Arsenal's injury concerns have deepened ahead of their Premier League meeting with Everton this weekend, with Bukayo Saka the latest player to suffer a setback.
Following the international break, the Gunners looked in good shape for a busy run of fixtures, only for Piero Hincapie and Martin Zubimendi to pick up freak injuries after the win over Leeds. Zubimendi has since recovered fully and was named on the bench in the last two games, but Mikel Arteta now faces a significant worry over Saka after the winger lasted just ten minutes of the 2-2 draw against Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
Saka's Quad Injury
Saka was forced off against Bayern Munich after wriggling away from Alphonso Davies and playing a pass out wide. Immediately after that pass, under no real pressure, he went down clutching his left leg and signalled to the bench.
Arteta confirmed the issue is with his quad. "We lost Bukayo, who actually was having a great game," Arteta said. "They are a bit concerned. A player that has to come off with a really sharp pain is never good news but we have to wait and see."
His potential return date is Saturday October 24, versus Everton at home.
Hincapie and Tzolis Updates
Piero Hincapie suffered an ankle injury after the defeat of Leeds, carried off the pitch during the warm-down. He has missed both Champions League games against Lille and Bayern Munich, as well as the Premier League win over Nottingham Forest. However, after taking part in individual training before the Bayern draw, there is a chance the Ecuador international is available for selection at the weekend.
"Piero, let's see," Arteta said. "If he is able to train the next few days he can be available for Everton, which is great news."
Christos Tzolis suffered a hamstring injury in Greece's 2-2 draw at home against the Netherlands, eventually replaced in the 18th minute after initially refusing to come off. He underwent a scan before returning to Arsenal. Arteta said: "Tzolis has a muscle injury, and he's going to be out for a few weeks. He's not available yet."
If the three-week timeframe is accurate, Tzolis could return for the visit of Everton on October 24, followed by a trip to Fleetwood in the Carabao Cup last 16 and a showdown with Liverpool at Anfield.
Saliba's Recovery
William Saliba has yet to play this season due to a long-term back injury exacerbated while on duty for France at the World Cup finals this summer. He avoided surgery but was expected to be sidelined for months. He has recently resumed individual work on the grass at Arsenal's training ground.
"Next week, we have another MRI with him to see how the healing process is at the moment," Arteta said. "Every sign so far has been very, very positive. It will be great to have him." His potential return date is December.
