Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Havertz - Arsenal injury news and return dates ahead of Liverpool

16 hours ago 2

Arsenal made it two wins from two in the Premier League on Saturday, comfortably beating Leeds United 5-0 at Emirates Stadium.

Viktor Gyokeres and Jurrien Timber both scored twice while Bukayo Saka also netted his first of the season. However, on a night of intent from Arsenal – following their unveiling of new signing Eberechi Eze – there were injury scares for both Saka and Martin Odegaard.

The Gunners captain fell on his right shoulder early on and never fully recovered, while Saka went down with a hamstring problem in the second half. It means Mikel Arteta is now sweating on the fitness of the duo ahead of next weekend's clash at Liverpool. Below, football.london rounds up the latest Arsenal injury news...

Bukayo Saka

Saka was replaced on 54 minutes against Leeds after he went down nursing his left hamstring. The Hale Ender missed almost four months of last season following surgery on his other hamstring and he was in obvious discomfort as he walked off.

What Arteta said: "And Bukayo, while he was running with the ball, carrying the ball, wrestling with the defender, he felt something in his hamstring. So let's see. I think it's the other one. It's not the same one as the previous injury. But yeah, I mean, we've been two weeks and we already lost Kai, Martin and Bukayo. So it tells you how well-equipped you have to be in this league to manage and to maintain the level that we want."

He added: "I don't know. He felt something while he was sprinting. That's never a good sign. We'll have to wait tomorrow. Speak to the doctors as well and understand better what he does. But he's had these injuries before. He knows exactly the feeling of that. So let's wait."

Potential return date: Unknown

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Martin Odegaard

Odegaard suffered a knock to his shoulder during the win over Leeds and was replaced with 38 minutes on the clock. The Arsenal captain appeared to be in discomfort before leaving the pitch.

What Arteta said: "Those are the negatives of the day. So Martin felt something in his shoulder when he landed. We don't know. We'll have to scan him tomorrow and understand a bit better."

Potential return date: Unknown

Kai Havertz

It emerged before the Leeds United game that Kai Havertz had picked up a knee injury. The German is expected to be sidelined for a period of time with reports in his homeland suggesting there is a cartilage problem.

What Arteta said: "Well, certainly not fit for this match. Unfortunately, he picked up an injury and we don't really know yet the extent of it. I think we need a bit more time and some more tests and after that we'll have more clarity about the next steps."

Potential return date: Unknown

Christian Norgaard

Norgaard has missed Arsenal's opening two Premier League fixtures this season after picking up a minor injury. The former Brentford man may well make his debut for the club against Liverpool next week, though.

What Arteta said: "Yeah, Christian won't be in the squad. With Ben, let's see still how he reacts and what we decide. But Christian will be out for another week or so."

Potential return date: Liverpool (Sunday, August 31)

Ben White

The defender started Arsenal's 1-0 win over Manchester United last week but was forced off in the 71st minute. He was replaced by Jurrien Timber but the positive news was that he seemed fine walking off himself. The former Brighton man was not in the matchday squad against Leeds, however, and remains out.

What Arteta said: "Yeah, Christian won't be in the squad. With Ben, let's see still how he reacts and what we decide. But Christian will be out for another week or so."

Potential return date: Liverpool (Sunday, August 31)

Gabriel Jesus

Jesus has been out since he suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in the FA Cup defeat to Manchester United last season. He has regularly posted updates on his recovery via social media, including pictures of him in the gym.

In March, the Brazilian announced he had successfully completed the first seven weeks of his rehabilitation but his return isn't expected until the end of the year.

Potential return date: December

Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus with the Arsenal Therapy Dog Win during the Arsenal Men's team group shoot at London Colney on September 18, 2023

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