Arsenal injury update: Timber, Odegaard and Trossard return timelines

Arsenal head into a crucial week in their season with growing injury concerns despite strengthening their position at the top of the Premier League table.

Late goals from Viktor Gyokeres and teenager Max Dowman secured a 2-0 victory over Everton at the Emirates Stadium, extending Arsenal’s lead in the title race. Further encouragement arrived shortly afterwards when Manchester City were held to a draw by West Ham.

However, Mikel Arteta’s side must now prepare for two major fixtures – a Champions League last-16 second leg against Bayer Leverkusen and the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City – with several key players facing uncertain fitness.

Here is the latest Arsenal injury news involving Jurrien Timber, Martin Odegaard and Leandro Trossard.

The biggest worry from Arsenal’s victory over Everton was Jurrien Timber being forced off before half-time.

The Dutch defender initially attempted to continue after receiving treatment from the club’s medical staff, but eventually signalled to the bench that he could not carry on.

Timber was replaced by Cristhian Mosquera, a decision that surprised many supporters as Ben White remained on the bench.

At this stage, Arsenal have not confirmed the severity of Timber’s injury, leaving his availability for the Champions League clash with Bayer Leverkusen and the Carabao Cup final in doubt.

Potential return date: Unknown

Club captain Martin Odegaard has been absent from the Arsenal lineup in recent weeks due to a persistent knee problem.

The Norwegian midfielder has not played since coming off the bench during the emphatic north London derby victory against Tottenham last month.

He has since missed five matches across all competitions while continuing to work on his recovery.

Speaking ahead of the Everton match, Arteta suggested a late decision would be made regarding his captain’s availability.

"We will have to wait and see, speak to the doctors on whether they are involved or not."

With such important fixtures approaching, Arsenal will hope Odegaard can return to the squad soon.

Potential return date: March 17 vs Bayer Leverkusen

Leandro Trossard was another notable absentee from Arsenal’s squad against Everton.

The Belgian forward picked up a knock during the FA Cup match against Mansfield and was forced off in the first half.

Although he missed the Everton game, Trossard had previously trained with the squad before the Champions League first leg against Leverkusen.

This suggests the forward could be close to returning to action if he continues to progress in training.

Potential return date: March 17 vs Bayer Leverkusen

Midfielder Mikel Merino remains a long-term absentee following surgery on a serious foot injury sustained against Manchester United in January.

Arteta confirmed the injury requires a lengthy rehabilitation period as it involves bone healing.

"We're talking about months, whether it's three, four or five, we don't know."

The Spaniard is unlikely to return until the later stages of the season, if at all.

Potential return date: Unknown

Arsenal now turn their focus to two major fixtures in the coming days. First, they host Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League last-16 second leg before facing Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley. The availability of key players could play a significant role in determining whether Arteta’s side can continue their push for multiple trophies this season.