Arsenal have booked their ticket to Wembley after beating Chelsea at the semi-final showdown. However, the busy schedule is raising concerns about player fitness. The squad celebrated reaching the final. But there are worries about key players who missed the game. This latest Arsenal Injury Update highlights the recovery status of Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, and Mikel Merino. The Gunners are going for four major trophies this season. Fans need to know when injured players will return for the upcoming Premier League and FA Cup games.
Saka’s Fitness and Return Time – Arsenal Injury Update
The manager pulled Bukayo Saka off from the line-up just minutes before the 4-0 win over Leeds. Mikel Arteta said, he felt a slight pain during warm-up. Scans confirmed a groin injury. As a result, he missed the Carabao Cup semi-final victory against Chelsea, with Noni Madueke filling in on the right wing. Early scans show the knock is not serious. However, the club doctors still need more tests. These tests will show how fit he really is.
The medical team is aiming for the North London Derby against Tottenham on 22 February for his return. This means Saka will likely miss games against Sunderland and Brentford. He could also sit out the FA Cup tie with Wigan.
Although Saka is keen to come back quickly, the club is taking a cautious approach to ensure he is fully fit for the final stretch of the season.
🚨Bukayo Saka’s injury isn’t serious but he’s not expected to return until the North London Derby later this month, as per @sr_collings.
He will miss the Carabao Cup semi-final clash tonight, as well as Sunderland (h), Brentford (a) and Wigan (h).
Arsenal should have more than… pic.twitter.com/cYJuIKcdia
— now.arsenal (@now_arsenaI) February 3, 2026
Odegaard’s Recovery Timeline
Club captain Martin Odegaard missed the game against Chelsea in a surprise move. He reportedly felt a “niggle” in his brief appearance in the Leeds game. His absence was only a safety measure and not due to a serious injury. Medical staff wanted to make sure the issue doesn’t get worse during an important cup match. He has had knee and shoulder issues in the past. So the staff is keeping a close eye on his workload.
Training reports say the captain tried to prove his fitness before the Chelsea match but did not feel fully comfortable. There is positive news, though. He is expected to return for the home game against Sunderland on Saturday, 7 February. Odegaard’s quick return would be a big boost for the Gunners. The team misses his creativity and leadership in the starting XI.
🚨NEW! 💣
Martin Ødegaard’s injury is minor and is being protected. Not guaranteed for the weekend, but Arsenal are optimistic he’ll be back soon. 🇳🇴 🚫 pic.twitter.com/JOXUChU4J2
— AFC Xtra (@AFC__Xtra) February 3, 2026
Merino’s Injury Progress and Return Prospects
Mikel Merino’s case is more serious. The midfielder faces a long spell out. He picked up a bone injury to his right foot against Manchester United. Arsenal confirmed he needs surgery for a stress fracture. It is a rare injury, and there is no clear return date. Arteta called it a “big blow,” but said the surgery is a necessary step in Merino’s recovery.
Teammate Martín Zubimendi has said that Merino is currently “in pain” but remains focused on his recovery. His absence limits Arteta’s options, as Merino could play in various midfield roles. Reports say he will be out for a long time. He could return to training in April or May. His absence is a major hit. But recent results show the team can handle setbacks as they push for a historic quadruple.
🚨 Confirmed: Mikel Merino will have surgery on a bone injury in his foot in the coming days & will then begin his recovery & rehabilitation programme.
Merino is expected to be out for an extended period, with the aim of returning to full training before the end of the season. pic.twitter.com/XlAG4ES3tB
— afcstuff (@afcstuff) February 1, 2026
Final Thoughts: Key Takeaways from the Latest Arsenal Injury Update
The latest Arsenal Injury Update provides both good and bad news for the Gunners. Arsenal expect Martin Odegaard to return this weekend against Sunderland. They will also likely rest Bukayo Saka for the crucial North London Derby on 22 February. Meanwhile, Mikel Merino faces a race against time to feature again this season following foot surgery. The North London team is facing an injury crisis. But the win over Chelsea shows they are ready to fight on all fronts as the season nears the end.
As featured on GoonerNews.com
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