Saka, Jesus, Trossard – Arsenal injury news and return dates for Lens Champions League clash

Arsenal continued their unbeaten start to the season at the weekend as they hit Bournemouth for four in a huge win in the Premier League. The Gunners are in the middle of a busy period though and will have a quick turnaround for their next fixture, switching domestic action for the continent.

The North Londoners are in Champions League action in their second game of the group, travelling to France to face RC Lens. Mikel Arteta’s men won their first match against PSV Eindhoven to make an ideal start to the group, while their opponents played out a 1-1 draw with Sevilla first up.

A victory could see the Gunners take a step forward in their hopes of qualifying for the knockout rounds, registering another three points with four games to follow. There are some injury concerns though, including fresh issues for Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus after beating the Cherries.

With that said, here’s a look at the latest injury worries for Arsenal and how the squad is shaping up to face Lens in midweek action.

Bukayo Saka
Bukayo Saka retained his spot in the Premier League by being named in the starting lineup for the win over Bournemouth after missing the Carabao Cup win over Brentford in midweek. After being forced off in last week’s North London derby against Spurs, the forward was a doubt for the trip to the Vitality Stadium.

However, having scored the opener, Saka limped off the pitch in the second half after being on the receiving end of a number of tough challenges and was replaced by Fabio Vieira in the final 15 minutes.

What Mikel Arteta has said: “I don’t [know] yet as I haven’t had a chance to speak to him. I think it was a stamp in the same area but Gabi was limping as well after the game so let’s see how they are.”

Gabriel Jesus
Gabriel Jesus played the entirety of the contest against Bournemouth in a front three with Eddie Nketiah and Saka. However, he was seen limping at the end of the game, with Arteta later confirming there is a slight concern for the Brazilian ahead of the Champions League tie.

What Mikel Arteta has said: “Gabi was limping as well after the game so let’s see how they are.”

Injury: Unknown

Expected return date : Lens (A) – October 3

Declan Rice
Declan Rice was taken off at half-time against Tottenham with a back injury and became a huge concern for the side after missing the clash with Brentford. There was some good news though as the midfielder was handed a place back in the team to face Bournemouth and lasted 81 minutes before being substituted.

William Saliba
Arsenal defender William Saliba played in the North London Derby but was totally absent from the midweek win over Brentford, presumed to be rotation, but later found to be a fitness concern. Like a few other concerns, the Frenchman made his return against Bournemouth.

Fabio Vieira
Having fought his way into contention on the left side of the midfield, Fabio Vieira was absent from the side’s clash with Brentford in midweek. He was back in contention once again on Saturday though, where he made a cameo towards the end of the win over Bournemouth.

Leandro Trossard
Leandro Trossard was the hero in Arsenal’s win over Everton as he replaced the injured Gabriel Martinelli, taking over duties on the left flank. The Belgian limped out of training a few weeks ago though, with what was understood to be a lower hamstring strain, keeping him out of action.

The former Brighton & Hove Albion frontman was in the squad at the Vitality Stadium over the weekend, but was an unused substitute.

Injury: Hamstring

Return date: Lens (A) – October 3

What Mikel Arteta has said: “He [Martinelli] hasn’t trained, we need him back, we want him back. [For Saka and Trossard], it’s the same situation.”

Gabriel Martinelli
Arsenal star Gabriel Martinelli suffered a hamstring injury during the win against Everton. The Brazilian winger was absent from the squad for the North London Derby despite being present at the Emirates Stadium to support his teammates.

There is optimism that Martinelli could be available for the game against Manchester City on October 8. The 22-year-old could be involved against Bournemouth, although Arsenal are keen not to rush him.

What Mikel Arteta has said: “He [Martinelli] hasn’t trained, we need him back, we want him back. [For Saka and Trossard], it’s the same situation.”

Expected return date: Manchester City (H) – October 8

Thomas Partey
The Ghana FA confirmed earlier this month that Partey had sustained a groin problem during a training session, a major blow to Arteta. It remains to be seen how long the 30-year-old will be on the sidelines for.

The Ghanaian has been missing due to a groin strain picked up just prior to the international break, but is recovering well and pushing to be back in time for the heavyweight clash with Manchester City on October 8th.

Injury: Groin

Expected return date: Manchester City (H) – October 8

What the Ghana FA have said: “He sustained a groin injury during training on Thursday, August 31, 2023. He is currently unavailable as Club Doctors predict he’s likely to be out for a couple of weeks.”

What Mikel Arteta has said: “Thomas (Partey) for sure is out (against Spurs). And the rest hopefully available, we still have two training sessions but there were no big issues in mid-week.”

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.”