Arsenal Injury Update: Confirmed Latest on Bukayo Saka, Gabriel and More | OneFootball

Arsenal Injury Update: Bukayo Saka Boost as Mikel Arteta Monitors Key Players Ahead of PSG Clash

Arsenal fans could breathe a collective sigh of relief after the latest update from Mikel Arteta on Bukayo Saka, who appeared to suffer a fresh knock in the 4-0 win over Ipswich. While concern initially swept across the Emirates when the winger went down clutching his ankle, signs are now more encouraging as the Gunners prepare for a defining stretch of the season.

From the fitness of Riccardo Calafiori and Jorginho to long-term absentees like Gabriel Jesus and Takehiro Tomiyasu, here’s the latest on Arsenal’s injury list – and what it means for Arteta’s plans in the final weeks of the campaign.

Bukayo Saka’s Knock Not as Serious as Feared

Saka’s influence on this Arsenal side continues to grow, and when he went down under a heavy challenge from Leif Davis, there was real apprehension on the Arsenal bench. The Ipswich left-back was shown a straight red, while Saka required prolonged treatment before continuing – only to be subbed off in the second half with an ice pack later spotted on his Achilles.

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Arteta, however, was quick to calm the nerves post-match. “He was sore because of the tackle but it doesn’t look anything serious,” the manager confirmed. While no return date has been set, Saka’s ability to walk unaided and remain on the bench was a strong indication that Arsenal’s talisman will be available sooner rather than later.

That’s a major relief ahead of a crucial Champions League semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain. Losing Bukayo Saka at this stage could have been a hammer blow to Arsenal’s ambitions, but for now, Arteta seems confident his star winger will recover in time.

Calafiori Nearing Return Just in Time

Riccardo Calafiori’s first season in North London has been marred by fitness setbacks, yet the Italian defender could make a timely return ahead of the PSG clash. Injured during international duty with Italy in the Nations League quarter-final against Germany, Calafiori suffered a knee injury that initially looked troubling.

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Still, Arteta sounded a positive note last week: “If everything goes well, I think so – maybe a little bit earlier. He is on the pitch already.” That he’s already doing individual work is a significant step, and his versatility at the back could provide welcome depth for Arteta’s defence in a run-in that will test the squad’s physical and mental resilience.

Expected return: Late April or early May.

Jorginho Still a Doubt for PSG Clash

Jorginho’s availability remains a mystery. The midfielder missed the wins over Real Madrid and Ipswich due to a rib injury picked up against Brentford earlier this month. Arteta, asked about the Italian’s chances of making the PSG tie, was non-committal: “That’s probably a question for the doctor. It’s quite a specific and difficult matter, so I will leave that to the club to make an analysis.”

Photo: IMAGO

At this point, his return is uncertain, though Arsenal are hopeful of having him back before the season’s end. With depth in midfield crucial, especially in continental ties, Arteta will be eager to have Jorginho available again soon.

Expected return: Unknown.

Long-Term Absentees Face Extended Layoffs

Gabriel Magalhães is officially ruled out for the rest of the campaign following surgery on a hamstring injury sustained during the win over Fulham. Arsenal confirmed the surgery and stated the Brazilian defender will begin rehab immediately, targeting a return for pre-season in the summer.

Similarly, Kai Havertz, Tomiyasu and Gabriel Jesus are unlikely to feature again this season. Havertz, who had surgery in February, may yet return before the final whistle of 2024/25 – though Arteta remains cautious: “Every injury isn’t the same. The mindset of those two though is very similar… hopefully we can have him [before the end of the season].”

Tomiyasu, plagued by injuries since October, confirmed he has begun rehabilitation following knee surgery, while Jesus continues his recovery from another long-term knee issue.

Arteta Balancing Caution and Urgency

As Arsenal push towards a potential title challenge and Champions League glory, Arteta must carefully balance player fitness with the team’s ambitions. Saka’s knock, while not serious, is a warning that every decision now is magnified.

Calafiori’s impending return is a welcome boost, and if Jorginho can recover in time, Arsenal’s midfield depth will be reinforced at a pivotal moment. Yet with Gabriel, Jesus, and Tomiyasu out, the margins are razor-thin.

Arteta has been here before — a manager constantly forced to adapt. But if Bukayo Saka remains fit, Arsenal fans can still dare to dream.