Arsenal started the Premier League season with a 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest but Mikel Arteta has some fresh injury concerns
It may only be the start of the season but Arsenal already have several injury problems to consider ahead of their trip to Crystal Palace on Monday.
The Gunners began the new campaign with a 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest, with goals from Eddie Nketiah and Bukayo Saka helping Mikel Arteta’s side pick up the three points. However, within five minutes of the second half, Arsenal were dealt an unfortunate injury blow.
Making his debut for the club, Jurrien Timber had landed awkwardly after a foul on Brennan Johnson during the first half. The defender remained on the pitch after the interval but was replaced by Takehiro Tomiyasu in the 50th minute after continued discomfort in his knee.
Elsewhere, Gabriel Jesus, Oleksandr Zinchenko, and Mohamed Elneny were not part of the matchday squad due to fitness issues. football.london has rounded up the latest Arsenal injury news and provided possible return dates for those on the sidelines, ahead of the game with Palace on Monday, August 21.
Jurrien Timber
After suffering a problem in his knee during the first half, it did not take long for Timber to leave the field once the game restarted. On Monday, Arsenal gave an update on the latest news surrounding the possible extent of Timber’s injury.
A club statement read: "Further to his substitution during our match against Nottingham Forest on Saturday, Jurrien has received extensive assessments and scans which have confirmed he has sustained an injury to his right knee. Jurrien will undergo a further detailed assessment and review with a consultant in the coming days to assess the full extent of the injury, in order to determine the next steps.
“A further update will be provided in due course. Everyone at the club will be focussed on supporting Jurrien at this time."
Injury: Knee
What Arteta has said: "The physio and docs looked at him and were happy to continue. Straight away in the second he made a movement and it felt funny. We will have to assess him."
Expected return date: Unknown
Oleksandr Zinchenko
Zinchenko has been recovering from the calf injury that saw him miss the final three league games, last season. The 26-year-old returned to training earlier this month but is yet to be named in a matchday squad.
What Arteta has said: "Yeah I think everyone is available," Arteta said, ahead of the Forest game. "We have Mo [Elneny] out, we have Gabriel Jesus with a knee injury but the rest should be fine."
Injury: Calf.
Expected return date: Crystal Palace (A) - Monday, August 21.
Gabriel Jesus
The striker is progressing with his recovery after undergoing a knee operation. Gabriel Jesus is set to step up his rehabilitation but the club are yet to share an update regarding a possible return.
Injury: Knee
What Arteta has said: "It’s a bit early still. Less than two weeks since the operation. Hopefully he can start to do some stuff next week.
"He's doing really well to be fair. But it’s something we’re going to be cautious and make sure he comes back in the right way."
Expected return date: Unknown
Mohamed Elneny
Mohamed Elneny has been sidelined since suffering a serious knee injury in January. The midfielder is recovering after undergoing an operation but was spotted at London Colney during pre-season.
Injury: Knee
Expected return date: Unknown
Recovering at London Colney: Albert Sambi Lokonga, Nicolas Pepe, Cedric Soares, Nuno Tavares