Arsenal Injury Update: Latest on William Saliba, Riccardo Calafiori, and Ethan Nwaneri’s Return Dates

Arsenal’s title aspirations this season have been marred by a series of unfortunate injuries, leaving Mikel Arteta’s side grappling with the challenge of maintaining momentum. After a promising win against Tottenham, the Gunners endured a frustrating 2-2 draw against Aston Villa despite holding a two-goal lead. This slip-up leaves Arsenal six points adrift of Liverpool, who also have a game in hand. With their FA Cup journey ending prematurely and a steep hill to climb in the Carabao Cup semi-final against Newcastle, Arsenal’s season appears to be teetering on the edge.

A major factor in their struggles has been the absence of key players due to injuries. The lack of a traditional center-forward has often been highlighted, but the depletion of their squad through injuries is equally significant. Here’s an in-depth look at the latest updates on Arsenal’s injured stars.

William Saliba

The absence of William Saliba has been a huge blow for Arsenal. The French defender was sidelined following a hamstring issue sustained towards the end of the Spurs game. Saliba’s absence was felt against Aston Villa, where defensive lapses cost the Gunners two crucial points. Reports from France indicate that Saliba could miss at least two weeks, but Arteta is hoping for a swift recovery.

Expected return: Early February

Riccardo Calafiori

Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori has also been missing in action. After featuring prominently earlier in the season, he has been out since Arsenal’s clash with Manchester United. Although Arteta recently provided some optimism about his return, his absence has left Arsenal short at the back.

Expected return: Late January to early February 2025

Ethan Nwaneri

Ethan Nwaneri, Arsenal’s exciting young prospect, has been out since scoring in the draw against Brighton earlier this month. The teenager has recently resumed training, sparking hopes of a return. While his contributions may be limited by his age and experience, his talent could prove useful as the season progresses.

Expected return: To be determined

Takehiro Tomiyasu

Takehiro Tomiyasu has endured a frustrating campaign, with just six minutes of playing time under his belt due to a knee injury. The versatile defender’s absence has left Arteta short of options, particularly in crucial matches. There is still no clarity on when Tomiyasu might return to full fitness.

Expected return: Unknown

Ben White

Ben White’s absence has further compounded Arsenal’s defensive struggles. The England international underwent knee surgery in November and has been on the road to recovery since. Arteta has remained cautious about setting a specific timeline for White’s return but expressed optimism about his progress.

“The knee is improving steadily, and his response to treatment has been encouraging,” Arteta said. “It’s a delicate process, but I’m confident we’ll see him back soon.”

Potential return: Late January

Bukayo Saka

Bukayo Saka’s absence has arguably been the most significant blow for Arsenal. The winger, who has been pivotal to their attacking play, underwent surgery for a hamstring injury sustained in December. While initial reports suggested a March return, the timeline remains uncertain, and Arsenal will hope to have him back sooner rather than later.

Potential return: March 2025

Gabriel Jesus

Gabriel Jesus has been sidelined with an ACL injury suffered during Arsenal’s FA Cup match against Manchester United. The Brazilian striker’s unavailability has robbed Arsenal of a clinical edge upfront, with his absence likely to stretch into the summer.

Potential return: Summer 2025

The Broader Impact

Arsenal’s current injury crisis has not only exposed the lack of depth in the squad but also placed immense pressure on Arteta to find solutions. Without key players like Saka and Jesus, Arsenal’s attacking fluency has been disrupted, while the absence of Saliba and White has weakened the defensive structure.

The injury list has also highlighted the challenges of competing on multiple fronts. As Arsenal battle to stay in contention for silverware, their squad depth is being tested to the limit. The January transfer window could be pivotal in addressing some of these issues, with Arteta likely to explore options to bolster his injury-stricken squad.

Arteta’s Perspective

Despite the setbacks, Arteta remains optimistic. “Injuries are part of the game, and while it’s frustrating to lose players, we have to focus on what we can control,” he said. “The team has shown resilience, and I’m confident we can overcome these challenges.”

Looking Ahead

Arsenal fans will be hoping for positive updates on their injured stars in the coming weeks. With a crucial stretch of fixtures ahead, including the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final, the return of players like Saliba and Calafiori could provide a much-needed boost.

The Road to Recovery

While the road to recovery for many players remains uncertain, Arsenal’s medical team will be working tirelessly to expedite their return. The upcoming fixtures will be a litmus test for the squad’s character and Arteta’s tactical acumen as they navigate this challenging period.

Conclusion

As Arsenal strives to salvage their season, the return of key players could prove decisive. Whether they can overcome their current injury crisis and mount a serious challenge for silverware remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the Gunners will need to dig deep and show resilience in the face of adversity.