Arsenal are finally back in action in just two days time.
Mikel Arteta's side welcome Leeds United to the Emirates Stadium on Saturday afternoon as they look to extend their current six-game Premier League winning streak. However, the Spaniard has several injury concerns to worry about ahead of the must-win match this weekend.
Star striker Gabriel Jesus is back fit after a lengthy spell on the sidelines and the Brazilian international will have likely used the two-week break to improve his fitness levels ahead of the title run-in. However, both Kieran Tierney and Thomas Partey picked up knocks during the break whilst questions remain regarding the current status of centre-back William Saliba, who missed the Gunners' last outing - when they defeated Crystal Palace 4-1 a fortnight ago.
So, with that being said, football.london has rounded up the latest fitness news we have involving Arsenal players ahead of Saturday's match.
Kieran Tierney
Kieran Tierney started Scotland's European championship qualifier against Spain playing a key role in Scott McTominay's second goal. In the 76th minute, Tierney was forced off through injury after a strong tackle from Manchester City star Rodri.
Thomas Partey
Thomas Partey was an unused substitute during Ghana's African Cup of Nations qualification clash against Angola on Monday evening. The Arsenal midfielder was left out as a 'precaution' Ghana boss Chris Hughton revealed after the game but he may now be a doubt for the game against Leeds this weekend.
In his post-match interview, Hughton said: "Thomas [Partey] has some small issues. We felt it was too big of a risk to start him [against Angola]."
The north London outfit sent club physio, Simon Murphy, to Ghana with the 29-year-old in a desperate bid to ensure the key midfielder avoids injury on international duty. Arsenal will hope that Murphy can help Partey recover from his 'small injury issues' in time for the return of Premier League action.
Expected return date: Unknown
William Saliba
William Saliba limped off in Arsenal's exit from the Europa League against Sporting CP, suffering an issue with his back that forced the youngster to be substituted. The Frenchman then missed the clash with Crystal Palace at the weekend as concerns mount over his availability.
The France Football Federation officially announced that Saliba would be replaced from the men's senior international team after the injury, having been called up for the squad earlier in the week. The defender will now undergo further scans before the scale and severity of the injury are determined, hopeful of making an appearance before the end of the season.
What Arteta has said: "We hope Willy [Saliba] is going to be better news. Again We have to wait to tomorrow to get a better picture."
Expected return date: Unknown
Eddie Nketiah
During Gabriel Jesus' absence, Nketiah rose to the challenge and fired Arsenal to a number of pivotal wins. However, the Gunners will now be without the Hale End Graduate until after the international break due to an ankle injury, football.london understands.
Nketiah, who sees his contract at the Emirates Stadium expire in 2027, has featured 33 times for Arsenal this season, directly contributing towards 11 goals — four of which came in wins over West Ham, Brighton and Manchester United during the congested schedule over New Years.
What Nketiah has said: Nketiah offered a positive update on his recovery after posting a message on social media ahead of the clash against the Eagles. The Hale End graduate said: "Grafting! *muscle emoji* #SoonBack."
Nketiah added another image to his Instagram story with the caption: "Rehab crew, monster mentality *brain emoji* *finger point emoji*."
What Arteta has said: "He’s getting better. He’s still in the boot. He’s still a few weeks away and we need to be patient. It was a nasty injury and he has a big challenge ahead of him. Thank God it could have been worse. So he’s not in a bad place."
Expected return date: Late March/Early April
Takehiro Tomiyasu
Takehiro Tomiyasu was substituted inside the first 10 minutes of the Gunners' clash against Sporting CP at the Emirates Stadium. The Japanese defender had overstretched for a tackle early in the match and had to receive treatment on the pitch shortly afterwards and was unable to continue.
Takehiro Tomiyasu was substituted inside the first 10 minutes of the Gunners' clash against Sporting CP at the Emirates Stadium. The Japanese defender had overstretched for a tackle early in the match and had to receive treatment on the pitch shortly afterwards and was unable to continue.
The Japan international wasn't in the squad to face Crystal Palace, with it later confirmed he had undergone knee surgery. Now the medical staff have learned the extent of the defender's injury.
An official club statement reads: "Tomi has had successful surgery in London on Tuesday and will be ruled out for the remainder of this season. Everyone at the club will now be working hard with Tomi, so he can join pre-season training ahead of next season."
What Arteta has said: "We don’t know. The doctor is assessing. We have one assessment and I think they need to have another assessment tomorrow. It’s not looking good. Tomi is not one to exaggerate things. He was really concerned straight away and we are concerned."
Expected return date: June
Mohamed Elneny
Elneny started in the FA Cup win over Oxford United and played the whole 90 minutes. However, the Egyptian was absent for Arteta's squad for the 2-0 win at Tottenham, with a knee issue picked up in training ahead of the clash being assessed. Additionally, there was no place on the bench to face Manchester United.
A club statement then confirmed that the former Basel man will be out for an extended period of time, although no timescale was given on his expected return. Elneny has since penned a new deal at Arsenal as he closes in on a return.
Expected return date: Unknown
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