Saliba, Saka, White: Arsenal injury news and expected return dates ahead of Dinamo Zagreb clash

Premier League heavyweights Arsenal will look to secure their place in the knockout stages of the Champions League for a second consecutive season when they play host to Dinamo Zagreb in their penultimate league-phase match.

The Gunners have won four, drawn one and lost one of their opening six European matches to accumulate a total of 13 points.

This leaves Mikel Arteta’s men in third position behind Barcelona and Liverpool and narrowly ahead of the likes of Bayer Leverkusen, Aston Villa, Inter Milan, Brest and Lille on goal difference.

A victory for Arsenal should all but guarantee the team a place in the round of 16, and arguably could present Arteta with his best chance of silverware after a recent dip in form in the Premier League.

As it stands, Arsenal are navigating their way through an avalanche of injury issues which has contributed to a poor run of just one victory in their last five matches across all competitions, with many fans calling for a huge push for recruitment in the attacking areas.

Arteta faces a conundrum on whether to play a full strength team against the 24th placed Croatian side or prioritise the league game against Wolves at the weekend as they face off against striker target Matheus Cunha.

Ahead of what promises to be an intriguing European tie, we take a look at Arsenal’s current injury situation and each stars potential return date.

Arsenal’s defensive injuries

William Saliba - Out

The France international was a shock omission from the 2-2 draw with Aston Villa due to a minor issue. Expected return date: 29/01/25.

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 pushing to return in the next through weeks 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

Failed to make the bench for the 2-2 draw against Aston Villa despite seemingly being on track to play.

'We have a few decisions to make this afternoon with the medical staff to understand whether they are in the best condition for this game or the next one, so we'll decide that,” Mikel Arteta explained ahead of Dinamo Zagreb. Expected return date: 22/01/2025.

Arsenal’s midfield injuries

Ethan Nwaneri - Out

Arsenal wonderkid Ethan Nwaneri is currently recovering from a muscle injury which he picked up 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 loss to Manchester United, leaving the Gunners desperately short of attacking options.

The Brazilian, who has had a difficult time with injuries, 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. The former Manchester City centre forward is unlikely to return into next season. Expected return date: 22/11/25.