Arsenal injury news: Mikel Arteta is facing a number of injury concerns ahead of the Premier League clash against Crystal Palace with Eddie Nketiah set to be absent for a number of weeks
Ruben Amorim’s side won 5-3 after Gabriel Martinelli saw his spot-kick saved by Sporting goalkeeper Adan. To make matters worse, right-back Takehiro Tomiyasu and centre-back William Saliba were both withdrawn after experiencing issues during the opening exchanges of the game.
Tomiyasu was forced off just nine minutes after slipping awkwardly when looking to challenge Francisco Trincao. Saliba was taken off following some pain in what appeared to be his lower back, adding to Mikel Arteta’s injury concerns ahead of the Premier League match against Crystal Palace on Sunday.
With that being said, football.london takes a look at the injury concerns that Arsenal are facing ahead of the game against the Eagles this weekend.
William Saliba limped off during the first half of Arsenal’s clash against Sporting CP at the Emirates Stadium. The French defender seemed to pull up with a muscle injury in his lower back just moments before Granit Xhaka opened the scoring for the hosts.
Journalist James Benge delivered a positive update that will potentially ease some fans’ worries regarding Saliba, reporting that the French international didn’t appear to have any strapping as he made his way out of the dressing room.
What Arteta has said: “Willy, I don’t know, he had some discomfort and could not continue so we had to take him out.”
Expected return date: Unknown
Takehiro Tomiyasu was substituted inside the first 10 minutes of the Gunners’ clash against Sporting CP at the Emirates Stadium. The Japanese defender had overstretched for a tackle on Francisco Trincao early in the match and had to receive treatment on the pitch shortly afterwards.
What Arteta has said: “Tomiyasu looks pretty serious from his reaction straight and what he said to me, but obviously, it’s very early.”
Expected return date: Unknown
Nketiah, who sees his contract at the Emirates Stadium expire in 2027, has featured 33 times for Arsenal this season, directly contributing towards 11 goals — four of which came in wins over West Ham, Brighton and Manchester United during the congested schedule over New Years.
What Arteta has said: “He’s getting better. He’s still in the boot. He’s still a few weeks away and we need to be patient. It was a nasty injury and he has a big challenge ahead of him. Thank God it could have been worse. So he’s not in a bad place.”
Expected return date: Late March / Early April
In two of which, against Everton and Bournemouth, the midfielder enjoyed brief cameos off the bench, registering an assist against the latter.
What Arteta has said: “He knows how much we love him and how much we missed him and how much we need his qualities. Now he needs to prove it and how much he wants to win and how much he’s going to contribute to this team to be better.
“He’s gonna have to show that to get in the team.” I think we have to manage his load, but for sure he’s in a position where we can throw him in at any moment. Then it’s about how he’s coping with the game in general and whether to take him off or use him for the last few minutes of the game.”
Return date: Fully fit
Elneny started in the FA Cup win over Oxford United and played the whole 90 minutes. However, the Egyptian was absent for Arteta’s squad for the 2-0 win at Tottenham, with a knee issue picked up in training ahead of the clash being assessed. Additionally, there was no place on the bench to face Manchester United.
A club statement last month then confirmed that the former Basel man will be out for an extended period of time, although no timescale was given on his expected return. Elneny has since penned a new deal at Arsenal as he closes in on a return.
Expected return date: N/A
