Arsenal injury update ahead of Wolvesplaceholder image
Arsenal injury update ahead of Wolves | Getty Images
The latest Arsenal injury news and likely return dates as they prepare to face Wolves in the Premier League
Arsenal remain top of the Premier League table after 15 matches but have Manchester City and Aston Villa breathing down their neck. The Gunners were beaten 2-1 by the latter in their last league outing. Leandro Trossard got their goal against Unai Emery’s men at Villa Park but they weren’t able to get anything from the game.
Mikel Arteta’s side have been a tough nut to crack this season and have lost only twice. They will be looking to bounce back with a victory against Wolves this weekend. Their upcoming opponents are still without a win in this campaign and are rock bottom.
When will Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice be back available?
Arsenal midfielderDeclan Rice missed their Champions League clash against Club Brugge on Wednesday evening due to illness. He didn’t travel to Belgium with the camp and was left at home. The Gunners won 3-0 with Noni Madueke scoring twice, whilst Gabriel Martinelli also found the net.
Rice will need to be assessed ahead of the Wolves game and should be alright. Arteta said, via Goal: “Declan was ill. He was quite sick after the [Villa] game, and he hasn’t travelled with us. He will have a couple of days to rest and to get his body right. But today, already, he was very keen to be able to play. But unfortunately, he’s not.”
Defender Jurrien Timber also sat out against Club Brugge after suffering a knock against Aston Villa. Arsenal wanted to keep him, Trossard and Riccardo Calafiori fresh and they all didn’t feature. Like with Rice, the trio will be checked over the coming days and Arteta will have his fingers crossed that they will be fine.
What is the latest update regarding William Saliba and Gabriel?
Arsenal remain without key defender William Saliba which isn’t ideal. The Frenchman suffered a blow against Chelsea at the end of November and remains sidelined. He is closer than other players though and they have a decision to make ahead of their game against Wolves. However, they won’t want to rush him back and won’t take any risks if he isn’t ready.
Centre-back Gabriel is further away than teammate Saliba. He suffered his injury playing for Brazil a month ago and there were initial fears that he would be in the treatment room until January. Arteta said last week that he was doing ‘very well’, so a return in late December can’t be ruled out.
Cristhian Mosquera had an ideal opportunity to stake a claim in the starting XI in the absence of Saliba and Gabriel. The former Valencia went off against Brentford recently and is poised for six to eight weeks on the sidelines. He was signed in the summer to add more competition and depth to the Gunners’ defensive department.
Promising winger Max Dowman has sustained ankle ligament damage and has been taken out of their Champions League squad. Although the 15-year-old doesn’t require surgery, he won’t be able to play for a while. February seems a realistic return date for the teenager and due to his tender age, caution will be needed.
Elsewhere, Kai Havertz has featured only once this term for Arsenal. The London outfit are taking their time with him as he recovers from a knee issue. Late December or early January is his aim as he looks to get back out on the pitch as quickly and as safely as possible.
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