The latest Arsenal injury news ahead of Mikel Arteta�s side visiting Fulham this Sunday with the Gunners managing four fitness concerns including midfielder Thomas Partey....
The latest Arsenal injury news ahead of Mikel Arteta�s side visiting Fulham this Sunday with the Gunners managing four fitness concerns including midfielder Thomas Partey.
Fulham host Arsenal this weekend for the two club�s final Premier League game of 2023. The Cottagers will go into the day on a three-game losing streak. The Gunners also stomached a loss in midweek as West Ham United won 2-0 in controversial fashion at Emirates Stadium.
It marked the north Londoners� third defeat for the season and left Arsenal two points adrift of Liverpool atop the table. AFC Bournemouth handed Fulham their 10th defeat in 19 games on Boxing Day. Marco Silva�s west Londoners sit 13th in the standings at the mid-term point.
Arsenal�s injury list ahead of visiting Fulham on New Year�s Eve
Arsenal were without Kai Havertz for West Ham�s visit to Emirates Stadium with the 24-year-old serving a one-game suspension. He earnt a puzzling yellow card against Liverpool last week to hit five for the term. But Arteta will have Havertz back at Fulham on New Year�s Eve.
Now that Arsenal have played 19 Premier League games this season, Ben White is no longer one yellow card away from a one-match ban. Gabriel Jesus also received his fourth this term against West Ham this week. But the threshold is now 10 in 32 fixtures for a two-match ban.
Havertz�s return at Fulham should delight Arteta having featured in each of Arsenal�s first 18 Premier League games this season. He also started 12 and had scored three of his four goals in the midfielder�s past six matches. Arsenal have always won when Havertz has scored, too.
But while Arteta will welcome Havertz back at Fulham, Arsenal will be without a number of players with injury problems. So, with that in mind, here is the Gunners� current situation in the London Colney treatment room with four players, including Partey, a doubt for Sunday�
Thomas Partey injury latest
Arsenal did not appear to suffer any new injuries against West Ham but Partey is unlikely to return at Fulham. Arteta has been without the 30-year-old since October after he sustained a thigh injury in training. He would ultimately require a minor procedure for the injury, too.
The procedure ruled Partey out until the New Year and Arsenal remain hopeful of his return in early January. Gunners chiefs expect to have the Ghanaian available for their FA Cup tie at home to Liverpool. But he will depart soon after their tie for the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations.
Expected return: Liverpool (January 7)
Takehiro Tomiyasu injury latest
Arsenal are also pencilling Takehiro Tomiyasu in to return from a calf injury against Liverpool in the FA Cup. The 25-year-old has missed their last five Premier League games after picking up the problem against Wolves. He had laid on an assist in the 2-1 win for his first this term.
Tomiyasu has been a key part of Arteta�s plans with appearances as a left, right and centre-back this season. The visit of Wolves to north London also marked his third-straight start in place of White. But Tomiyasu will leave Arsenal in January to go to the Asia Cup with Japan.
Expected return: Liverpool (January 7)
Fabio Vieira injury latest
Arsenal are likely to be without Fabio Vieira for the trip to Fulham and the FA Cup match with Liverpool. But the Gunners expect to welcome their 23-year-old back after their winter break against Crystal Palace. He has been out since the start of December owing to a groin gripe.
Vieira sustained the injury whilst serving a three-match Premier League suspension after his red card as Arsenal beat Burnley. His prolonged absence has since cost Arteta one of his top substitutes. Six of Vieira�s eight Premier League games this season have been off the bench.
Expected return: Crystal Palace (January 20)
Jurrien Timber injury latest
Arsenal are now eying a return between March and May for Jurrien Timber following his ACL injury, per football.london. The 22-year-old is showing progress in his recovery from surgery this August. He suffered the injury on his Premier League debut against Nottingham Forest.
Timber�s progress is easing the initial fears that their summer signing from AFC Ajax faced a full year out. He played just 50 minutes as Arsenal beat the Reds 2-1. It was a cruel blow for Arteta, who quickly put his faith in Timber in pre-season to occupy a versatile defensive role.
Expected return: March-May 2024
