## Arsenal Injury Update: Current Status of Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard, and Jurrien Timber
As Arsenal prepares for their upcoming Premier League match against Liverpool, fans are eager for news on several key injured players. Mikel Arteta’s squad has faced significant challenges, making the conditions of Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard, and Jurrien Timber particularly crucial. Here’s the latest on their injuries and potential return dates.
### Bukayo Saka’s Hamstring Concerns
Bukayo Saka’s absence is a major worry for Arsenal, especially after he sustained a suspected hamstring injury during England’s Nations League loss to Greece. Initially considered minor, the situation became more serious when he was pulled from the squad for further evaluation.
Although there were hopes he would return for the Bournemouth match, Saka did not play. Arteta commented before the game, “We tried over the last few days, but he didn’t feel right. There was no need to rush him, and we have strong alternatives.”
Before the Champions League match against Shakhtar Donetsk, Arteta said: “He is improving and getting closer. We’ll assess how he feels after training today.”
**Expected return date:** October 22 vs Shakhtar Donetsk
### Martin Ødegaard’s Ankle Injury
Captain Martin Ødegaard has been sidelined since August 31 due to a serious ankle ligament injury sustained while playing for Norway. His creative abilities have been greatly missed.
Although there was initial optimism about his return, Arteta confirmed he wouldn’t be ready for the Bournemouth match, stating, “He won’t be fit for this game. Next week might be different. In this later rehab phase, he needs to meet certain benchmarks.”
Ahead of the Shakhtar game, Arteta noted Ødegaard is progressing well but is still not fit.
If he doesn’t return for the Liverpool match, he could be available for the Carabao Cup clash against Preston North End later in October.
**Expected return date:** October 27 vs Liverpool, or October 30 vs Preston
### Jurrien Timber’s Recovery Progress
Jurrien Timber has had a tough start at Arsenal due to injuries affecting his playtime. After the international break, Arteta mentioned that Timber was close to returning: “The three of them are quite close. We’ll see who is available today.”
While Ben White and Oleksandr Zinchenko made their comebacks, Timber was still out following an injury during the Champions League match against Paris Saint-Germain last month. Arteta is being cautious with Timber, given his history of a serious knee injury.
Before the Shakhtar match, Arteta provided a positive update: “It’s going to be close. We need to see how he handles training with the group. But he’s almost there.”
**Expected return date:** October 22 vs Shakhtar Donetsk, or October 27 vs Liverpool
### Takehiro Tomiyasu’s Injury Update
Takehiro Tomiyasu has faced difficulties returning to full fitness. After recovering from a knee injury against Southampton, he sustained another setback. Arteta stated ahead of the Bournemouth match, “We don’t know how long he will be out, but it doesn’t appear to be a long-term issue. We’ll monitor how he responds to training.”
Tomiyasu’s absence is a setback for Arsenal’s defensive options, but a specific return date remains uncertain.
**Expected return date:** Unknown
### Kieran Tierney’s Status
Kieran Tierney has not played since he was stretchered off during Scotland’s Euro 2024 group match against Switzerland due to a hamstring injury. His absence has been prolonged, and there is currently no clear timeline for his return.
While Tierney’s lack of play has been somewhat alleviated by squad depth at left-back, his return could provide additional tactical options for Arteta, especially with Zinchenko also dealing with fitness issues.
