Saka, White, Sterling: Arsenal latest injury news and return dates ahead of Ipswich Town

Arsenal faced a recent injury blow as Bukayo Saka was seen walking out of Selhurst Park on crutches following their 5-1 win against Crystal Palace on Saturday. He suffered a hamstring injury during the game which is due to keep him out for several weeks. Saka is one of five players that could miss their next game against Ipswich Town after Christmas.

The Gunners go into the game against Ipswich looking to get their third win in a row in all competitions. They currently sit six points behind league leaders Liverpool who recently beat Tottenham 6-3 on Sunday.

Bukayo Saka

Saka suffered his hamstring injury against Palace. He was forced off after 24 minutes with Mikel Arteta bringing on Leandro Trossard to replace him. It comes as a massive blow for the Gunners as Saka has scored five goals and 10 assists so far this season and has been a talisman for Arteta’s side. The Arsenal manager said: “He felt something in his hamstring; he couldn't continue, and he'll have to be assessed. So, we're really worried about that one.”

Reports suggest that he could miss four to six weeks whilst he recovers from his injury, meaning that he could return in late January.

Expected return date - Saturday 25 January vs Wolves (A)

Raheem Sterling

Sterling was forced off during Arsenal’s 3-2 win against Palace in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday. He came off after 70 minutes with a knock that he picked up. The Chelsea loanee was replaced by Bukayo Saka who came on to help the Gunners to the Semi-finals for the first time since the 2021/22 season. Arteta said ahead of the 5-1 win against Palace: “We lost Raheem yesterday. We don’t know for how long as well.”

He is currently being assessed and could be in line to replace Saka should he return soon. His injury is not expected to be a major issue.

Expected return date - Unknown

Oleksandr Zinchenko

Ukraine international Zinchenko was expected to return against Crystal Palace on Saturday. He has been dealing with a minor injury over the past two weeks and is set to return against Ipswich. Zinchenko’s status is currently set at 50%, he should be available after Christmas.

Expected return date - Friday 27 December vs Ipswich Town (H)

Takehiro Tomiyasu

Much like Zinchenko, Tomiyasu was expected to be available for selection against Palace at the weekend, however, the game came too soon for him. Tomiyasu has been recovering from a long-term injury that he suffered during international duty with Japan during the summer. He will likely be available against Ipswich, providing Arteta with extra depth in defence.

Expected return date - Friday 27 December vs Ipswich Town (H)

Ben White

Defender White had to undergo surgery on his knee in late November which is due to keep him out for several months. Arteta said after the surgery: “Ben is going to be out for months. We had to make a decision in the last few weeks, unfortunately. It got to a point where we had to protect the player, and we decided to do the surgery.”

Expected return date - Saturday 8 March vs Manchester United (A)