Arsenal injury latest: When are players like Smith Rowe, Odegaard and Tomiyasu due to return

Arsenal produced a gallant display to hold Liverpool to a 0-0 draw at Anfield in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg, despite playing most of the game with 10 men after Granit Xhaka’s red card.

The Gunners will have to produce similar levels of performances if they are to inflict the first league defeat to Tottenham under Antonio Conte.

Manager Mikel Arteta has key players out with injuries, Xhaka is suspended and a number of stars are at AFCON, so there are reports that Arsenal might try to get the game postponed if they cannot raise a team.

So with that in mind, here are the expected dates for the return of the stars who are out due to injury or Covid.

Emile Smith Rowe

The impressive young English midfielder has missed the last two games due to a groin injury, but is still the club’s top scorer this season which shows how brilliant he’s been.

He is struggling with a groin/pelvic injury and club medics are keeping a close eye on him given his importance to the team.

Arteta gave little away with regards to his return date, but there are indications he is slowly returning to fitness even if the game against Tottenham will come a bit too early for him.

Arsenal are hoping that another week on the treatment table should clear up his pain and get him back in the side, however it could be longer.

Potential return: Unknown

Takehiro Tomiyasu

Another who hasn’t featured since New Year’s day and has been hugely missed by both his mates and the fans.

Been a sensational signing for the club but has only now just run into a calf injury which has threatened to take the shine off him.

There is growing optimism that he could feature in the game against Tottenham on Sunday, and that he was only left out of the Carabao Cup against Liverpool as precautionary measure.

Potential return: Tottenham (A) Jan 16

Martin Odegaard

The Norwegian is coming into form and settling into life in north London, but tested positive for Covid-19 and had to be left out of the game against Liverpool.

It is unclear how long he has to continue isolating for, as he could test out early, but the mandatory seven-day isolating period would rule him out of the game on Sunday.

Potential return: Burnley (H) Jan 23

Sead Kolašinac

Kolasinac is also a huge doubt for the game after picking a tight hamstring.

He hasn’t been involved in a lot of games but with Arsenal, but having a lot of players out this would have been a good opportunity to get into the team.

Potential return: Unknown