Arsenal to be without five key players for Man United showdown in Mikel Arteta blow

Manchester United will have one eye on Sunday's clash against Arsenal as they seek a rare win in the Premier League.
The Reds have won just nine league matches so far this season, their lowest total at this stage of a season for over 30 years. Ruben Amorim's side are likely to be fully focused on their huge Europa League fixture at Real Sociedad on Thursday, knowing that winning this year's competition is their only chance of returning to Europe next season.

But United will still need to pick up results domestically as they look to gather some much-needed momentum. The Reds face an Arsenal side who have seen their title challenge disappear in recent weeks. Mikel Arteta's team are 13 points behind league leaders Liverpool.

And the Gunners have several injury problems within their squad to worry about. Below is the latest on Arsenal's injury situation, with at least five stars set to miss the trip to Old Trafford;

Kai Havertz
Havertz's torn hamstring was confirmed at the start of the month meaning the forward will miss the remainder of the season.

In a statement, the club said: "Subsequent assessments and specialist reviews have confirmed that the injury will require surgery, which will take place in the coming days.

"Soon after surgery, Kai will begin his recovery and rehabilitation programme, which is expected to extend into pre-season preparations for next season. Everyone at the club is fully focused on supporting Kai to ensure he is back to full fitness as soon as possible."

Havertz sent a message of his own over the weekend after undergoing surgery. "The last few days have been tough to process both physically and mentally. But yesterday was a good day," he wrote on social media.

"A successful op and a win. Thanks for all the messages of support over the last few days, it’s really helped. I’m now focused on my journey to full fitness and giving all the support I can give to the team in the background."

What Arteta has said: "Yeah, he was going to stop a shot after a set piece and stretch the leg and he felt his hamstring."

Expected return date: Summer 2025.

Gabriel Martinelli
Martinelli suffered a hamstring problem in the Carabao Cup semi-final second-leg against Newcastle. The Brazilian limped off before reports from South America claimed he could miss a month of action.

What Arteta has said: "Yes, he felt something. I think it was his hamstring and he wasn't comfortable to continue so we'll have to do an MRI scan tomorrow to see the extent of the injury."

Ahead of the draw at Forest, Arteta confirmed he was "still a bit far" to a return.

Expected return date: End of March.

Bukayo Saka
Arsenal's star player, Saka, has been sidelined since December 21 when he sustained a hamstring injury against Crystal Palace. He has been pictured at the training ground but isn't taking part in training yet.

What Arteta has said: "Well, I don't know. We have a long-term injury. What is faster? In a 10-day injury, three days is a lot because it's 30 per cent. In three months, a week, probably is not that much. But it's too early. It's an average stage of the rehab when we get a little bit closer and he starts to do more demanding stuff and more load, we will see where he is."

Asked if Saka has suffered a setback in his rehab, Arteta said: "No, it's fine."

Ahead of the draw at Forest, Arteta confirmed the England international was "still a bit far" to a return.

Expected return date: End of March 2025.

Takehiro Tomiyasu
Tomiyasu has played six minutes this season after missing the large majority of last term. Reports have claimed the right-back may require a second knee operation after previously receiving treatment in 2023.

What Arteta has said: "Tomiyasu is going to be out as well for a period."

Expected return date: Unknown.

Gabriel Jesus
Jesus suffered an ACL injury in the FA Cup defeat to Manchester United in January. The 27-year-old striker has had surgery on his left knee and now faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

What Arteta has said: "Not looking good at all. But we need to review with the specialist and will have more information this afternoon. I don't want to confirm anything until we have the final report this afternoon. We were very worried straight after the game and we are very worried today."


Post a Comment

0 Comments