Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has provided the latest injury updates on Riccardo Calafiori, Jurrien Timber, and Ben White, ahead of the Premier League clash with Burnley
Mikel Arteta reacts
Mikel Arteta has several injury concerns in his Arsenal squad(Image: Getty Images)
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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has provided injury updates on Riccardo Calafiori, Jurrien Timber and Ben White amid their Premier League title battle with Manchester City. The latter limped off during the West Ham fixture and has subsequently been sidelined for the remainder of the season, while Arteta remains uncertain whether Calafiori will feature against Burnley following his half-time substitution at London Stadium.
A comprehensive update regarding Timber's condition was also given by Arteta on Friday morning, with the boss revealing that the Dutchman has "progressed in the last few days". Mikel Merino represents Arsenal's other injury concern, with the Spaniard battling to make a comeback before the season concludes.
After City's victory over Crystal Palace on Wednesday, Arsenal can no longer secure the title against Burnley next Monday at Emirates Stadium, though they will be crowned champions the day after should they triumph and City drop points against Bournemouth.
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Arteta will presumably be eager to welcome back several key personnel ahead of the final day encounter at Crystal Palace, with their Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain scheduled for the subsequent weekend. With all of that in mind, below is a look at the most recent updates on Arsenal's injured players and their potential return dates.
Riccardo Calafiori
Calafiori was withdrawn for Cristhian Mosquera last Sunday after he "felt something", according to Arteta. He has now offered a fresh update on the Italian.
What Arteta has said: "No, we don't know whether he's going to be available now. We still have days ahead. Hopefully, it's nothing serious, but we'll have to wait and see how he reacts."
Possible return date: Crystal Palace (A) - Sunday, May 24.
Riccardo Calafiori during an Arsenal game
Riccardo Calafiori picked up an injury during Arsenal's win at West Ham United(Image: Getty Images)
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Jurrien Timber
Despite being sidelined for the past two months, Timber still has an outside chance of featuring in Arsenal's remaining three fixtures. Arteta offered an encouraging update on the Dutchman's fitness ahead of the Gunners' clash with Burnley.
What Arteta has said: "He wanted to be very close to the team. He's progressed a little bit in the last few days. He's feeling better. We're going to try to get him available as quick as possible.
"But he's obviously been out now for a while, unfortunately. He's such an important player for us. We all know that. And he's doing everything that he possibly can to help the team in any capacity. And I don't know, his leadership, his quality and how much the team needs him. He's trying everything that he can."
Possible return date: Crystal Palace (A) - Sunday, May 24.
Ben White
Both Arsenal and Arteta have confirmed that White will play no part in the Burnley, Palace or PSG matches after sustaining a knee injury. The England international will, however, be spared the need for an operation.
What Arteta has said: "We have to wait and see. It looks like a long-term injury. At the moment, the focus is that we can have him back to be available for Arsenal. That's not going to happen in many, many weeks."
Possible return date: Unknown.
Mikel Merino
Merino remains sidelined following foot surgery which he had back in February, and it is presently uncertain whether he will feature again this season.
What Arteta has said: "No chance for the weekend... I don't know [if he will return before the end of the season]. There's still a fair bit to do, so everything has to be smooth and quick, if they want to have a chance to play any minutes.
Possible return date: Unknown.