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Arsenal injury latest before Leicester as Mikel Arteta waits on eight players

David Raya of Arsenal sits on the pitch
-Credit: (Image: 2024 James Gill - Danehouse)


Mikel Arteta could be without several key players this weekend when Arsenal host Leicester City in the Premier League.

The Gunners will be looking to pick up all three points at home to the struggling Foxes, though will be unable to call on a number of names for this fixture.

David Raya became the club's latest injury casualty during last Sunday's 2-2 draw with Manchester City, adding to Arteta's problems in this department.

Below is a round-up of those expected to be sidelined for Saturday's showdown.

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David Raya

The Arsenal No.1 was seen limping and with a bandage on his knee following the draw with City on Sunday and was left out of the squad for Wednesday's midweek win over Bolton.

Asked about the keeper on Wednesday, Arteta said: “We don’t know yet. He’s got a muscular injury."

Martin Odegaard

Arsenal's captain has missed recent games due to an ankle injury sustained while in action for Norway during the international break earlier this month.

Providing an update on the influential midfielder, Arteta recently remarked: “I think it will be a matter of weeks. How long exactly, I cannot tell you.”

Odegaard offered his own update in his programme notes for the Bolton game, stating: “I thought I would start with the latest on my injury. It was a bad twist to my ankle, and I damaged some ligaments there, but it’s part of football and now I’m just trying to recover as quickly as I can.

“I’m moving forward, making progress and I’m feeling more positive every day. I’m working hard and my only thought is to get back as soon as possible."

Mikel Merino

Merino is continuing to recover from a shoulder injury that has prevented him from making his debut for Arsenal.

The Spaniard sustained this setback during his first training session with the club and is expected to miss two months of football as a result.

Jurrien Timber

The Dutch defender was forced off late during the 2-2 draw at the Etihad Stadium, raising fears over his fitness. He was also left out of the squad to face Bolton.

It remains to be seen how serious his condition is.

Oleksandr Zinchenko

Zinchenko has been out of action since starring for Ukraine versus Czechia earlier this month.

The left-back has missed the last four Arsenal matches with a calf injury and appears unlikely to be back before the next international break in mid-October.

Takehiro Tomiyasu

Tomiyasu is yet to play a single minute for Arsenal this season after picking up a knee injury in the summer. The full-back has not been in first-team training either and does not look to be closing in on a return.

"At the moment, it’s difficult to say," Arteta said of the Japan international. "It’s a bit slow the process of the first phase of that injury. It’s probably for the medical team to say more on that."

Kieran Tierney

The Scottish full-back sustained a serious injury during Euro 2024, ruining his chances of making an impact for Arteta this campaign.

Arteta last month said: "He needs to focus on recovering in the best possible way, it’s been a tough time for him again with the last injury. We have to try to support him and make sure he gets back fit."

Ben White

Arteta admitted Ben White played through injury after featuring for the second half against City last weekend.

The defender did not make the squad for Bolton on Wednesday and is now a doubt for the visit of Leicester on Saturday afternoon.