Arsenal injury update: Latest news on Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, Martin Odegaard, Mikel Merino, and Ben White, including their expected return dates

Arsenal injury update ahead of their next matches is very concerning as many players are unavailable. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is dealing with problems caused by injuries to several important players. These injuries are coming at a tough time because the schedule is busy with games in the Premier League and the Champions League. Arsenal is preparing to face Manchester City on February 2, but many key players may miss the match. Players like Martin Odegaard, Mikel Merino, Ben White, Bukayo Saka, and Gabriel Jesus are all dealing with different injury issues. Their availability will have a big impact on Arsenal’s performances in these upcoming games.
Martin Odegaard did not play in the match against Wolves, which surprised many people. He was expected to be part of the team because he traveled with the squad and played a full match against Dinamo Zagreb earlier in the same week. However, before the Wolves game, he became unwell. Odegaard had to leave the team and go home to recover. Arteta is being very careful about managing Odegaard’s recovery. Odegaard might not play in the next Champions League game against Girona so that he can be fit for the Manchester City match. Arsenal hopes that Odegaard will be ready to play on February 2, as he is an important player for the team.
Mikel Merino also missed the Wolves match. Merino’s situation is a bit different because his absence was due to a small injury he got during training. This injury is not very serious, but the medical staff decided it was best for him to rest. Merino has been playing well recently. He played the full match against Aston Villa and was on the bench for the game against Dinamo Zagreb. Arteta has said that Merino should be ready to return for the Manchester City game. If Merino recovers in time, it will be good news for Arsenal as they prepare for one of the toughest matches of the season.
Ben White has been out of action for a longer time compared to Odegaard and Merino. White had surgery on his knee in November to fix some problems with his joint. The surgery went well, and he is now recovering. Arteta has not given an exact date for White’s return, but it seems like he is getting closer to being ready to play again. White is expected to rejoin training with the first team soon, possibly in February 2025. If White is fit, he will be a big boost for Arsenal’s defense.
Bukayo Saka is another important player who is currently unavailable. Saka had surgery on his hamstring after getting injured in a match against Crystal Palace in December. This injury was a major setback for Arsenal because Saka is one of their best players. It is the first time Saka has had such a serious injury in his career, so the club is giving him enough time to recover properly. Arteta has told Saka to focus on getting better and not rush his return. Saka is expected to come back in March 2025, but his absence will be felt in every game he misses.
Takehiro Tomiyasu is another defender who has struggled with injuries this season. Tomiyasu has only played six minutes in the Premier League so far. His lack of game time is due to ongoing injury problems that have kept him on the sidelines. There are reports that Tomiyasu is close to recovering, but Arsenal has not given any confirmation about when he will be available to play. If Tomiyasu can return soon, he will add more options for Arteta in defense.
Gabriel Jesus is facing the most serious injury among all the players. Jesus injured his ACL during an FA Cup game against Manchester United. An ACL injury is very serious and requires surgery and a long recovery period. Jesus has already had the surgery, but he will not be able to play for the rest of the season. The earliest he might return is during the 2025/26 season. Losing Jesus is a big blow for Arsenal because he is a key player in attack. His absence means Arsenal will have to rely on other players to score goals and lead the line.
Arsenal’s injury problems are testing the depth of the squad. When many important players are unavailable, it becomes harder for the team to perform at its best. Arteta will have to find solutions to deal with these absences. He might have to rely on younger players or rotate the squad more often to manage the workload. The match against Manchester City will be a big challenge for Arsenal, especially if many of these injured players are still unavailable.
Manchester City is also dealing with their own injury issues. Pep Guardiola confirmed that one of their players has suffered an injury setback ahead of the Arsenal game. However, Arsenal’s injury list seems more concerning because it includes so many key players. Both teams will be hoping to have as many of their players fit as possible for this important match.
Injuries are a part of football, but they can have a big impact on a team’s season. Arsenal will need to manage these injuries carefully to avoid further problems. The medical staff and the coaching team will play a big role in helping the players recover and get back to their best. Fans will be hoping to see Odegaard, Merino, White, Saka, and Tomiyasu back on the pitch soon. Even though Jesus will not return this season, the team will need to find ways to cope without him.
The busy schedule means Arsenal has little time to rest between matches. This increases the risk of more injuries, so Arteta will need to rotate the squad wisely. It is important for Arsenal to stay competitive in both the Premier League and the Champions League. Having key players fit and available is crucial for achieving success in these competitions.
Arsenal’s next few matches will be very important for their season. The game against Manchester City on February 2 is one of the biggest challenges. After that, they will also have important games in the Champions League and the Premier League. Every match is an opportunity to gain points and move closer to their goals for the season. Injuries make this task harder, but the team must stay focused and work together to overcome these challenges.
Fans will continue to support the team through these difficult times. They understand that injuries are part of the game, but they also hope to see their favorite players back on the pitch soon. Odegaard, Merino, White, Saka, Tomiyasu, and Jesus are all important to the team, and their absence is felt by everyone at the club.
As Arsenal prepares for their upcoming matches, the focus will be on recovering players and managing the squad effectively. Arteta and his coaching staff have a big job to do, but they will be determined to keep the team competitive despite the challenges. The next few weeks will be a test of Arsenal’s depth and resilience. Fans will be watching closely to see how the team performs and how quickly the injured players can return.
Arsenal’s injury situation is a reminder of how difficult football can be. Players give everything for their teams, but sometimes injuries happen and force them to take a break. Recovery is an important part of a player’s career, and it requires time and patience. Arsenal is doing everything they can to help their injured players return to action as soon as possible.
The match against Manchester City will be a big test for Arsenal, but it is also an opportunity to show their strength as a team. Even with injuries, Arsenal has talented players who can step up and make a difference. The team will need to work together and give their best effort to get a positive result. Injuries are a setback, but they are not the end of the story. Arsenal will keep fighting and pushing forward, no matter what challenges they face.
The road to recovery is different for every player. Odegaard might be back soon, while Saka and Jesus will take longer to return. White, Merino, and Tomiyasu are also on their way back, and their return will strengthen the team. Arsenal’s fans will keep supporting the team through these ups and downs. Injuries may slow them down, but they will not stop them from chasing success. Arsenal is a club with a proud history, and they will continue to fight for their goals this season.