Arsenal injury news: Saka quad scan, Saliba's December return date, Hincapié and Tzolis latest
Mikel Arteta has given updates on four players: Bukayo Saka's quad problem, William Saliba's long-awaited return, Piero Hincapié's ankle and a new hamstring injury for Christos Tzolis. Here is every expected return date.
Arsenal are three points behind Manchester City at the top of the table, and how quickly their injured players return could decide whether they can stay close. Mikel Arteta gave a full update this week.
Arsenal injury list at a glance
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Bukayo Saka | Quad | Unknown — waiting on assessment |
| William Saliba | Back | December |
| Piero Hincapié | Ankle | Could be available v Everton |
| Christos Tzolis | Hamstring | "A few weeks" |
Bukayo Saka: waiting for answers
Saka came off with a sharp pain in his quad, and Arsenal do not yet know how serious it is. "A player that has to come off with a really sharp pain is never good news, but we have to wait and see," Arteta said.
That means the right wing remains an open question. We looked at the options — including Noni Madueke and Max Dowman — in how Arsenal can cope without Saka, and our earlier Saka injury update has the background.
William Saliba: the best news
Saliba has not played at all this season. A long-term back problem got worse at the World Cup, but he has avoided surgery and is now doing individual work on the grass. He will have another scan next week, and the target is a return in December.
"Every sign so far has been very, very positive. It will be great to have him," Arteta said. Arsenal's defence has coped well without him, but getting one of Europe's best centre-backs back for the busy winter fixtures would be a major boost.
Piero Hincapié: close to a return
Hincapié has an ankle problem, but it is not serious. "If he is able to train the next few days, he can be available for Everton, which is great news," Arteta said. The left-sided defender's return would give Arteta more options at full-back and centre-back.
Christos Tzolis: a new problem
The news on Tzolis is worse. The forward picked up a hamstring injury on international duty with Greece. "Tzolis has a muscle injury, and he's going to be out for a few weeks," Arteta said. With Saka also out, that leaves Arsenal short of wide players.
What it means for the title race
City have won all seven league games, so Arsenal cannot afford many slips. Getting Hincapié back now and Saliba in December would strengthen the defence, but the key question is Saka. Arsenal's attack has relied on him for five seasons, and a long absence would test the depth of the squad.
Keep up with the Premier League table and Arsenal's team page.
FAQ
When will William Saliba return for Arsenal? Arsenal expect him back in December after a back problem. He has another scan next week.
How long is Bukayo Saka out for? Not yet known. He has a quad injury and Arsenal are waiting for an assessment.
Is Hincapié fit to face Everton? Possibly. Arteta says he can be available if he trains in the next few days.
