Arsenal injury update: William Saliba, Riccardo Calafiori and Ethan Nwaneri latest news and return dates | OneFootball

Gunners continue to miss key players as season threatens to falter

A difficult season for Arsenal continued over the weekend.

While the Gunners had raised fresh hope of a Premier League title challenge by beating Tottenham on Wednesday night, Mikel Arteta’s side were dealt another setback on Saturday.

Arsenal threw a two-goal lead away to draw 2-2 with Aston Villa, falling six points behind leaders Liverpool in the Premier League table.

Arne Slot’s side still boast a game in hand too, further complicating matters.

While much has been made about Arsenal’s lack of a traditional centre-forward, injuries to key stars clearly are playing a part.

With that in mind, here’s a look at the latest Arsenal injuries.

William Saliba

Key defender William Saliba missed the Villa game after he was seen holding his hamstring towards the end of the win over Spurs.

Speaking after the game, Arteta confirmed he was “very worried” about Saliba’s fitness. Reports in France state he will likely be sidelined for around two weeks.

Potential return date: Early February

Riccardo Calafiori

Riccardo Calafiori also sat the Villa game out after missing the meetings with Manchester United and Tottenham but Arteta confirmed the Italian wasn’t too far off a return when speaking last week.

Potential return date: January/February 2025

Ethan Nwaneri

Ethan Nwaneri has returned to Arsenal training

Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Exciting youngster Ethan Nwaneri hasn’t featured since scoring in the draw with Brighton at the start of January but has returned to training recently.

Potential return date: Unknown

Takehiro Tomiyasu

Takehiro Tomiyasu has managed only six minutes of action this season following a knee injury and his return date remains unclear.

Potential return date: Unknown

Ben White

Ben White underwent surgery on a knee problem back in November and Arteta has hinted he could return towards the end of January.

“The knee looks good, he has reacted really well the first few weeks, everything is going smoothly and now he needs to start to load and that knee needs to start to get through many more things that, up to now he hasn’t been able to do, but hopefully he’s good,” said the Arsenal boss.

“His work ethic is unbelievable, naturally he’s a really gifted player, so I’m very positive that we’re going to have him quite early - but I don’t know when.”

Potential return date: Unknown

Bukayo Saka

Bukayo Saka needed surgery on a hamstring injury suffered against Crystal Palace in December. As a result, Saka may not return until March.

Potential return date: Unknown, March at the earliest

Gabriel Jesus

Gabriel Jesus also required an operation on an ACL injury sustained while playing against Manchester United in the FA Cup.

The Brazilian seems unlikely to play again this season.

Potential return date: Summer 2025