Mikel Arteta revealed Bukayo Saka is getting closer to making a return to the Arsenal squad – but the London derby against Chelsea on Sunday may come too soon for him.
The 23-year-old has not featured since December with a hamstring injury. He has since undergone surgery and is on the road to recovery.
His absence has played a significant part in Arsenal’s fading title challenge, with Kai Havertz also out for the remainder of the season. Ahead of Chelsea’s visit to the Emirates Stadium, Arteta said: “A really tough match, but a big chance for us to win the game.
“I think we’re two teams that want to be very dominant in the way of playing, are very aggressive on the high press and the way we have to have the ball. There’s a lot of individual quality on that pitch so it’s about imposing what you want and the direction that you want to take the game and keep them very far from their strengths. I think that’s going to be a key thing as well.”
With that said, football.london has taken a look at the latest injury news ahead of Chelsea’s visit.
Bukayo Saka
Injury: Thigh.
What Arteta has said: “He’s getting closer. He’s stepping up and making very good progress, I would say. Let’s see when we decide to throw him in, how he reacts and how fit he can get quickly .” Arteta said on Friday.
Possible return date: April 2025.
Kai Havertz
Injury:
What Arteta has said: ” We were having a great camp in Dubai recharging, training, having some time off and connecting again with nature in a different environment, and then the injury happened in a very unexpected way,” Arteta said last month.
Possible return date:Pre-season 2025.
Gabriel Jesus
Injury: Knee.
What Arteta has said:“Gabriel Jesus has received extensive assessments, which have confirmed that he has sustained an injury to the ACL in his left knee,” Arteta said in January.
Possible return date: Next season.
Takehiro Tomiyasu
Injury: Knee.
What Arteta has said: “ Despite an initial procedure, followed by a RTT, Tomi continued to have issues with his knee, resulting in a further corrective surgical procedure. He will now begin his rehab programme, which is expected to be completed towards the end of this year,” Arteta said last month.
Possible return date: October/November 2025.
