Arsenal injury latest and expected return dates with 8 first team stars sidelined

Arsenal was agonizingly close to a significant victory against Premier League title contenders Manchester City on Sunday. Goals from Gabriel Magalhaes and Riccardo Calafiori at the Etihad Stadium turned the tide after Erling Haaland had given the hosts an early lead, but a late goal from substitute John Stones ensured a share of the spoils for City.

The match was rife with controversy and chaos from start to finish. One of the key incidents was Leandro Trossard's second yellow card and subsequent dismissal for delaying the restart after fouling Bernardo Silva just before the break.

Despite their best efforts to maintain their lead, with Bukayo Saka making way for Ben White at halftime, a scrappy goal from Stones brought City back level. Considering the key players missing from Arsenal's line-up, it was a commendable display by Arteta's men, although the draw will undoubtedly feel like a loss as they were on the brink of securing all three points.

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With a busy schedule ahead - Bolton is next in line - Arsenal must quickly recover from the disappointment experienced at the home of their fiercest domestic rivals. Arteta will also need his full squad, which is available. With this in mind, here's a look at the potential injuries within the Arsenal team and their expected return dates.

Ben White

Injury: Unknown.

For the first time in 33 Premier League matches, Ben White was absent from Mikel Arteta's starting line-up. Following Leandro Trossard's dismissal, White was brought on at half-time during the clash with Manchester City.

Post-match, after Jack Grealish breezed past him for City's equalizer, Arteta disclosed that White was actually nursing an injury.

"Yeah, we didn't want to [play him that long], but we had to," he admitted. "I spoke to him yesterday and I wanted to protect him. He's not going to ever tell you that he's not fit. He will run through a brick wall for you. The intention was not to use him today. But I'm very grateful because he performed extremely well."

Potential return date: Unknown.

David Raya

Despite another stellar performance from David Raya, even he couldn't stop Manchester City from eventually breaking Arsenal's resistance. The Spanish goalkeeper made nine saves during the match, which seems to have taken its toll as Raya was seen limping back through the mixed zone with some strapping on his knee.

Potential return date: Bolton (H) - Wednesday, September 25.

Bukayo Saka

In order for White to be brought on, one Arsenal player had to make way and Saka was the chosen one. The England international has had a few minor injuries in the past and while that could have influenced his early substitution, it was likely a tactical decision by Arteta.

Potential return date: Bolton (H) - Wednesday, September 25.

Martin Odegaard

Injury: Ankle.

The Arsenal captain was absent from the North London derby victory due to an ankle injury picked up during the international break, and his return date is still up in the air.

As anticipated, he didn't take part in training ahead of the Atalanta match and was also missing from the game. Odegaard was also notably absent from the squad that traveled to Manchester.

Arteta gave an update on the injury on Friday: "After recent scans, the scans showed that he's got some damage, especially on one of the ligaments in the ankle. We're gonna miss him."

When asked about a potential timeline, Arteta was careful, stating, "After recent scans, the scans showed that he's got some damage, especially on one of the ligaments in the ankle. We're gonna miss him."

"When pressed for a timeline he added, "I don't want to do that because I'm not a doctor. But it's something quite significant so we're going to lose him for a while."

Possible return date: Unknown.

Mikel Merino

Injury: Shoulder.

Merino has yet to make his Arsenal debut after suffering a shoulder injury in his first training session.

"Very unfortunate," Arteta commented on the incident before the international break. "Yesterday, he had a collision, and he has a shoulder injury. It looks like he's going to be out for a few weeks."

"He was really excited, and everything was looking really good. He landed on the floor, and Gabi landed on top of him, and it looks like he has a small fracture, probably."

Possible return date: Bournemouth (A) - October 19.

Oleksandr Zinchenko

Injury: Calf.

He is currently out of the game, nursing a calf injury picked up during the international break, which ruled him out of the North London Derby and subsequent matches. He's yet to make his return to training, leaving fans in suspense about when they'll see him back on the pitch.

Possible return date: Unknown.

Takehiro Tomiyasu

Injury: Knee.

The defender is facing another spell on the sidelines with a knee injury, having not made any appearances this season due to his ongoing fitness struggles. Mikel Arteta has been cautious, stating: "At the moment, it is difficult to say [when he will return]."

The defender's recovery is progressing slowly, and he hasn't started training yet, with hopes pinned on a potential comeback against Leicester City at home on September 28.

Possible return date : Leicester City (H) - September 28.

Kieran Tierney

Injury: Hamstring

Tierney's situation at Arsenal has been a rollercoaster, with an initial possibility of an exit followed by a hamstring injury sustained at the Euros with Scotland. Despite these setbacks, he secured a spot in Arsenal's 25-man Premier League squad earlier in the month but remains absent from training.

Arteta has shared his concern: "He needs to focus now on recovering in the best possible way. It's been a tough time for him, with the last injury. We have to try to support him and make sure he comes back fit."

His return date is still up in the air.