Arsenal injury latest and return dates as two key players suffer fresh setbacks

Arsenal head into the final international break of the calendar year in poor shape as far as the Premier League title race goes, already nine points behind leaders Liverpool. The Gunners came into this season looking to right the wrongs of the last two campaigns, which were both near misses, but they appear to have taken a backwards step this term.

Fortunately, there is plenty of time remaining this season, and Liverpool may yet hit a rough patch of their own over the coming months. In the meantime, we have checked in on the Arsenal injury latest heading into the international break.

Takehiro Tomiyasu

Arteta ruled out a Tomiyasu return before the break, but his comments suggest the Japan international will finally return from his pre-season knee injury after the break.

Possible return date: November 23 vs Nottingham Forest

Riccardo Calafiori

Calafiori also picked up a knee injury, suffering the setback in late October. The Italian was scheduled to miss ‘a few weeks’ and should be back after the break.

Possible return date: November 23 vs Nottingham Forest

Kieran Tierney

In late October, Arteta said of Tierney’s long recovery: “I think he's quite close. He's looking really good. I think he's over the period where he was still struggling, so he looks really sharp out there. He hasn't trained with the team yet, but hopefully, he can do that in the next week or two.” There is a chance the Scotsman could return after the break given six days short of a month will have past between those Arteta’s comments and Arsenal’s next game.

Possible return date: November 23 vs Nottingham Forest

Declan Rice

Rice picked up an injury during the Chelsea draw, with Arteta saying: “It doesn't look good because two players of that importance tell you that they cannot continue in the game, so it obviously isn't good news. I don't expect them to be fit [for England] because if they were, they wouldn't have come off.” It’s unclear when Rice will return.

Possible return date: Unknown

Bukayo Saka

Saka also limped off during the Chelsea clash, and Arteta suggested he would not be heading away for international duty, saying: “Two players that have just come off? I don’t expect them to be fit, because if they were, they wouldn’t have come off.” Saka’s timeline is unclear.

Possible return date: Unknown