Saka, Madueke, Odegaard – Arsenal injury latest and return dates before Man City after new scare

Arsenal take on Manchester City this Sunday in a huge Premier League title clash, and Mikel Arteta is set to go into the contest with some injury woes in his squad

Arsenal have several key players who are doubts ahead of their top-of-the-table clash with Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium this weekend. The Gunners have a six-point lead over their nearest rivals, but Pep Guardiola's men have a game in hand on Mikel Arteta's side.

Arsenal have suffered from a wobble in recent weeks, losing the Carabao Cup final, crashing out of the FA Cup and suffering defeat to Bournemouth in their most recent Premier League outing.

However, victory over Sporting on aggregate keeps the Gunners' hopes of a European and domestic double alive. Nevertheless, with every additional game, comes the risk of further injuries.

That was the case on Wednesday night when Madueke limped off the pitch just after the hour mark, where he was replaced by youngster Max Dowman.

It's a concern for Arteta heading into a huge game this weekend, with Bukayo Saka also out injured.

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With that in mind, Football.london has taken a look at the latest Arsenal injury news and potential return dates.

Noni Madeuke

Arsenal were dealt an injury blow during the clash with Sporting, with Noni Madueke forced off with a knee injury during the 0-0 draw at the Emirates Stadium.

After the draw with Sporting, Arteta said: "I don't know, it was something in his knee so we had to take him off."

Possible return date: Unknown.

Bukayo Saka

England international Bukayo Saka also sat out of the game against Sporting and is dealing with an Achilles issue that has troubled him for a number of weeks. The England international was not named in the squad for the Champions League clash having missed training on Tuesday.

"It is his progression, but hopefully it's going to be a matter of days and not weeks," Arteta said. "But he has to see when he's loading more, how he responds to that kind of progression.

Possible return date: April 19 vs Manchester City.

Martin Odegaard

Martin Odegaard was also absent from the draw with Sporting, having picked up an issue during the first leg against the Portuguese outfit earlier this month. The Gunners captain was not involved in training ahead of the Champions League clash.

The Norwegian's knee issue has previously been described as a niggle.

Possible return date: April 19 vs Manchester City.

Riccardo Calafiori

Riccardo Calafiori was sat out of Arsenal defeat to Bournemouth after completing 90 minutes in the first leg against Sporting and did not recover in time to feature in the reverse fixture.

The Italian defender has not played consecutive Premier League games since December and his minutes are being managed.

Possible return date: April 19 vs Manchester City

Jurrien Timber

Jurrien Timber was also absent from training on Tuesday and despite Mikel Arteta claiming one of the Dutch defender or Saka could be back in time to face Sporting, neither player featured.

Timber's return was deemed more likely, with Saka a 'matter of days' away. The defender could return this weekend at Manchestrer City.

Possible return date: April 19 vs Manchester City.

Mikel Merino

Mikel Merino has responded well to surgery and is pushing for a return to fitness, but his season is likely over.

"He's another one who is going to push every boundary," Arteta said ahead of the clash with Bournemouth. "He's out of his boot now, he's doing quite a lot of exercises already.

"He's reacted really well to the surgery, he's got no pain. It's more for the medical staff to go a bit further on that. But I'm sure there is a chance to make that period shorter. If there is a person who can do it, I'm sure that's going to be Mikel again."

Possible return date: May 24.