Arsenal injury update and return dates ahead of UCL match against Porto

Arsenal, who are still competing in two competitions this season, have had to deal with a number of injury issues this season. Some key players have missed plenty of action due to long-term or recurring injuries.

The Gunners are currently third in the Premier League table, five points behind leaders Liverpool and four behind Manchester City, both of whom have played one more game. Arsenal can reduce the gap when they face Sheffield United at Bramall Lane on Monday, March 4.

Following the Sheffield clash, they will host Brentford before their big UEFA Champions League Round of 16 second-leg face-off against FC Porto. The Portuguese side beat the Gunners 1-0 in the first leg at the Estadio do Dragao and will look to progress to the quarter-finals when they visit Emirates on March 12.

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Ahead of the big fixture, Mikel Arteta’s side could have some key players back in action in a major boost while some players remain out. Let’s take a look at the Arsenal injury list:

Takehiro Tomiyasu

Tomiyasu last featured for the Gunners in December and has been out since his return from the AFC Asian Cup due to a calf injury. He is not expected to return for the Porto clash as of now.

The fullback has made 20 appearances across competitions this season, contributing one goal and three assists.

Oleksandr Zinchenko

The Ukrainian fullback could return soon after recovering from a calf injury. He could likely make the squad for the Brentford clash before facing Porto. He has registered one goal and two assists in 27 games this season.

Thomas Partey

Partey has made just one appearance this season due to injury issues and then several setbacks whenever he’s looked set to return. He is also likely to return for the Brentford clash if things go according to Arsenal’s plans.

Gabriel Jesus

The Brazilian striker has suffered numerous injury issues throughout his stint at the Emirates so far. He is currently nursing a knee injury, which has been a recurring issue for him despite surgery last year.

Jesus is expected to remain out for a few more weeks so he’s likely to miss the Porto clash. He’s contributed eight goals and five assists in 23 games this season.

Jurrien Timber

Arsenal’s summer signing Jurrien Timber suffered an ACL injury on his Premier League debut and has been out since. His recovery appears to be going as well; he has recently started participating in outdoor training. However, the Gunners will understandably not rush him and he’s expected to remain on the sidelines until April at least.