Arsenal injury update: Bukayo Saka, Ben White, Kai Havertz latest news and return dates | OneFootball

Gunners hopeful of good news ahead of Chelsea showdown

Arsenal resume their Premier League title bid when they play Chelsea at Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

Bukayo Saka had to be substituted in the second half as Arsenal responded to their setback at Wolves and put Spurs to the sword.

The big games keep coming for Mikel Arteta’s side, who also have the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City on the horizon.

With that in mind, here’s the latest Arsenal injury news and potential return dates...

Bukayo Saka

Saka sparked concern when he went down after Xavi Simons fell awkwardly on his ankle late on in the win at Spurs.

He looked in real pain and immediately signalled to the Arsenal bench.

Saka was substituted in the second half against Tottenham

Getty Images

Following lengthy treatment on the pitch, Saka was substituted and replaced by Noni Madueke.

But Saka was able to walk off the pitch unaided and looked to be moving freely in the post-match celebrations at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, raising hopes that he did not suffer a bad injury.

Arteta did not address Saka’s fitness in his press conference after the Spurs game.

Arsenal will hope Saka is fit to face Chelsea, as they continue to fight on four fronts.

Arteta will provide an update on his condition and availability when he holds he pre-match press conference on Friday.

Potential return date: Sunday March 1 vs Chelsea (h)

Ben White

Ben White missed the Spurs game after suffering an injury in training.

Arteta confirmed the defender sustained “a little niggle” that forced him to be sidelined.

Ben White was ruled out of the Spurs game

Getty Images

“It was Ben, he had a little niggle yesterday and he couldn't make the game,” said the Arsenal manager.

Arteta did not give any details on the severity of the injury or a timeline for his return, but Arsenal will hope he is fit to make a comeback against Chelsea.

Potential return date: Sunday March 1 vs Chelsea (h)

Kai Havertz

Kai Havertz has now missed four games with an injury he sustained in the 3-0 win over Sunderland on February 7.

Arsenal had hoped he would be fit to return against Spurs but the game came too soon.

Kai Havertz could not return in time to face Tottenham

Arsenal FC via Getty Images

"We tried with Kai, it was too early unfortunately,” said Arteta, who will hope Havertz is back to face former club Chelsea.

Potential return date: Sunday March 1 vs Chelsea (h)

Mikel Merino

Mikel Merino is in a battle to play again this season after undergoing surgery on a foot injury.

Merino suffered a stress fracture in the 3-2 defeat against Manchester United on January 25 and has been ruled out for an extended period.

Mikel Merino underwent surgery in early February

Instagram/Mikel Merino

Speaking on February 11, Arteta confirmed the surgery went well and said: “The timeframes, we’re talking about months - whether it’s three, four or five, we don’t know.”

If he can’t get fit again for Arsenal before the end of the season, Merino will be desperate to return in time for the World Cup with Spain.

Potential return date: May/June

Max Dowman

Max Dowman is closing in on a return after almost three months out with an ankle injury.

Dowman sustained ankle ligament damage in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Manchester United in December but is back in training.

Potential return date: Sunday March 1 vs Chelsea (h)