Arsenal injury update: 4 out, 3 doubts ahead of Atalanta

Arsenal head into their midweek Champions League clash against Atalanta with a mixed injury report following their 1-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in the North London derby.

Although Mikel Arteta’s side secured an important three points, a few key players remain doubtful for upcoming fixtures, while others continue to recover from longer-term injuries.

Here’s a comprehensive overview of Arsenal’s current injury situation.

Bukayo Saka (Thigh cramp, expected to return vs Atalanta)

Bukayo Saka limped off during the closing stages of the win over Tottenham after suffering from cramp in his thigh.

The 22-year-old, who has been heavily involved in Arsenal’s fixtures this season, is expected to recover in time for the Champions League clash against Atalanta.

Arsenal are optimistic that Saka’s issue is minor, and his withdrawal was largely precautionary due to his intense match load.

Mikel Arteta, while cautious after the game, is apparently confident that the injury was nothing serious.

Further updates on his fitness will be provided after Wednesday’s open training session.

Martin Ødegaard (Ankle sprain, return date unknown)

Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard remains a significant doubt for the upcoming matches after suffering an ankle sprain while playing for Norway in a Nations League match against Austria on 9 September.

Ødegaard, who missed the North London derby, is not expected to feature against Atalanta, and his availability for the Manchester City fixture remains in question.

Norway’s national team doctor said that Ødegaard could be out for several weeks, with Mikel Arteta offering no concrete timeline on his return, simply stating: “We need more tests to understand the full extent of the injury.”

Oleksandr Zinchenko (Calf injury, return date unknown)

Oleksandr Zinchenko missed the Tottenham fixture due to a calf injury picked up during the international break.

While there is no detailed update on his condition, Zinchenko’s absence against Spurs raised concerns about his availability for the upcoming fixtures.

The Ukrainian international remains under assessment, and Arsenal have not provided a clear timeline for his return.

Riccardo Calafiori (Calf/ankle injury, return date unknown)

New signing Riccardo Calafiori is another player Arsenal are missing.

The Italian left-back picked up a calf and ankle injury during Italy’s Nations League match against France on 6 September.

Initially thought to be a minor issue that wouldn’t rule him out, further scans revealed the injury is worse than first feared.

Calafiori missed the Tottenham game, and while there is no confirmed return date, Mikel Arteta hinted that the club would need to monitor the situation closely before making any decisions on his involvement in future matches.

Mikel Merino (Fractured shoulder, expected return mid-October 2024)

Mikel Merino, another recent addition to the squad, is sidelined with a fractured shoulder sustained in training.

Merino has yet to make his Arsenal debut after joining from Real Sociedad and is expected to be out until at least mid-October.

Mikel Arteta confirmed that the midfielder is recovering well but emphasised that bone injuries take time to heal.

“It’s a slow process,” Arteta explained. “We’re hopeful that he will return after the next international break, but it depends on how quickly the bone heals.”

Takehiro Tomiyasu (Knee injury, return date unknown)

Takehiro Tomiyasu continues his recovery from a knee injury that has kept him out since pre-season.

Mikel Arteta recently acknowledged that Tomiyasu’s rehabilitation is progressing slowly and that it could still be “weeks” before the defender is back in contention for selection.

Kieran Tierney (Hamstring injury, expected return end of September/early October 2024)

Kieran Tierney is edging closer to a return following a hamstring injury he sustained during Euro 2024.

The Scottish full-back has been undergoing individual training at London Colney and is expected to rejoin full team sessions soon.

Mikel Arteta previously suggested that Tierney’s return could align with Arsenal’s League Cup match against Bolton on 25 September.

His recovery has been closely monitored, and he is set to return to action by the end of September or early October.

Arsenal’s defensive concerns and key recoveries

As Arsenal prepare for a crucial period in both the Premier League and the Champions League, they will be hoping for the swift recovery of key players like Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard.

Saka’s cramp issue, while minor, serves as a reminder of the physical toll the schedule has taken on Arsenal‘s star players.

Meanwhile, the extended absences of Mikel Merino, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and Kieran Tierney leave Mikel Arteta with limited options, particularly in defence, where both Oleksandr Zinchenko and Riccardo Calafiori are also on the treatment table.

Arsenal’s ability to manage these injuries will be pivotal as they look to build momentum following their victory over Tottenham.

Arteta’s squad rotation and injury management will be under the spotlight as they face Atalanta in the Champions League and Manchester City in the Premier League.