Report: Arsenal’s injury struggles continue with key players sidelined | OneFootball

Arsenal Injury Latest: Havertz, Martinelli, Saka and More Ahead of Crucial Fixtures

Havertz Injury Blow Deepens Arsenal’s Selection Woes

Arsenal’s ambitions for the season have taken a significant hit following confirmation that Kai Havertz has suffered a season-ending hamstring injury. As the Gunners push to chase down Premier League leaders Liverpool and prepare for their Champions League last-16 tie, Mikel Arteta faces an increasingly challenging selection dilemma.

The injury to Havertz adds to a growing list of sidelined players, threatening Arsenal’s momentum at a pivotal stage of the campaign. The club issued an official statement detailing the extent of the German international’s setback and outlining his rehabilitation timeline.

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“We can confirm that Kai Havertz has sustained a hamstring injury during a training session in Dubai last week,” Arsenal’s statement read. “Subsequent assessments and specialist reviews have confirmed that the injury will require surgery, which will take place in the coming days. Soon after surgery, Kai will begin his recovery and rehabilitation programme, which is expected to extend into pre-season preparations for next season.”

With Havertz sidelined for the remainder of the season, Arteta will need to find solutions to maintain the club’s attacking threat as they enter a critical stretch of fixtures.

Potential return date: Next season

Martinelli’s Fitness Concerns Continue

Gabriel Martinelli’s absence has been another headache for Arteta, with the Brazilian forward picking up a hamstring injury during the defeat to Newcastle. The setback has ruled him out for several key fixtures, with reports suggesting he could miss more than a month of action.

His injury means Arsenal will be without one of their most direct and energetic attackers for Premier League clashes against Leicester, West Ham, and Nottingham Forest. Additionally, his availability for crucial encounters against Manchester United on March 9 and Chelsea on March 16 remains in doubt.

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Should his recovery take longer than anticipated, Martinelli could also be a question mark for the first leg of Arsenal’s Champions League last-16 tie.

Potential return date: March/April 2025

Saka’s Recovery Timeline Offers Hope

Bukayo Saka, one of Arsenal’s most influential players, has been sidelined since December after undergoing hamstring surgery. While his absence has been a major setback, there are promising signs regarding his return.

Saka was included in the squad that travelled to Dubai for warm-weather training, indicating that the club is closely managing his rehabilitation. Over the weekend, reports suggested that Saka could return at the start of March, potentially featuring in Arsenal’s Champions League last-16 tie on either March 4 or 5, or against Manchester United on March 9.

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However, Arteta is expected to exercise caution in reintroducing the England winger, ensuring he is fully fit before allowing him back into the starting XI.

Potential return date: March

White and Tomiyasu Edge Closer to Return

Defensive reinforcements could be on the horizon for Arsenal, with Ben White progressing well in his recovery from knee surgery. The defender, who has been out since November, returned to training in Dubai and is hopeful of making his comeback against Leicester.

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Given Arsenal’s upcoming fixtures, White’s return would provide much-needed defensive stability as the Gunners aim to solidify their backline.

Potential return date: vs Leicester on February 15

Takehiro Tomiyasu, meanwhile, continues to struggle with a persistent knee injury that has limited him to just six minutes of playing time this season. The club is weighing up the possibility of further surgery in an effort to resolve the issue, but no final decision has been made.

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Potential return date: Unknown

Jesus’ Long-Term Absence Leaves Attacking Gap

Gabriel Jesus is another long-term absentee, having undergone surgery on a serious knee injury sustained in January. His absence deprives Arsenal of a key forward option, placing further pressure on Arteta to manage his attacking options effectively.

Photo: IMAGO

With Havertz now ruled out and Martinelli’s return date uncertain, the lack of depth in attack could prove a significant obstacle for Arsenal as they push for silverware in the final months of the season.

Potential return date: Late 2025

Key Decisions Ahead for Arteta

As Arsenal navigates this injury crisis, Arteta faces crucial decisions regarding squad rotation and tactical adjustments. With several key fixtures approaching, maintaining consistency in performance without key players will be vital if the Gunners are to sustain their push for domestic and European success.

While injuries are an inevitable part of football, Arsenal’s hopes of ending the season with silverware may depend on how swiftly and effectively these sidelined stars return to action.