Exclusive: Arsenal Handed Another Title Race Blow with Bukayo Saka Return Date Revealed | OneFootball

Arsenal Injury Update: Latest on Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and More

It’s crunch time for Arsenal as their Premier League title hopes hang by a thread after suffering a shock 0-1 home defeat to West Ham United on Saturday. Mikel Arteta’s side currently sit 11 points behind league leaders Liverpool, but do have one game in hand on their title rivals.

Their sub-par performances though have also been met by injuries to key players, with the likes of Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli all sidelined at the moment.

Injury expert Ben Dinnery spoke exclusively to EPL Index and provided an update on Arsena’s fitness struggles and when to expect Saka back…

Photo: IMAGO

Bukayo Saka Update

“It’s a difficult one for Arsenal,” began Dinnery, “Hamstring injuries are high-risk injuries that really need to be managed carefully.”

“We know Arsenal were pushing for the Premier League title, but that doesn’t look to be the case anymore after the West Ham defeat,” continued Dinnery, “As a result, they may be able to manage Saka slightly better and focus on European success with him.”

“I think we will see a return in and around the next international break and any return before then would be a major bonus.”

“I would expect him to be pushing to start after the international break, perhaps at the start of April.”

Saka was enjoying an incredible start to the season before picking up the injury, scoring nine goals and assisting a further 13 across all competitions. His absence, followed by injuries to Havertz and Martinelli, have massively hindered Arsenal’s attacking effectiveness as they fall further behind Liverpool.

Photo IMAGO

The Truth Behind the Havertz Injury

“As for the Havertz injury – it came from an outstretched leg,” began Dinnery, “It’s unfortunate because those injuries can happen from nowhere.”

“I wouldn’t say that it happened because they were away in Dubai.”

The German forward had been enduring a hugely frustrating run of form but had still managed 15 goals and five assists across all competitions this season.

Photo: IMAGO

Arteta has since decided to utilise central midfielder Mikel Merino as a makeshift striker and despite grabbing a brace in the victory at Leicester City, it’s clear that it isn’t the total solution.

Why Have Arsenal Struggled with Injuries?

“The schedule and the number of games being played are obvious factors to these injuries,” continued Dinnery.

“I don’t actually think it has been that bad, they have just been really unfortunate that it has been key players that have been injured.”

Other players like Ben White and Gabriel Jesus have also struggled for fitness across the season and have suffered long-term injuries too.

Whilst there’s no denying that the injuries have had a negative impact on Arsenal’s season so far, Arteta will still be frustrated by the lacklustre performances, especially from the likes of Martin Odegaard and Leandro Trossard who have failed to inspire the side through these tough moments.