William Saliba and Bukayo Saka – Updates on Arsenal injuries and their expected return ahead of the match against Nottingham Forest.
Here are the latest updates regarding Arsenal’s injury situation, focusing on William Saliba, Bukayo Saka, and Kai Havertz.
Currently, Arsenal’s treatment room is more crowded than Mikel Arteta would prefer, as several key players are dealing with injuries at this time.
William Saliba had to leave the field during the 1-0 loss to Liverpool on Sunday, having only played five minutes after sustaining an injury during the warm-up at Anfield.
Additionally, five other players, including Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz, were absent for the match against Arne Slot’s team.
Arteta is hopeful that his squad can utilize the ongoing international break to recuperate both physically and mentally, especially after the Gunners secured six points from a possible nine in the Premier League.
The goal is to have as many players fit as possible for the upcoming game against Nottingham Forest on Saturday, September 13.
Summary of the latest injury news from Arsenal…
William Saliba
Saliba was substituted for Cristhian Mosquera just five minutes into the match against Liverpool over the weekend.
The center-back appeared to be in pain as he exited the pitch, with Arteta disclosing post-match that the French international is dealing with an ankle injury.
What Arteta stated: “He twisted his ankle during the warm-up and came in saying he thought he could continue, but he struggled in the first two plays.
I could see he was unable to manage, so we had to take him off, unfortunately. Thankfully, we had Mosquera available, who made his Premier League debut unexpectedly at Anfield, and I think he performed really well.”
He continued: “Yes, I am [concerned] because you cannot participate in a match of that significance. If you attempt to play, it indicates that something is amiss.”
Expected return date: Unknown
Bukayo Saka
Saka was substituted in the 54th minute during the match against Leeds United on Saturday, August 23, after he was seen clutching his left hamstring.
The Hale End graduate had previously missed nearly four months of the last season due to surgery on his other hamstring, and it was clear he was in significant pain as he exited the field.
What Arteta said: “Yes, we are improving, but unfortunately, he will be sidelined for a few weeks. No, he won’t need surgery.
It’s not as severe as the last one. It’s certainly unfortunate to have this happen; it’s on the opposite side. This action demands full power from him.
Then he collided with an opponent, needing to accelerate again. He felt something, so he will be out for a couple of weeks.
“I’m not sure. We will monitor his progress over the next few days and weeks. We will repeat the scan to assess his condition.”
Potential return date: Unknown
Kai Havertz
It was reported prior to the Leeds United match that Kai Havertz had sustained a knee injury.
Arsenal announced last week that the German international needed surgery, and the forward successfully underwent a “minor surgical procedure” on August 28.
What Arteta said: “I believe it will take weeks, but I cannot specify how many months. It’s very unfortunate and quite sad for him.
He had done exceptionally well to recover from his previous injury. He has never experienced an injury before, and then this occurs, but that’s part of our profession, our football.
We have to cope with this. Clearly, we are losing another key player for an extended period.
However, it was the right decision. The doctors recommended it, and I think he ultimately agreed that it was the fastest and best way to address the issue.
“Whenever there is surgery, you anticipate something like this. I will leave it to the medical team to provide detailed explanations about what occurred.
But hopefully, the most crucial aspect is that when he returns, he is in good shape and perhaps, for a long time, he will be safeguarded by the other players.”
Potential return date: Unknown
Christian Norgaard
Norgaard has been absent from Arsenal’s first three Premier League matches this season due to a minor injury. Once again, the former Brentford player was not included in the matchday squad for the game against Liverpool, but he may regain fitness in time for the match against Nottingham Forest.
What Arteta said: “So that’s another two that we don’t know yet. Again tomorrow we have another day, let’s see how they evolve. And this is a chance to keep them involved in the game.”
Potential return date: Nottingham Forest (Sunday, September 13)
Ben White
The defender participated in Arsenal’s 1-0 victory over Manchester United on the season’s opening day but had to leave the field in the 71st minute. He was substituted by Jurrien Timber, but the good news is that he appeared to walk off without any issues. However, the former Brighton player was not part of the matchday squad against Leeds and also missed the game against Liverpool.
What Arteta said: “So that’s another two that we don’t know yet. Again tomorrow we have another day, let’s see how they evolve. And this is a chance to keep them involved in the game.”
Potential return date: Nottingham Forest (Sunday, September 13)
Gabriel Jesus
Jesus has been sidelined since he sustained an anterior cruciate ligament injury during the FA Cup loss to Manchester United last season. He has frequently shared updates on his recovery through social media, including images of himself working out in the gym.
In August, the Brazilian posted a video of himself running and engaging in ball drills on the field. He expressed: “It’s been seven months of pain, uncertainty, and anxiety. Today, I finally feel light — like a child playing football again. GOD IS GREAT.”
Potential return date: December
