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

Gunners are already facing a mini injury crisis ahead of trip to Anfield

Your matchday briefing on Arsenal, featuring team news and expert analysis from Simon Collings

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Arsenal are just days away from their second biggest test of the season - an away fixture against Premier League champions Liverpool.

The Gunners should head to Anfield in a positive mood after beating Leeds United 5-0 at the weekend to make it two wins from two at the start of the new campaign.

Jurrien Timber and Arsenal's big-money summer signing from Sporting CP, Viktor Gyokeres, both scored twice at the Emirates Stadium as Arsenal cruised to victory over the Premier League new-boys.

There was even a debut for talented youngster Max Dowman on what was a near-perfect evening for Mikel Arteta’s side who also unveiled Eberechi Eze moments before kick-off.

The one negative being the injury curse has returned with Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard now doubtful for the trip to Merseyside after being forced off early against Leeds.

Martin Odegaard

The Arsenal captain injured his right shoulder in the first-half against Leeds and, after trying to carry on, had to be substituted just before the break and was replaced by Ethan Nwaneri.

In one of two negatives from the 5-0 win, Arteta has confirmed Odegaard is set for a scan.

He said: “Martin felt something in his shoulder when he landed. We don't know, we'll have to scan him tomorrow [Sunday] and understand a bit better.

“We've been two weeks and we've already lost Kai, Martin and Bukayo, so it tells you how well-equipped you have to be in this league to manage and to maintain the level that we want.”

Potential return date: Unknown

Bukayo Saka

The other negative for Arsenal was the sight of Saka pulling up following a sprint and clutching his hamstring early in the second half.

He too will undergo further assessment on Sunday, but Arteta is fearful that the injury could be “significant”.

“For Bukayo to come off, for sure it looks like something that is significant,” Arteta added.

Potential return date: Unknown

Double concern: Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard

Getty Images

Kai Havertz

Kai Havertz was ruled out of Arsenal’s Premier League clash against Leeds after complaining of discomfort in his knee.

The German was absent from an open training session at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday morning and the Gunners have been assessing the striker to learn more about the injury.

Speaking ahead of the 5-0 win over Leeds, Arteta gave an update on Havertz.

He said: “Well, certainly not fit for this match. Unfortunately, he picked up an injury and we don't really know yet the extent of it.

“I think we need a bit more time and some more tests and after that we'll have more clarity about the next steps.

“I prefer not to talk about the specifics but he's not fit. As I said, we need to explore that issue a little bit further and then decide what we're going to do.

“The bad scenario is that he can't play tomorrow. I would love to have him fresh and available and bring what he brings to the team. Unfortunately, that's not going to be possible.”

Potential return date: Unknown

Ben White

The right-back was a doubt for the showdown against his former club after coming off early in the win over Manchester United as well as missing the open training session a few days later.

When the Arsenal team was announced on Saturday, there was no sign of Ben White in the matchday squad and he will have watched on as Timber netted a brace.

Absent: Ben White missed the win over Leeds

AFP via Getty Images

As per Arteta’s update in the pre-match press conference, it was more a case of the Gunners deciding to not take any risks with White in the hope he will be available for the Liverpool game.

Potential return date: August 31, 2025 vs Liverpool (A)

Christian Norgaard

Arsenal’s summer signing is yet to make his debut for the club after missing the opening day win over Man United and then the 5-0 thrashing of Leeds.

The good news for Christian Norgaard is that he should be fit enough to return to action very soon, potentially against the champions.

“Christian won't be in the squad,” Arteta said ahead of the Leeds match. “Christian will be out for another week or so.”

Potential return date: August 31, 2025 vs Liverpool (A)

Gabriel Jesus

Gabriel Jesus last featured for Arsenal in January’s FA Cup third round loss to Man United on penalties.

The Brazilian has struggled with knee issues throughout his stint in N5, and was forced to undergo yet another surgery on a torn cruciate ligament.

Jesus has been keeping supporters updated regarding his progress throughout the summer, and while he is no closer to making a return to action, Arteta has delivered an update.

He said: “Gabi is doing super well. I think he looks in a really good place. Obviously, it’s a massive injury, and we need to come from that in a really strong way, but certainly he’s in the right place and making very strong strides.”

Potential return date: Autumn 2025