Havertz, Tomiyasu, Jesus: Arsenal injury news and return dates after big Bukayo Saka update

Arsenal reduced the gap between themselves and runaway leaders Liverpool to 12 points by claiming a hard-fought and confidence boosting 1-0 victory in the London derby against Chelsea. The Gunners once again showed their potency from set piece situations and earned all three points when makeshift striker Mikel Merino expertly converted a curling corner from Martin Odegaard in the first half to put the ball past a stretching Robert Sanchez.

The win sends Mikel Arteta’s men into the international break on a high and increases the pressure on Chelsea to secure Champions League football after a weak attacking display, where it was clearly evident that they were missing star man Cole Palmer due to illness and Nicolas Jackson due to injury.

Arsenal, themselves, have had to cope without many of their key stars in recent weeks, not least in the striking departing where Merino has been forced to play as a centre forward due to the absence of both Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus and most significantly two-time Arsenal Player of the Season Bukayo Saka.

Arteta’s side return to action after the international break to face Fulham and Everton but will be most focused on their upcoming Champions League quarter-final tie with reigning European kings Real Madrid.

Arsenal injury list

Takehiro Tomiyasu - out: Japanese international is still in the early stages of his rehab after undergoing surgery for a serious knee injury. He will not return to the field this term and is expected to miss all of pre-season as well. Expected return date: 01/10/25.

Gabriel Jesus - out: Brazilian international Gabriel Jesus has struggled with injuries throughout the past two seasons. He showed glimpses of his best form at the start of 2025 before sustaining a serious ACL injury during the FA Cup defeat to Manchester United in January. Expected return date: 22/11/25.

Kai Havertz - out: Kai Havertz has played most of his Arsenal career as a centre forward despite initially arriving as a central attacking midfielder. He scored nine in 21 games and was key to the title push before sustaining a hamstring injury during the team’s training camp in Dubai last month. Expected return date: 21/07/25.

When will Bukayo Saka be back from injury?

Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka has been a huge miss in recent months after a lengthy period on the sidelines. The 23-year-old winger required an operation after suffering a hamstring injury in Arsenal's 5-1 win over Crystal Palace in December.

However, Arteta told Sky Sports that the England international is making good progress towards a return to first team action in a major boost for the Gunners ahead of crunch clashes with Fulham, Everton and most significantly Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-final.

Arteta explained: "He's getting closer, he's stepping up and making very good progress, I would say. So let's see when we start to throw him in with the team how he reacts and how fit he can get quickly."