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

Some good news for Gunners ahead of big games at Wolves and Tottenham

Arsenal have been boosted by some good news on the injury front ahead of two big games in the title race this week.

The Gunners face Wolves at Molineux on Wednesday when they can re-establish a seven-point lead over Manchester City at the top of the Premier League.

Mikel Arteta’s side then travel to Tottenham a huge north London derby on Sunday.

Ahead of a big week, Arsenal lost Martin Odegaard to a knee injury at Brentford last Thursday and Riccardo Calafiori then limped out of the warm-up before the FA Cup win over Wigan on Sunday.

Odegaard completed 90 minutes at Brentford but was seen limping afterwards and subsequently missed the win over Wigan due to a knee issue.

Writing in Arsenal’s matchday programme ahead of the Wigan game, Odegaard said: "I picked up a bit of an injury when they [Brentford] scored their goal, but hopefully it’s not too bad. We’ll see how it goes in the build-up to today's game and over the next few days.

Martin Odegaard suffered a knee injury at Brentford

Arsenal FC via Getty Images

“I tried to clear the ball as it came down, but instead kicked into the player a bit, and ended up over-stretching my leg, which pinched the knee. I was able to carry on, but on Friday morning it was very sore, so I was worried of course, but thankfully it looks like it’s not too bad."

Arteta issued an positive update on Odegaard on Tuesday, with Arsenal hopeful he will return in time to face Spurs.

Potential return date: Sunday February 22, vs Tottenham (A)

Kai Havertz

Havertz has been sidelined again after sustaining a muscular problem.

The forward has only recently returned from a serious knee injury and looked to be finding his rhythm again after two goals and two assists in his last four outings.

Havertz has missed games against Wigan and Brentford

Arsenal FC via Getty Images

But Havertz picked up an issue against Sunderland on February 7.

Speaking at the time, Arteta said: "After the game we played against Sunderland, Kai felt a little niggle, so we need to wait and see how long he will be out."

Havertz has since missed the draw at Brentford and win over Wigan, but Arteta has confirmed he could be back for the north London derby.

Arteta said on Tuesday: “Kai is another one for the weekend is a possibility, we're looking forward to having him in the squad.”

Potential return date: Sunday February 22, vs Tottenham (A)

Riccardo Calafiori

Arsenal were forced into a late reshuffle ahead of the Wigan win after Calafiori limped out of the warm-up.

Calafiori had been set to start at left-back against the League One side, but was minutes before kick-off replaced by Bukayo Saka in the starting line-up.

Calafiori was forced out of the warm-up before the FA Cup win over Wigan

REUTERS

It is the second time Calafiori has dropped out of the warm-up this season, having also picked up an issue ahead of the Brighton match in December.

But Arteta issued a positive update on Calafiori on Tuesday, saying the left-back is back in training and should be fine to face Wolves.

Potential return date: Wednesday February 17, vs Wolves (A)

Ben White

Ben White impressed against Wigan on a rare start, but went down with 10 minutes remaining and was unable to continue.

White played down any concerns he suffered an injured when he posted on social media: “No injuries.”

Arteta has since confirmed White is fit to face Wolves.

"It was just a bit of fatigue,” said Arteta. “Obviously he did a lot in the game and by the end of it he was feeling a bit of tightness in the hamstring, but he is fine."

Potential return date: Wednesday February 17, vs Wolves (A)

Mikel Merino

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

Confirming the timeline, Arsenal said in a statement this month that Merino has been ruled out for “an extended period, with the aim of returning to full training before the end of the season”.

Mikel Merino has undergone surgery on a foot injury

Instagram/Mikel Merino

An update was provided by Merino’s father Miguel, who told Spanish radio station Cadena Ser: “Despite the problem, he’s accepting the situation.

“There’s uncertainty because the recovery time isn’t well understood as there’s no history of this type of injury.

“It’s a stress fracture. It’s not an injury to the toes, it’s a bit more internal. It’s an injury that isn’t very well documented. There are many doubts regarding his recovery.”

Arteta issued a further update last weekend, before the Brentford draw, when he said: "Doctors were really happy.

“Starting a long process, you're talking about bone healing. You need to be patient and respect the timeframe. We're talking about months - three, four or five we don't know."

Potential return date: June 2026

Max Dowman

Arsenal have been boosted after Arteta confirmed Dowman is closing in on a comeback.

Dowman has been out for two months with an ankle injury but the 16-year-old is on course to return soon.

Issuing a new update on Dowman, Arteta said before the Brentford game: “He's doing really well, about a week away.”