Arsenal’s injury latest as they prepare to face Bayern Munich on Wednesday, seeking to bounce back from their disappointing loss to Aston Villa in the Premier League.
Arsenal face a critical moment as they prepare for their upcoming Champions League quarter-final second leg against Bayern Munich. This follows a significant setback in the form of a 2-0 Premier League loss to Aston Villa on Sunday. The defeat not only dented their title aspirations but also missed an opportunity to capitalise on Liverpool’s earlier loss.
As a result of the loss, Manchester City now holds a two-point lead at the top of the table with six games remaining. However, Mikel Arteta’s squad remains resilient, knowing they still have key matches against Tottenham and Wolves ahead, offering potential twists in the title race.
Despite their domestic setback, Arsenal shift focus to European competition. Bayern Munich, their upcoming opponents, are themselves dealing with challenges after losing their Bundesliga dominance to Bayer Leverkusen. Additionally, Thomas Tuchel’s team faces injury concerns, with winger Kingsley Coman ruled out for the upcoming clash due to an injury sustained during their recent victory over Koln.
However, here’s the latest update from the Arsenal medical room as Arteta faces two last-minute scares ahead of the game.
Martin Odegaard
The Arsenal captain couldn’t finish the entire game against Villa and was substituted with 10 minutes remaining. Despite Arsenal seeking a winning goal at the time, Emile Smith Rowe replaced Odegaard.
Injury: Unknown.
What Arteta has said: “He was feeling something. He could not continue.”
Potential return date: Bayern Munich (A) – Champions League – Wednesday, April 17.
Bukayo Saka
Saka was observed hobbling towards the conclusion of the Villa match. While he nearly scored in the first half, his influence waned in the second half. This comes just two weeks after his return to the squad from an injury.
Injury: Unknown.
What Arteta has said: N/A
Potential return date: Bayern Munich (A) – Champions League – Wednesday, April 17
Gabriel Magalhaes
Gabriel Magalhaes sustained a knock during the match against Brighton last weekend, yet he swiftly rejoined the action on Tuesday night for the Champions League fixture.
Despite receiving a blow to the head from Harry Kane, the 26-year-old defender appeared unharmed. Speculations arose regarding his fitness for the Villa match, but he dispelled doubts by not only starting but also completing the full 90 minutes.
Injury: N/A.
What Arteta has said: N/A
Potential return date: Returned
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Gabriel Jesus
Earlier in the week, Gabriel Jesus voiced concerns about a knee pain he was experiencing while playing through it, prompting inquiries during Arteta’s Friday press conference.
Despite this, the Gunners’ manager affirmed the player’s resilience in dealing with it, though hinted at potential reduced playing time to manage the issue throughout the season. Despite starting against Aston Villa, he was substituted in the second half as Arsenal pursued a goal.
Injury: Knee pain.
What Arteta has said: “In elite sport to play without pain, I think it is very difficult. When you play every three days especially, and the level that we play, if you ask any player they will say that: ‘Yeah, sometimes there is pain and you have to deal with that’.
“That is what makes you as well and Gabi has this toughness and this character that he always wants to overcome [it]. He has overcome some difficulties in terms of injuries and he is ready again.”
Return date: Returned.
Jurrien Timber
The defender sustained an anterior cruciate ligament injury during the Premier League match against Nottingham Forest last August. His sole other outing was in the Community Shield versus Manchester City.
Timber has been participating in team training since before the recent international break. Despite Arteta’s optimism about his return this season, he was absent from the squad for the matches against Brighton and Bayern.
Injury: Knee.
What Arteta has said: “Still he’s got a few steps to make. He needs to play at least a game with the 23s. We’re going to have an in house game too soon.
“He’s done everything in training now it’s about getting him match fit, having people around him and competing in a football match which is different to training. From what we’ve seen in training and the time that he was fit, he’s going to have a big, big impact in the team.”
Potential return date: Unknown.