Arsenal Injury News: Odegaard blow, Rice absence, Jesus back?
Following the international break, Arsenal return to Premier League action on Sunday as they make the trip across north London to face rivals Tottenham.
The Gunners won their first two league fixtures of the season without conceding a goal, but that momentum was halted with the 1-1 draw at home to Brighton before the break.
Here is the latest Arsenal team news ahead of Sunday’s north London derby…
Japanese defender Takehiro Tomiyasu is yet to make an appearance for Arsenal following a knee injury sustained in pre-season training back in July.
Tomiyasu is expected to remain absent for Sunday’s trip to Tottenham, but should be returning to full fitness by the end of September.
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Gunners left-back Kieran Tierney remains sidelined after picking up a hamstring injury while away with Scotland at the summer’s European Championship.
At present, there is no defined return date for the Scotsman, who continues to work on his recovery with the aim of eventually forcing his way into Mikel Arteta’s plans this season.
Summer signing Riccardo Calafiori made two substitute appearances for Arsenal before the international break, with 42 minutes under his belt in the Premier League thus far.
The 22-year-old started for Italy in their victory over France last week, but returned to Arsenal over the weekend after picking up a calf issue.
Fortunately, the Italian’s injury is said to not look as bad as first feared, with it hoped that he could feature in some capacity against Spurs on Sunday.
After being shown a second yellow for poking the ball away from Joel Veltman in the draw with Brighton before the break, Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice will be forced to sit out this weekend’s clash through suspension.
Rice started and scored for England in their victory over Ireland last Saturday.
Brazil international Gabriel Jesus played a part in Arsenal’s opening day victory over Wolves, but sustained a groin injury in training only a few days later.
The 27-year-old, though, is said to be progressing well, and could make his return to Mikel Arteta’s first-team squad against Tottenham.
After completing his move from Real Sociedad in the final week of the summer transfer window, Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino suffered a shoulder injury in his first Arsenal training session.
Given the nature of his injury, the Euro 2024 winner is expected to remain sidelined until the end of October.
In perhaps the biggest blow yet for the Gunners, captain Martin Odegaard suffered an ankle sprain during Norway’s win over Austria on Monday evening.
The extent of the injury is yet to be revealed, though it would come as a welcome surprise if the 25-year-old is available to face Spurs at the weekend.
