Arsenal injury list: Players out, potential return dates, predicted lineup for next game vs. Atletico Madrid originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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Having restored their lead atop the Premier League table with a weekend win over Newcastle, Arsenal turn their attention to Atletico Madrid as they get set to contest the first leg of their Champions League semifinal on Wednesday.
The Gunners were chasing an unprecedented quadruple this season but could not clear either of the first two hurdles as they were well beaten at Wembley in the Carabao Cup final by City before being ejected from the FA Cup at the hands of Southampton in their return from the March international break.
Now, with just the Premier League and Champions League titles still in view, the vibes around the Emirates have begun to sour. A surprise loss at home to Bournemouth has piled on the pressure ahead of the game at the Etihad Stadium, and the defeat to Manchester City saw Pep Guardiola’s side position themselves to draw level atop the table.
Here’s the latest injury picture around Arteta’s squad, with the fixtures coming thick and fast once they return to club football.
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Arsenal injury list
Below is the latest injury picture for Arsenal, and estimated return dates for those who are sidelined.
Kai Havertz
- Injury: Groin
- Expected return date: TBD
After assisting Eberechi Eze’s early goal, Kai Havertz was hauled off a half-hour into Arsenal’s win over Newcastle in late April, appearing to tweak something in his groin. He looked dismayed while walking off the pitch, and headed down the tunnel. Tests will be needed to determine how serious the injury is.
Mikel Arteta said after the match that they hoped it was just a “muscular niggle” which wasn’t “too bad” but the Arsenal boss hasn’t been the most reliable source of injury news this season.
Eberechi Eze
- Injury: Undisclosed
- Expected return date: April 29 (vs. Atletico Madrid)
Eberechi Eze was withdrawn shortly after halftime against Newcastle, after receiving treatment on the Emirates turf. He did not look physically hampered as he walked off, and seemed to reassure Mikel Arteta before taking a seat on the Arsenal bench. Barring anything that shows up in scans, it does not appear at this stage that Eze will miss time, and his withdrawal at this point appears precautionary.
Riccardo Calafiori
- Injury: Undisclosed
- Expected return date: April 29 (vs. Atletico Madrid)
Calafiori has missed Arsenal’s last three matches with an undisclosed injury. Arteta suggested there was a chance he could be back for City, but he did not make the squad. The Gunners boss said Calafiori will “probably” make the squad for Newcastle, but the Italian again was not in the mix, with his return continuing to be pushed back.
Jurrien Timber
- Injury: Knee
- Expected return: April 29 (vs. Atletico Madrid)
Timber suffered an injury early in the eventual 2-0 victory over Everton on March 14. He went down in the opening 15 minutes but carried on as long as he could. Ultimately, he was forced off in the 37th minute, replaced by Cristhian Mosquera.
Arteta said that Timber’s recovery will be “a matter of days,” but the full-back has still not played since and missed the Netherlands’ games in the March international break. He was ruled out of the City and Newcastle matches but will hope to be back for the Champions League semifinal first leg.
Mikel Merino
- Injury: Broken foot
- Expected return date: May
It was reported in Spain late on February 1 that Merino could miss much of the rest of the season with a broken foot, and Arsenal confirmed the injury a day later. The club said the midfielder will be out for “an extended period” while he recovers from surgery, but the intention is for him to be back in training before the season ends.
Arsenal predicted lineup vs. Atletico Madrid
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Raya (GK)
White, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie
Rice, Zubimendi
Saka, Odegaard, Eze
Gyokeres
Arsenal fixture schedule: Next five games
- Atletico Madrid vs. Arsenal | Champions League semifinal 1st leg | Wednesday, April 29
- Arsenal vs. Fulham | Premier League | Saturday, May 2
- Arsenal vs. Atletico Madrid | Champions League semifinal 2nd leg | Tuesday, May 5
- West Ham vs. Arsenal | Premier League | Sunday, May 10
- Arsenal vs. Burnley | Premier League | Sunday, May 17