The latest Arsenal injury news ahead of the Gunners visiting Manchester United on Sunday as manager Mikel Arteta provides an update on the fitness of Bukayo Saka.
Medical staff at London Colney have been attending to Saka this week after his injury against AFC Bournemouth. He scored from the penalty spot to lead Arsenal to a 3-0 win against the Cherries. But Arteta could now be without the 22-year-old for a crucial game at Old Trafford.
Arsenal go to Manchester United knowing they must seal only their second Premier League win at Old Trafford in 18 years to stand any chance of winning the title. Arteta got the north London side’s only win at the Red Devils since 2006 in a behind-closed-doors clash in 2020.
Arsenal injury list and return dates ahead of visiting Manchester United
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang converted from the spot to gift Arsenal all three points away at Manchester United in November 2020. Yet the Gunners have lost both of their last two trips but must now win in front of the Red Devils’ fans for the first time since in September 2006.
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Arteta might also have to travel to Manchester United without Saka amid concerns over the Arsenal product’s injury. The forward was not alone in needing treatment at London Colney the week, either. So, with that in mind, here is the current injury situation Arsenal are facing.
Bukayo Saka injury latest
Saka sustained a gash to his left shin in Arsenal’s win over Bournemouth last Saturday as a result of Ryan Christie’s questionable tackle. The winger was able to play on after receiving treatment but has trained with a bandage on his leg ahead of the trip to Manchester United.
Arteta confirmed in his press conference on Friday that Arsenal will give Saka every chance to prove his fitness before they travel. The Gunners had their last training session before the fixture on Saturday as Arteta waited on news regarding their 20-goal and 14-assist talisman.
Arteta stated: “We have a few doubts that [Saturday] can resolve because we have another training session. So we will have to wait and see. There are doubts over the names that you discussed.”
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Saka has penned 16 of his goals and nine assists during 34 Premier League appearances so far this term. He also got one of his assists against Manchester United in Arsenal’s 3-1 win in September. He has three goals and two assists in eight league games against the Red Devils.
Expected return: Manchester United (May 12)
Takehiro Tomiyasu injury latest
Arteta also confirmed that Takehiro Tomiyasu is a ‘doubt’ for Arsenal’s travels to Manchester United while discussing Saka’s injury. The 25-year-old has been unable to train with the rest of their side this week due to an unspecified issue, instead working alone at London Colney.
Tomiyasu has started Arsenal’s last three Premier League games at left-back and also played the full 90 minutes in their past two. He had not played the full 90 in back-to-back matches since November 25 after sustaining calf injuries on both sides of featuring at the Asian Cup.
Expected return: Manchester United (May 12)
Jurrien Timber injury latest
Arsenal being without Tomiyasu through injury at Manchester United could see Arteta name Jurrien Timber in a matchday squad for the first time since August. The Gunners boss opted against including the 22-year-old against Bournemouth last week whilst he builds up fitness.
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Timber has not featured at the first-team level since the opening day of the Premier League season. But he has enjoyed games in Arsenal’s Under-21s after returning from an ACL injury that required surgery. Timber enjoyed his first appearance since August at the end of April.
Expected return: Manchester United (May 12)
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