Arsenal injury update: Leandro Trossard, Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard latest

Arsenal’s momentum across four competitions shows no sign of slowing, but Mikel Arteta is still juggling key fitness calls ahead of Thursday night’s Premier League trip to Brentford.

The Gunners are aiming to make it five straight wins in all competitions after a flawless response to recent doubts over their title credentials. Since the home defeat to Manchester United, Arsenal have topped their Champions League group, reached the Carabao Cup final and continued to apply pressure in the league.

With rivals playing earlier in the round, Arteta’s side will know exactly what is required by the time they take to the pitch in west London. Encouragingly, several senior players are edging closer to a return — though a fresh concern has also emerged.

Here is the latest Arsenal injury update, including news on Leandro Trossard, Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard.

Leandro Trossard is the newest name on Arsenal’s injury list after being forced off late in Saturday’s 3–0 win over Sunderland.

The Belgian returned to the starting XI as Arteta rotated following the Carabao Cup semi-final victory over Chelsea, but his afternoon ended shortly before full-time after receiving treatment on the pitch.

Trossard was able to walk off under his own steam before being replaced by Christian Nørgaard, and while there has been no official diagnosis yet, he is considered a doubt for the Brentford match.

Potential return date: 12 February vs Brentford (A)

Bukayo Saka has missed Arsenal’s last two matches after pulling out during the warm-up ahead of the 4–0 win over Leeds.

Arteta has confirmed the issue — believed to be related to Saka’s hip — is improving, but caution remains the priority.

“Bukayo is getting much better,” Arteta said. “Hopefully, very soon he will be with us.”

Despite that optimism, reports suggest the England international is targeting a return for the north London derby later this month, meaning he is unlikely to be risked against Brentford or in the FA Cup tie with Wigan.

Potential return date: 22 February vs Tottenham (A)

Martin Ødegaard is expected to be back in contention imminently after missing the wins over Chelsea and Sunderland.

The Arsenal captain impressed in a cameo appearance at Leeds but has since been managed carefully following a minor knock.

Arteta sounded confident earlier this week.

“Martin again is getting better. It will be a matter of days, we believe.”

Ødegaard is now pushing hard to be available for the Brentford trip, which would further strengthen Arsenal’s midfield options.

Potential return date: 12 February vs Brentford (A)

Mikel Merino is Arsenal’s most significant long-term absentee. The club confirmed last week that the midfielder will undergo surgery on a foot injury and is expected to be sidelined for an extended period.

Further insight came from Merino’s father, Miguel, who highlighted the unusual nature of the injury.

“It’s a stress fracture. There’s uncertainty because the recovery time isn’t well understood,” he told Cadena SER.

The focus remains on a return to full training before the end of the season.

Potential return date: Unknown

Max Dowman has been out since December after damaging ankle ligaments in an Under-21s friendly against Manchester United.

The highly rated teenager, who recently signed a pre-professional contract, is progressing but still some way from a first-team return.

“Max hasn’t trained with us so it will still be a few weeks,” Arteta said. “But he’s getting better.”

Potential return date: February

Arsenal travel to Brentford on Thursday before switching focus to the FA Cup and then the north London derby. With silverware on three fronts and a title race tightening, managing player fitness over the next fortnight will be crucial.

Should Arteta risk Ødegaard or Trossard against Brentford — or keep his powder dry for the bigger tests ahead?