Arsenal are back in action on Monday evening when they take on League One side Oxford United in the third round of the FA Cup.
The Gunners have been in fine form this season and currently sit top of the Premier League standings, five points clear of second-placed Manchester City. However, Mikel Arteta’s side were unable to win last time out, drawing 0-0 with Newcastle United on Tuesday night during a tense affair at the Emirates Stadium.
Arteta and Co will be hoping to get back to winning ways this weekend at the Kassam Stadium, where the likes of Reiss Nelson and Emile Smith Rowe could return from their respective injuries. With that in mind, football.london has taken a look at the latest Arsenal injury news ahead of Monday’s match.
Gabriel Jesus
Jesus suffered medial ligament damage whilst playing for Brazil against Cameroon in the World Cup group stages. The 25-year-old later returned to London to undergo surgery on his knee.
The former Man City man has been keen to update Arsenal fans on his injury rehabilitation and after posting he no longer needed crutches last week. The striker has posted another encouraging update on his recovery that offers a more insightful view.
Expected return date: February / March 2023.
Emile Smith Rowe
Smith Rowe has been out for a considerable length of time. Even though he was hoping to return for Newcastle, Arteta is being cautious and may opt not to risk him just yet.
What Arteta has said: “He’s made big steps in the last week. He took part in some training sessions and looked good. We’re hoping to have him back soon.”
Expected return date: January 2023.
Reiss Nelson
The extent of Nelson’s hamstring injury is currently unknown, but Arteta admitted after the friendly with Juventus that it could be problematic.
What Arteta has said: “We don’t know the extent of the injury. The fact that he had to leave the pitch straight away is not good news, especially with someone like Reiss who is really powerful and fast. Let’s see what will happen. We know what we have to do and that doesn’t change the plans [for the transfer window].”
Expected return date: Unknown.
Ben White
White looked fatigued in the second half against Newcastle on Tuesday night and was taken off with 14 minutes to play for Takehiro Tomiyasu – leaving the pitch at a walking pace despite the Gunners needing a goal.
Mikel Arteta may be concerned with the English defender’s fitness after starting the last two Premier League fixtures, but with the Japan international making a return to full fitness, it allows the Arsenal boss to rotate his side to keep players fresh.
Expected return date: Oxford (A) – January 9
