Saka
Arsenal’s star player, Saka, has been sidelined since December 21 when he sustained a hamstring injury against Crystal Palace. He has been pictured at the training ground but isn’t taking part in training yet.
What Arteta has said: “Well, I don’t know. We have a long-term injury. What is faster? In a 10-day injury, three days is a lot because it’s 30 per cent. In three months, a week, probably is not that much. But it’s too early. It’s an average stage of the rehab when we get a little bit closer and he starts to do more demanding stuff and more load, we will see where he is.”
Asked if Saka has suffered a setback in his rehab, Arteta said: “No, it’s fine.”
Ahead of the draw at Forest, Arteta confirmed the England international was “still a bit far” to a return.
Expected return date: End of March 2025.
Takehiro Tomiyasu
Tomiyasu has played six minutes this season after missing the large majority of last term. Reports have claimed the right-back may require a second knee operation after previously receiving treatment in 2023.
What Arteta has said: “Tomiyasu is going to be out as well for a period.”
Expected return date: Unknown.
Gabriel Jesus
Jesus suffered an ACL injury in the FA Cup defeat to Manchester United in January. The 27-year-old striker has had surgery on his left knee and now faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
What Arteta has said: “Not looking good at all. But we need to review with the specialist and will have more information this afternoon. I don’t want to confirm anything until we have the final report this afternoon. We were very worried straight after the game and we are very worried today.”
Expected return date: Summer 2025.
