Saka, White, Jesus: Arsenal injury news and expected return dates ahead of Aston Villa clash

Mikel Arteta’s title-chasing Arsenal side piled the pressure on leaders Liverpool by picking up a well-deserved 2-1 win in the north London derby against Tottenham Hotspur.

The Gunners, who have played one game more than Liverpool, drastically needed a response after defeats to Newcastle in the Carabao Cup semi-final and then being eliminated from the FA Cup against Manchester United.

“The boys were outstanding. We played 120 minutes less than 72 hours ago, but the way we performed was exceptional.” Said Mikel Arteta after beating Ange Postecoglou’s side.

“We play every three days, so it’s just about a foundation, it’s about the next day now. We won today, great, but now it’s about Aston Villa.”

Arsenal's upcoming home match against the Villans is the first of six key matches in the space of three weeks as Gunners look to progress to the next stage of the Champions League before making the trip to Newcastle United for the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final.

With fixtures coming thick and fast, Arteta, like his counterpart Unai Emery of Aston Villa, will have to way through a whole host of injury issues But who will be missing for Arsenal during this crucial period and which stars are edging closer to a return? Here’s all you need to know.

Arsenal’s defensive injuries

Ben White - out

Ben White has missed the last 10 Premier League matches with a knee injury. He has been a huge miss for the Gunners due to his versatility to play centre-back and right-back, and his ability to bomb forward and create chances for his team-mates.

The nine-time England international will not return this month but could be involved in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg clash with Newcastle United in February. Expected return date: 02/02/2025.

Takehiro Tomiyasu - Out

Japanese international Takehiro Tomiyasu is edging closer to a return to action after sustaining a knee injury. Mikel Arteta said: “Tomi has done some stuff on the pitch, but we have to see. It has been a long-term injury, and we have to see how quick he progresses and how he reacts.” Expected return date: 25/01/2025.

Riccardo Calafiori - doubt

Another defender that is struggling with a knee injury, Riccardo Calafiori missed the north London derby victory but is thought to be well on the road to recovery. His thing is not much, but again, we need another day or two. We’ve been playing every three days, and 24 hours becomes really important because they are not long-term injuries.” Mikel Arteta said. Expected return date: 18/01/2025.

Arsenal’s midfield injuries

Ethan Nwaneri - Out

Arsenal’s breakout superstar Ethan Nwaneri is currently recovering from a muscle injury which forced him off during the 1-1 draw with Brighton.

“Unfortunately, he’s picked up a [muscular] injury and is going to be out for a few weeks.” Said Mikel Arteta. Expected return date: 02/02/2025.

Arsenal’s injuries in attack

Bukayo Saka - Out

Arsenal talisman Bukayo Saka is expected to miss a significant portion of the season with a hamstring problem in a blow which threatens to derail Mikel Arteta’s title hopes. The England international, who has five goals and 11 league assists, has missed the last four matches with injury and is still a fair distance away from a full return.

“He had a procedure. Everything went well. But unfortunately, he will be out for many, many weeks. I think it will be more than two months. I don't know exactly how much longer.” Mikel Arteta explained in December. Expected return date: 29/03/2025.

Gabriel Jesus - Out

Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus suffered a suspected ACL injury in the FA Cup defeat to Manchester United leaving the Gunners with only one fully-fit striker option for the months ahead.

The Brazilian, who has had a difficult time with injuries, had just started to rediscover his goalscoring form with six strikes in seven matches, but now faces a long period of absence in the treatment room.

No return date has currently been set for the former Manchester City centre forward. Expected return date: n/a.