Arsenal injury update: Bukayo Saka, Gabriel and Gabriel Martinelli latest news and return dates
Arsenal will need to assess Bukayo Saka and Gabriel ahead of Sunday’s huge Premier League trip to Manchester City.
The winger was forced to pull out of the England squad who played Brazil and Belgium during the international break with a muscle injury before the journey up to the Etihad Stadium for a title clash.
Centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes also withdrew from Brazil duty, along with Gabriel Martinelli. All three are yet to train as of Friday, two days out from the title test.
Thomas Partey and Takehiro Tomiyasu, however, played in a behind-closed-doors friendly defeat by QPR last week as they continue to build up their fitness after injury, while Jurrien Timber is also back in full training.
With that in mind, here is your latest update of Arsenal injury news and return dates...
Bukayo Saka
Saka withdrew from the England squad for high-profile Wembley friendlies against Brazil and Belgium on Thursday.
The Three Lions revealed in a statement that the winger had “reported to St George's Park with an injury and was unable to participate in training”.
Saka has returned to Arsenal for treatment and it is understood that he is suffering from a minor muscle issue, with his England exit only a “precaution”, but as of Friday had not yet trained with his team-mates.
Potential return date: Sunday, March 31, vs Man City
Gabriel
Gabriel joined compatriot Martinelli in withdrawing from the Brazil squad last Monday, replaced by Gleison Bremer of Juventus.
Reports claim that such a move was more precautionary than due to any serious concern, with suggestions that he is dealing with a foot problem.
It remains to be seen if Gabriel’s place for the game against City will be under threat, with Arteta confirming he is yet to train.
Potential return date: Sunday, March 31 vs Man City
Gabriel Martinelli
There was some surprise when Brazil called up Arsenal winger Martinelli for their games against England and Spain this month, but soon withdrew.
Martinelli was spotted on crutches at the Emirates Stadium as Arsenal beat the Bees late, leaving an element of mystery over his continued absence.
Arteta confirmed on Friday he is yet to train ahead of possibly facing Manchester City.
Potential return date: Unknown
Thomas Partey
Partey came off the bench against Sheffield United and Brentford before remaining an unused substitute for the Porto win, after completing his comeback from a thigh injury.
However, he is sitting out Ghana’s latest internationals as the Black Stars lost to Nigeria in a friendly before facing Uganda in Marrakech, Morocco.
The player took that decision to focus on regaining full fitness with Arsenal ahead of the run-in, as opposed to any fresh injury concerns.
Along with Tomiyasu, he played in a heavy behind-closed-doors friendly defeat by QPR on Thursday.
Potential return date: Sunday, March 31 vs Man City
Jurrien Timber
Dutch defender Timber made his return to first-team training at the end of February having suffered a serious knee injury in the first game of the Premier League season.
Mikel Arteta said there were “not many updates” when asked about his returning stars before the Champions League last-16 second-leg win over Porto, but fresh reports suggest an imminent comeback having made a partial return to training.
Football.London have claimed that there is a chance Timber will be involved against City and, if not, he is tipped to play a role in the final weeks of the season.
Potential return date: Spring 2024
