Saka, Rice & Calafiori: Latest Arsenal injury news and expected return dates ahead of Brentford match

Arsenal’s sublime second-half performance against Real Madrid may have put them firmly in control of their Champions League quarter-final, but it may also have come at a cost – there are now concerns over potential injuries picked up by both Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka, who has only just returned from a lengthy lay-off.

Mikel Arteta admitted that both players had suffered knocks during the 3-0 win over the reigning European champions at the Emirates, but will either be fit to play against Brentford in the Premier League this weekend? We’ve got all the latest updates on Arsenal’s injured players below, along with their expected return dates when available.

Were Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice injured against Real Madrid?

Both Saka and double free-kick hero Rice were hauled off in the second half after picking up apparent knocks, but Arteta told the media after the match that neither issue looked “serious”, and shots of the two players chatting in apparently unconcerned fashion on the bench as the game wore on seemed to suggest that they weren’t in significant pain.

Rice endured “an issue with his foot” after scoring two sublime long-range strikes, while Saka, whose ingenuity and industry gave the Real defence several headaches, picked up what Arteta only described as “a knock”. The Arsenal head coach also told broadcaster Amazon Prime that he believed the England winger was “fine” despite being treated by a physio after appearing to limp off the pitch.

There will still be some concern over the fitness of Saka, who was making his first start since December after he underwent surgery on a serious hamstring injury, but as s it stands there is no indication that either player will miss a considerable amount of time. Both players could be seen as minor doubts for the game against Brentford at the Emirates on Saturday, but seem likely to be able to play their part.

Riccardo Calafiori added to Arsenal’s long-term injury list

While the initial prognosis for both Saka and Rice seems to be positive, there has been less good news concerning Riccardo Calafiori, who sustained a knee injury while on international duty with Italy. Arteta has told the press that the versatile defender, who has endured a torrid time with injuries since signing with Arsenal last summer, will be out for “weeks”.

There is, at least, a chance that Calafiori returns before the end of the season, with an early-mid May return possible if rehabilitation goes well. The same can’t be said for Gabriel Magalhães or Kai Havertz (both hamstring), who will be out for the rest of the season, or Gabriel Jesus (ACL) who is not expected back until the autumn. Gabriel and Havertz should at least be ready for pre-season training.

We are also not expecting to see full-back Takehiro Tomiyasu until next season thanks to the persistent knee issue which has dogged the Japan international’s campaign, but as it stands Ben White seems to be back to full fitness and came through the win over Real Madrid unscathed.

With Jurriën Timber and Mikel Merino also overcoming minor recent knocks, it’s anticipated that Arteta should still have plenty of options as he continues the work of securing qualification for next year’s Champions League this weekend.