INJURY UPDATE : Saliba, Saka, Trossard – Arsenal injury news and return dates ahead of Chelsea clash

Arsenal have several injury worries ahead of their highly-anticipated Premier League clash against London rivals Chelsea after the international break

William Saliba in possession of the ball against Manchester City in the Premier League
Arsenal injury news and return dates ahead of Chelsea clash amid Saliba concern (Image: David Price/Arsenal FC)

Mikel Arteta has been left sweating over the fitness of Bukayo Saka and William Saliba during the international break. The England international withdrew from England duty to continue his recovery from a hamstring problem.

football.london understands that the toe issue isn’t a huge concern and has been an ongoing discomfort for some time. It means there’s some hope that Saliba should be back to face London rivals Chelsea in just less than two weeks’ time.

Leandro Trossard sustained a hamstring issue in the 1-0 win against Manchester City and it is unclear whether he will be fit in time to face Chelsea after the international break. So, with all of that being said, we’ve taken a look at the latest injury news from the Emirates Stadium below.

Bukayo Saka
After being forced off in last week’s defeat to RC Lens in the Champions League, Saka was left out of the Arsenal squad completely against Manchester City. The injury concerns over the winger became too much, consequently seeing him become a doubt for the international break.

Saka was in attendance at the Emirates Stadium to witness the win over City and supporters will be hoping the 22-year-old is fit enough to feature against Chelsea in less than two weeks’ time. However, England men’s national team posted an update that announced the youngster won’t be part of the squad for the international break.

A report from theEvening Standardclaims that Saka is now set for injury rehab over this week before having a weekend off with the rest of the squad. Next Monday there will be an assessment as to whether the winger can return to training before the clash with Chelsea.

What Mikel Arteta has said: “He felt something and then you are tempted to risk him, but he was unable to train yesterday so that put him out of the game straight away. It’s a blow not to have him but we have lost players in recent weeks and have adapted to it. He is a really important player, there is no question about that, but the team has to use the resources that we have to make it, even without him.”

What the England national team have said: “Bukayo Saka will play no part in England’s fixtures with Australia and Italy. The forward reported to St. George’s Park on Monday alongside the rest of the Three Lions’ squad. Having missed Arsenal’s Premier League win against Manchester City on Sunday through injury, Saka was assessed by the England medical team and it was decided the player would continue his rehabilitation at his club.”

Injury: Hamstring and thigh

Expected return date : Unknown

Leandro Trossard
Trossard returned to the Arsenal XI against Lens last week and was handed a place in Arteta’s side on Sunday following news of Saka’s absence. However, he only lasted 45 minutes and was replaced by matchwinner Martinelli.

The forward was expected to play a part in Belgium’s European Championship qualifier double header against Austria and Sweden. However, an update from the national team announced that after being assessed, Trossard has withdrawn from the squad and won’t take part.

What Mikel Arteta has said: “He [Martinelli] said I was going to be there, he was there in training and he said I am ready to go. Leo [Trossard] got injured and I looked and he was already dressed up ready to go.”

What the Belgian national team have said: “UPDATE: @LTrossard [Leandro Trossard] is not fit to join the squad at the Proximus Basecamp on Monday. He will be replaced by Arthur Vermeeren. Best of luck, Arthur!”

Injury: Hamstring

Return date: Unknown

William Saliba
One of Arsenal’s best players against Man City, Saliba withdrew from the France squad for the international break due to a toe injury. The news came shortly after the final whistle in north London, meaning the defender played the entirety of the game through an injury.

Fortunately for Arsenal fans, football.london understands that the toe issue isn’t a huge concern and has been an ongoing discomfort for some time. It means there’s some hope that Saliba should be back to face London rivals Chelsea in just less than two weeks’ time.

Injury: Big toe

Expected return date: Chelsea (A) – October 21

Jurrien Timber
football.londonunderstands that the Dutch international underwent successful surgery and now in the “recovery phase” of his rehabilitation.

He was in attendance for the game against Man United. football.london spoke to Timber post-match where the 22-year-old was still using the aid of two crutches to move about.

Asked how he was feeling with his recovery, a swift, “good, good” was the response. He will be sorely missed, especially with the club failing to find a suitable replacement in the summer transfer window.

Injury: Knee

Expected return date: 2024

What Arteta has said: “Huge blow. Especially for him after just joining the club. To have the injury he has is a huge blow. We recruited him with clear intentions and what he was bringing to the team was evident, but he’s not going to be able to do it this season. We have to adapt. These things happen, unfortunately, and we have to move on.”