Arsenal secured a 3-0 victory over Fulham on Saturday, but the win came at a cost as several key players were absent. The Gunners extended their lead over Manchester City in the Premier League title race with the convincing result at the Emirates Stadium.
Bukayo Saka made his first start since recovering from an Achilles injury, while Martin Zubimendi was given a rest. Myles Lewis-Skelly was handed a rare starting opportunity. With the upcoming Champions League semi-final against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday, there is hope that some of the injured stars will return to strengthen Arsenal’s chances of winning their first European title.
Here is the latest update on Arsenal’s injury situation and potential return dates for key players:
Martin Odegaard
The Norwegian captain was left out of the matchday squad against Fulham due to a knee injury. Odegaard has been dealing with a persistent issue all season and was forced off during a previous game at the Estadio Metropolitano. He did not feature in the match at the Emirates, but manager Mikel Arteta remains optimistic about his return for the crucial clash against Atletico.
Arteta said: “I think so, the both of them.”
Potential return date:
Atletico Madrid (H) on Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Kai Havertz
The German international was substituted in the first half of the 1-0 win over Newcastle two weeks ago due to a muscle injury. He missed the Champions League encounter with Atletico and the recent victory over Fulham.
Arteta described Havertz as having a “muscular niggle” but expressed confidence that he could return for the second leg against Atletico.
“We are going to do everything, to have them ready,” Arteta said regarding Havertz and Odegaard.
Potential return date:
Atletico Madrid (H) on Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Jurrien Timber
The Dutch right-back has been a significant absence for Arsenal in their title run-in. Timber has not played for the club in over a month after being forced off during the win against Everton in March due to a groin problem.
Arteta mentioned that Timber has been doing some training on the pitch ahead of the trip to Madrid, but there is no clear timeline for his return.
“He’s doing some stuff on the pitch at the moment, but we need to get the gears up and be able to do more things before he can compete with us,” Arteta said.
Potential return date:
Unknown
Mikel Merino
Arsenal hopes that Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino can contribute to their title push before the end of the season. The former Real Sociedad player has been sidelined since February after suffering a stress fracture in his foot during a match against Manchester United.
Arteta was asked if Merino could play before the campaign concludes.
“It’s a bit premature to say that,” Arteta said.
“He’s evolving really well. He’s really pushing every boundary that he possibly can. But it’s a bit early to answer that question.”
Potential return date:
Unknown
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