SaqArsenal face a long run of fixtures after the international break.
The Gunners, who were held 1-1 by Brighton before the Premier League was suspended for the first time this season, travel to bitter rivals Tottenham on Sunday.
Mikel Arteta’s side will then travel to Europa League winners Atalanta in the new Champions League, before meeting title rivals Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
It will be a huge test for Arsenal, who will undoubtedly need their key players available as they battle on two fronts at home and in Europe.
They will already be without Declan Rice for the trip to Tottenham after the midfielder’s controversial red card against Brighton, which puts the team under strain early on.
With that in mind, here’s a look at Arsenal’s latest injuries…
Riccardo Calafiori
Summer signing Riccardo Calafiori was forced off the pitch during Italy’s Nations League clash with France on Friday night.
Calafiori suffered a painful blow to his calf in a freak collision when he was accidentally hit in the back of the leg by Frenchman Ousmane Dembélé.
He received treatment on the pitch and initially tried to play despite his problem, but had to be substituted.
The defender has returned to Arsenal for assessment, although Italy manager Luciano Spalletti has suggested the injury is not particularly serious.
Potential return date: September 2024
Martin Odegaard
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard is another player who has caused concern for Arteta after his exit in the draw against Brighton.
The midfielder has, however, allayed fears during his trip to Norway, which has been a real boost for the Gunners.
“I feel good,” he said last week. “I took a few hits during the game. [against Brighton]but I feel better now. Yesterday I trained normally without any problems and I am ready for the match.
Potential return date:Sunday September 15, 2024 against Tottenham
Mikel Merinos
Summer signing Mikel Merino will have to wait a long time before making his debut.
The midfielder fractured his shoulder in his first training session with Arsenal and reports suggest Merino faces up to two months out.
Potential return date: Unknown
Gabriel Jesus
Jesus played just five minutes on the opening day of the season against Wolves and has been absent for both of Arsenal’s games since.
The forward is suffering from a groin injury, although some believe he may have recovered during the international break.
Speaking ahead of the Brighton game, Arteta said Jesus should be available “fairly soon”.
Potential return date:September 15, against Tottenham
Takehiro Tomiyasu
A knee injury continues to keep Tomiyasu sidelined, with the versatile defender yet to play this season.
The Japan star is yet to return to first-team training and recent comments from Arteta suggest a return is not imminent.
“It’s hard to say at this point,” he said.
“The first phase of this injury is a little slow. It’s probably up to the medical team to say more about that.”
Potential return date: Unknown
Kieran Tierney
Tierney initially looked likely to leave Arsenal over the summer but suffered a hamstring injury while playing for Scotland at Euro 2024.
That made a summer exit difficult and means the left-back is still at the club, although it remains to be seen how close Tierney is to returning to fitness.
Arteta said last month: “He has to focus on recovering in the best possible way, it’s been a difficult time for him again with his latest injury. We have to try to support him and make sure he gets back to fitness.”
Potential return date: Unknown
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