Arsenal will be hoping that, along with the return of long-term absentee Thomas Partey, Declan Rice and Gabriel Magalhaes are both fit to play. They went off against Palace but more as a precaution than anything. However, the pair were not spotted in training this week.
Declan Rice
Rice seemed to pick up a hamstring injury towards the end of the Palace game. Arteta meanwhile, has suggested it is not serious and attributed the issue to ‘tightness.’
Despite writing on Instagram “Letter A (assist) emoji] for the big man! Back to winning ways [red and white circle emoji],” he has not indicated to be injured. There have been positive steps towards an immediate return for him.
Expected return date: Nottingham Forest (A) – January 30
Gabriel Magalhaes
The Brazilian picked up a knock following a collision late during the Palace game. His substitution also appeared to be precautionary and he continues being assessed ahead of the trip to Forest on Tuesday. This might explain why he wasn’t seen in training images released by the club this week.
Expected return date: Nottingham Forest (A) – January 30
Thomas Partey
Partey has taken a giant step towards playing for Arsenal again after a long injury lay-off. He returned to training this week and has been participating in full sessions by Arteta alongside his teammates.
Expected return date: Nottingham Forest (A) – January 30.
Fabio Vieira
Vieira remains out after having surgery on a groin injury. He did some light warm-ups during Arsenal’s winter camp in Dubai.
Expected return date: February 2024.
Takehiro Tomiyasu
Tomiyasu is back fit after suffering a calf problem which kept him out for most of December, but he’s currently on international duty for Japan at the Asian Cup with Japan. The defender could be back as early as next week although he’s expected to be away for longer.
Expected return date: Unknown.
Jurrien Timber
Timber is stepping up his work and he is now involved in ball training. There has been a growing sense of optimism around the player that he will play again before the season is over.
The Daily Mail reports that he could be back in time for Arteta to give him nearly two months of game time before the year is out. There is still caution being urged though as his recovery continues.
Expected return date: Unknown.
