Gabriel Jesus, Eddie Nketiah: Arsenal injury updates and return dates ahead of Sporting second leg
Arsenal’s aspirations of winning the Europa League this season have suffered a setback due to Eddie Nketiah’s ankle injury.
The Gunners heavily relied on the 23-year-old striker, who directly contributed to three goals in six games. However, Nketiah is expected to be out of action until after the international break.
Nonetheless, Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta, has been experimenting with Leandro Trossard and occasionally Gabriel Martinelli in the false-nine position lately, which provides a viable alternative.
Furthermore, the return of Gabriel Jesus from injury means that Nketiah’s absence may not be too much of a problem. However, Mikel Arteta has acknowledged that he will reintegrate the Brazilian gradually, rather than rush him back into the team too soon.
Therefore, arsenalbrief.football has examined the most recent updates and news regarding Arsenal’s injuries in preparation for the match against Sporting.
Gabriel Jesus
During his time with the Brazilian national team at the World Cup, Jesus sustained an injury to his medial ligament while playing against Cameroon.
Although he was able to make an appearance as a substitute in Arsenal’s victory over Fulham, Arteta has now disclosed his strategy for gradually reintroducing the striker back into the team.
What Arteta has said: “It was great to see him back, you can feel the happiness of everyone, the players and the staff around him. We missed him and now he’s back. We have to manage his minutes, his involvement in the squad and the team. He’s feeling good and every day he’s training he says his sensations are better and better, so that’s really positive.”
Return date: Sporting CP, Europa League – Thursday, March 16
Eddie Nketiah
Despite Jesus’ absence, Nketiah stepped up and led Arsenal to several crucial victories.
However, according to football.london, the Gunners will have to do without the services of the Hale End Graduate until after the international break due to an ankle injury. Nketiah has played a significant role for Arsenal this season, making 33 appearances and contributing directly to 11 goals.
Notably, he scored four goals in key wins over West Ham, Brighton, and Manchester United during the hectic New Year schedule. Additionally, his contract with the Emirates Stadium expires in 2027.
What Arteta has said: “He’s getting better. He’s still in the boot. He’s still a few weeks away and we need to be patient. It was a nasty injury and he has a big challenge ahead of him. Thank God it could have been worse. So he’s not in a bad place.”
Expected return date: Late March / Early April
Emile Smith Rowe
Smith Rowe has experienced a season marred by injuries, starting with a groin problem that kept him out for much of the campaign before suffering a thigh strain during his rehabilitation.
The 22-year-old is now on the path to recovery and has been included in Arsenal’s matchday squad for their past five Premier League games. He made brief appearances off the bench in two of those matches, against Everton and Bournemouth, and even recorded an assist in the latter.
What Arteta has said: “He knows how much we love him and how much we missed him and how much we need his qualities. Now he needs to prove it and how much he wants to win and how much he’s going to contribute to this team to be better.
“He’s gonna have to show that to get in the team.” I think we have to manage his load, but for sure he’s in a position where we can throw him in at any moment. Then it’s about how he’s coping with the game in general and whether to take him off or use him for the last few minutes of the game.”
Return date: Sporting CP, Europa League – Thursday, March 16
Mohamed Elneny
Elneny played the full 90 minutes in Arsenal’s FA Cup victory over Oxford United but was not included in the squad for their 2-0 win against Tottenham due to a knee problem he sustained in training before the game. He also did not make the bench for the Manchester United match.
Last month, the club released a statement stating that the former Basel player would be out for an extended period of time, but no specific timeline was provided for his return. Elneny has recently signed a new contract with Arsenal and is nearing a comeback.
Expected return date: N/A
Gabriel Jesus, Eddie Nketiah: Arsenal injury updates and return dates ahead of Sporting second leg