Arsenal’s focus has quickly shifted from frustration to fitness after a goalless draw at Nottingham Forest halted their momentum at the top of the Premier League.
Mikel Arteta’s side missed the chance to open a nine-point gap on Manchester City after being held 0–0 at the City Ground, extending a run of back-to-back scoreless league matches. While results elsewhere softened the immediate impact, attention has turned firmly to Arsenal’s availability ahead of a defining week.
The Gunners travel to Serie A leaders Inter Milan in the Champions League on Tuesday before hosting a resurgent Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday — with fresh concerns over key personnel.
Here is the latest Arsenal injury news and expected return dates.
Bukayo Saka
Bukayo Saka is Arsenal’s primary concern.
The winger was named on the bench at Nottingham Forest, with Arteta later confirming Saka had been managing a fitness issue in the build-up to the match. Described as a “niggle”, the problem prompted caution from the Arsenal staff after a heavy run of minutes.
Saka was introduced in the second half and came close to winning the game, forcing an excellent save from Matz Selswith a late header.
Arteta reiterated the need for careful management after the match.
“Bukayo had a lot of minutes and he had a niggle before the game, so we need to manage our players,” Arteta said.
With Arsenal already assured of automatic qualification for the Champions League knockout stage, rotation remains a possibility ahead of the Manchester United fixture.
Potential return date: 20 January vs Inter Milan (A) or 25 January vs Manchester United (H)
Riccardo Calafiori
Riccardo Calafiori has been sidelined since suffering a muscle issue in the warm-up before Arsenal’s win over Brighton shortly after Christmas.
The defender has now missed seven matches, with Arteta confirming last week that progress is being made but without offering a firm timeline.
“He’s progressing, but we don’t know exactly yet,” Arteta said recently. “A few weeks probably.”
For now, Calafiori remains unavailable as Arsenal continue to monitor his recovery.
Potential return date: Unknown
Piero Hincapié
Piero Hincapié was forced off during Arsenal’s 0–0 draw with Liverpool on 8 January and has since been ruled out with a groin injury.
The centre-back has missed fixtures against Portsmouth, Chelsea and Nottingham Forest, with Arteta remaining tight-lipped on his recovery status.
Potential return date: Unknown
Max Dowman
Max Dowman continues his rehabilitation from an ankle ligament injury sustained in a behind-closed-doors fixture against Manchester United before Christmas.
The 16-year-old was initially ruled out for around two months and has been withdrawn from Arsenal’s Champions League squad as a result. Arteta recently confirmed Dowman remains “a few weeks away” from returning.
Potential return date: Late February 2026
Key Insights
- Arsenal face a crucial week with Inter Milan and Manchester United ahead.
- Bukayo Saka is being carefully managed due to a fitness niggle.
- Calafiori and Hincapié remain without clear return timelines.
- Squad rotation may be used in Europe with qualification already secured.
- Depth will be tested as the title race intensifies.
What’s Next
Arteta is expected to clarify Saka’s status in his pre-match press conference before the Inter Milan clash. Arsenal’s approach to rotation on Tuesday could shape team selection for the Manchester United showdown, where fitness management may prove decisive.
Should Arsenal rest Bukayo Saka in Europe to protect him for Manchester United, or keep momentum with their strongest XI?
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