Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has issued an injury update ahead of this weekend’s clash with Leicester City at the King Power Stadium.
The Gunners have an extensive list of fitness issues after returning from their warm weather training camp in Dubai, with the likes of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus ruled out for several months.
However, they’re even more depleted than they were before the break, as Kai Havertz has been ruled out for the season and Gabriel Martinelli will miss over a month with a hamstring problem.
This has left Arteta with a threadbare attacking cohort, which he’ll have to contend with for multiple weeks before Martinelli and Saka return from their setbacks.
Arsenal injury update for Leicester City clash
Saka was spotted in training with Arsenal in Dubai, sparking excitement amongst the fanbase that he may be nearing a return.
Meanwhile, Ben White also returned to training over the break, having not featured since November.
Takehiro Tomiyasu isn’t expected to feature in any upcoming games as he continues to struggle to shake off his serious injury.
Speaking in his press conference on Friday morning, Arteta provided a general injury update on his squad.
On Saka, the tactician said: “I don’t know, we have a long-term injury. In a ten-day injury, three days is a lot, because it’s 30%.
“In three months, a week probably is not that much, but it’s too early, it’s still the early stage of the rehab.
“When he gets a little bit closer and starts to do more demanding stuff and more load, we will see where he is.”
Asked if Arsenal’s talisman had suffered a setback, he responded: “No, there was not setback, he is fine.”
Arteta also hinted that White could be in contention as early as this weekend for the trip to the East Midlands.
“Yeah, Ben has been training more regularly now,” he said. “But we have to still manage a lot his load. But he’s going to be available yes.”
The Spaniard also addressed Havertz’ injury situation.
“We were having a great campaign in Dubai, recharging, training, having some time off and connecting again with nature and a different environment. Then, the injury happened in a very unexpected way. It’s a big blow obviously because of the injuries we have.
“Fortunately, we have been through a lot this season. We have played without Gabriel, Saliba, Ben White all season, Tomiyasu all season, Calafiori two months, Martin Odegaard two months, Bukayo Saka three months, Gabriel Jesus, all of them.
“So, that’s it, that’s the challenge we have. Love it an look forward to it. That’s where we are. We are still where we are with all the things I mentioned. On top of playing four times with ten men blah, blah, blah. So let’s see what the team is made of.”
Leicester City injury updates and status
With Leicester set to host title contenders Arsenal, there are some fitness concerns facing Ruud van Nistelrooy, although the Foxes aren’t one of the more injury-plagued sides in the Premier League at the moment.
Winger Issahaku Fatawu is out for the season with an ACL injury, while Riccardo Pereira will miss the visit of the Gunners with a thigh issue.
Aside from that, three players who had been out have been passed fit and are in contention to feature against Arteta’s team.
Jannik Vestergaard, Victor Kristiansen and top scorer Jamie Vardy are all available for Van Nistelrooy after recovering from various issues.
Vardy almost joined Arsenal in 2016, and will be eager to find the back of the net in what could easily be his final game against the club that were desperate to sign him.
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