Mikel Arteta duped us all in the build-up to Arsenal's Premier League clash with Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon.
The Spaniard had made out he was dealing with a pretty serious injury crisis, admitting last Friday that Declan Rice nor Bukayo Saka had trained after picking up knocks in the north London derby. William Saliba was also a supposed injury concern.
Thus, with huge bouts against Lens and Manchester City upcoming, it was expected that these crucial first-teamers would miss the trip to Vitality Stadium - perhaps as a precautionary measure.
However, it was revealed on Friday night that each of those mentioned had made the trip to the south coast and it was speculated that all of the injury doubts were in Arteta's XI. They were, and a 4-0 drubbing of the Cherries ensued.
Leandro Trossard also returned to the bench after a brief layoff, but Arsenal still have several big injury concerns ahead of a pretty huge week for the Gunners.
Arsenal's current injury list
Jurrien Timber
- Issue: Torn ACL; Potential Return: March 2024
The summer arrival was poised to play a big role for Arsenal during his debut campaign, but the Dutchman tore his ACL on matchday 1 of the Premier League season against Nottingham Forest and will miss much of 2023/24 as a result.
The versatile defender is said to be progressing well in his recovery and is expected to return at some point this season. However, it won't be for a while until we see Timber suit up again.
March 2024 has been touted as a potential return date for the former Ajax star.
Gabriel Martinelli
- Issue: Hamstring injury; Potential Return: 3 October vs Lens
The spritely Brazilian's woes were compounded at Goodison Park when his finish was ruled out following VAR intervention. During that sequence, Martinelli tweaked his hamstring which has seen him miss Arsenal's last four games.
The winger's injury isn't overly serious, though, as he had a chance of making Saturday's matchday squad. Thus, Martinelli could return to the fold over the next week.
Thomas Partey
- Issue: Thigh injury; Potential Return: Could be involved vs Man City
Injuries have compromised Partey's time in north London. While often a dominant performer when available, his availability woes has been a major source of frustration and it looks like he's been usurped by Rice in Arsenal's midfield.
The Ghanaian has been struggling with a thigh injury for much of his time at the club, with his latest setback keeping him out of action since the September international break. Partey was initially expected to return after the October break, but fresh hope had emerged regarding his injury status.
The midfielder could be back in action when Manchester City come to town next Sunday in a monster Premier League bout.
Bukayo Saka
- Issue: "Pretty bad knock" ; Potential Return: Shouldn't miss any time
Saka hobbled off in the derby and was left out of the Gunners' Carabao Cup victory over Brentford as a result. However, he started on Saturday and scored in Arsenal's win.
But, it ended on a sour note for the winger as he was forced off with his side leading 3-0 on the hour with what Arteta described as a "pretty bad knock" post-match. The Spaniard is hopeful, though, that Saka will be available for Arsenal's upcoming Champions League fixture away at Lens on Tuesday night.
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This article was originally published on 90min as Arsenal injuries: Potential return dates for Mikel Arteta's absent stars.
