Saka, White, Nwaneri: Arsenal latest injury news and expected return dates ahead of Man Utd

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Arsenal currently have four players listed as injured after two names returned against Newcastle.

Arsenal’s injury problems have been eased slightly after both Kai Havertz and Raheem Sterling returned to the squad. Havertz started and Sterling was on the bench as Arsenal lost 2-0 to Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg at the Emirates. The second leg comes at the beginning of February.

Arsenal turn their attention to the FA Cup next as they play against rivals Manchester United on Sunday, before they will then play a North London derby against Spurs next Wednesday. However, up to four players could miss the upcoming matches due to injury problems, which could cause a few selection headaches for manager Mikel Arteta.

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Bukayo Saka

Star winger Saka suffered a hamstring injury during Arsenal’s 5-1 win against Crystal Palace in December, which forced him to have some medical work on his leg. He is currently in recovery, with Arteta saying at the time: “He had a procedure. Everything went well. But unfortunately, he will be out for many, many weeks. I think it will be more than two months. I don't know exactly how much longer.”

It isn’t yet clear as to how long Saka could be out for, however, a return in March looks the most likely assuming that all goes well with his recovery. It would be a major blow for Arsenal if Saka was ruled out for any longer than that. He has been the Gunners most important attacking player this season, scoring five goals and 10 assists in the Premier League.

Expected return date - Tuesday 1 April vs Fulham (H)

Takehiro Tomiyasu

Tomiyasu is the closest of all the injured Gunners to a return, as he could be back this month if all goes well with his recovery. The Japan international suffered a long-term knee injury whilst on international duty during the summer and has been recovering ever since.

He was initially set to return in November, however, he suffered a setback in his recovery meaning he remains on the sidelines. Arteta said at the start of January: “Tomi has done some stuff on the pitch, but we have to see. It has been a long-term injury, and we have to see how quickly he progresses and how he reacts.”

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Expected return date - Saturday 18 January vs Aston Villa (H)

Ethan Nwaneri

17-year-old Nwaneri suffered a muscle injury during the Gunners’ 1-1 draw to Brighton last weekend. The winger scored Arsenal’s only goal of the game after 16 minutes, for what was his second Premier League goal of the season for Arteta’s side. The Arsenal boss said: “Unfortunately, he’s picked up a [muscular] injury and is going to be out for a few weeks.”

Expected return date - Sunday 2 February vs Manchester City (H)

Ben White

Defender White had to undergo surgery in November after he suffered a severe knee injury which was initially due to keep him on the side-lines for the majority of the rest of the season. However, White’s recovery has been going well, meaning that he could likely return within a month, which is remarkable considering that there was a chance that the defender could have missed the remainder of the season.

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Arteta said early in January: “Ben is still a few weeks away,” however, there is a chance that he could return before the Gunners host rivals Manchester City at the start of February.

Expected return date - Sunday 2 February vs Manchester City (H)

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