Havertz, Martinelli, Saka: Arsenal latest injury news and expected return dates after fresh blow

Arsenal play against Leicester City on Saturday as they head to the King Power Stadium after a week in a warm weather camp in Dubai. They will hope to recreate the reverse fixture which ended in a 4-2 win for Mikel Arteta’s side.

The Gunners lost 2-0 in their last match, which was a Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Newcastle United, which finished the tie with an aggregate score of 4-0 to the Magpies.

They’ll hope to get back to winning ways this week against Leicester and could see two players returning from injury which would provide a major boost for Arteta and the Gunners. However, Kai Havertz has suffered an injury in training.

Kai Havertz

Havertz has reportedly suffered a hamstring injury whilst on Arsenal’s warm weather camp in Dubai, and is facing the rest of the season out.

But with no Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka, and Gabriel Martinelli, Arteta will have to be creative with who he plays up front if Havertz is to miss the next game against Leicester, and the following matches after that.

Expected return date - Next season

Gabriel Martinelli

The Brazilian winger had to be taken off after just 37 minutes in the game against Newcastle due to a hamstring injury that he suffered during the game. Ethan Nwaneri came on for Martinelli, who looked in discomfort, but the issue didn’t look like a serious problem.

He is currently being assessed, and it is not yet clear as to how bad Martinelli’s injury is, although he has been all but ruled out of the Leicester game this weekend.

Arteta said last week: “He felt something, I think it was his hamstring, and he wasn’t comfortable to continue, so we have to have an MRI scan tomorrow to see the extent of the injury.”

Expected return date - Unknown

Takehiro Tomiyasu

Defender Tomiyasu is reportedly being considered for surgery amid concerns over his long-term fitness. The Japan international already went under the knife for a knee problem back in 2023, with that surgery ruling him out for three months.

The defender has made just one appearance this season as he came off the bench against Southampton back in October. He started the season sidelined by a knee injury and immediately suffered a set-back after his short appearance against the Saints.

Expected return date - Unknown

Ben White

Defender Ben White has been recovering from a knee injury since November, when he had to undergo surgery. He is getting very close to a return, and could be available for the game against Leicester this weekend, if all goes well in training this week.

He is currently being assessed by the Arsenal training staff, and if he is not available this weekend, could likely make his return against West Ham next weekend.

Expected return date - Saturday 15 February vs Leicester City

Bukayo Saka

Saka remains out with a hamstring injury, but could be closer to a return than many expected with reports emerging that he could be available as soon as early March due to his recovery going well.

It would be a huge boost for the Gunners as Saka currently has five goals and 10 assists in the Premier League, and despite taking a significant amount of time off, has the second-most assists in the league.

Expected return date - Sunday 9 March vs Manchester United

Gabriel Jesus

Jesus suffered an ACL injury in January, which is set to keep him out until next season. Arsenal failed to replace the Brazilian with a striker in the January transfer window.

He will work to return in August, but as things stand, could see himself side-lined until November 2025.

Expected return date - Next season