There are a lot of players out for Arsenal at the moment and it’s left lots of fans wandering when they’ll be back. Fresh Arsenal has searched the best sources to find you the most accurate return time for each player.
Per Mertesacker and Olivier Giroud (illness and knee)
Both players look set to return tomorrow night in Marseille.
Expected return: Marseille (A) September 18
Mikel Arteta (thigh)
He’s not played at all this season competitively, and the steady ship in Arsenal’s midfield is set to finally make his return. The player will have targeted the Carling Cup game in 8 days time to make his return – but it’ll likely be from the bench.
Expected return: West Brom (A) September 25
Yaya Sanogo (back)
Sanogo picked up a back problem on International duty with France under 21’s. He was immediately ruled out for Saturday’s game against Sunderland and is also very likely to not play a part against Marseille, Stoke or West Brom in the League Cup.
Expected return: Napoli (H) October 1
Lukas Podolski (hamstring)
Podolski has really impressed with his recovery. Initially expected to spend 8-10 weeks out it looks like he could return after just 6. The player has aimed to return for Arsenal’s first home Champions League game against Napoli.
Expected return: Napoli (H) October 1
Tomas Rosicky (thigh)
Another player who picked up an injury on International duty, Rosicky looks set to miss 2-3 weeks – but with a player like Rosicky and a player of his age, we know calculated return dates can often be pushed back.
Expected return: West Brom (A) October 6
Santi Cazorla (foot)
Cazorla has picked up a foot or ankle problem away on International duty and the initial diagnosis is 4-6 weeks.
Expected return: Crystal Palace (A) October 26
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (knee)
Initially there were fears he could miss most of the season, but it now appears the player could be in line to return in November providing recovery continues to go well. That is a big boost for Arsenal as the versatile midfielder offers so many options.
Expected return: Liverpool (H) November 2
Gedion Zelalem (unknown)
Now officially part of the first team, Zelalem is unfortuantely included in this list. He confirmed on Twitter he’ll miss two months, but it’s currently unknown the exact problem, as Arsenal are yet to officially comment on any injury.
Expected return: Manchester United (A) November 10
Abou Diaby (knee)
Is it worth even including his name in this article? He has been pretty much discounted as a player for Arsenal now – not sure if we’ll even see him again.
Expected return: Some time next year
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Photo by Ronnie Macdonald