The third round of the competition beckons, but it’s far from an easy introduction to the tournament for Arsenal as they’re pitted against Liverpool. There are a number of injury concerns facing Mikel Arteta for the clash though, meaning there could be some changes required.
With that said, here’s a look at the latest Arsenal injury news facing Arsenal ahead of their clash against the Reds in the coming days.
Bukayo Saka
Bukayo Saka is managing an injury, according to a recent report from the Mirror, with a recurring Achilles problem. However, he has continued to play on through the issue, but a third round FA Cup tie and Premier League winter break could provide him with some needed rest.
Expected return date: Liverpool (H) January 7
Ben White
White missed the win over Burnley earlier in the season with an injury that appears to still be plaguing him. According to report, white has a knee issue that he has been managing since the defeat to Newcastle, with it worrying enough to see him miss the clash against Burnley.
Expected return date: Liverpool (H) January 7
Thomas Partey
Partey underwent a ‘procedure’ in November which was expected to keep him out for the remainder of the year. Despite Arteta suggesting he could return, the midfielder looks certain to miss the game after being left out of the Ghana squad for the Africa Cup of Nations.
Injury: Thigh
Expected return date : February 2024
Takehiro Tomiyasu
Tomiyasu suffered a calf injury in the second half of Arsenal’s clash against Wolves and was expected to be out of action until the new year. Arsenal were hopeful of Tomiyasu returning for the FA Cup clash against Liverpool before heading to the Asia Cup with Japan. But he was pictured in training ahead of the trip to Fulham and made a surprise return to the squad for the clash, coming off the bench at half-time.
Expected return date: Returned.
Oleksandr Zinchenko
Zinchenko missed out on the clash against Fulham through a calf injury, coming as a huge blow to Mikel Arteta and his side. The Ukrainian international’s issue was only described as “slight” though, with hopes that will mean he is back in action as soon as possible – especially with Tomiyasu set to depart for the Asia Cup soon.
Injury: Calf
Expected return date : Liverpool (H) – January 7
Fabio Vieira
Vieira was nursing a groin issue and underwent surgery on the injury. The former Porto man has struggled so far for game time under Arteta and his latest setback is likely to provide further woes.
Injury: Groin.
Expected return date: Mid to late January 2024.
Jurrien Timber
Timber, who joined the Gunners from Ajax in summer, suffered a devastating injury on the opening weekend of the Premier League season. At the end of the first half of Arsenal’s clash against Nottingham Forest, the 22-year-old defender went down clutching his right knee
As it transpired, Timber’s ACL injury wasn’t as bad as first feared, with the estimate now a return between March and May of next year. Having been pictured most recently on Arsenal’s club trip to Rwanda, there is a growing belief that fans should see the former Ajax man in action before the end of the current campaign.
Injury: ACL
Expected return date : Early 2024
