Arsenal injury report: Return dates and latest player updates

Arsenal's 2025/26 season has been plagued by a lengthy list of worrying injury news. Throughout the course of this season, several key players have been missing, and it's exacerbated a concerning trend over the last few seasons.

In fact, Mikel Arteta hasn't been able to field his strongest possible lineup at any point so far. Whenever one key player returns, another two drop to the floor.

So, with worrying Arsenal injury news coming left, right and center, we will be providing updates on the current players Arsenal are without.

Arsenal injury report - Updated tracker

Bukayo Saka - Unavailable

Bukayo Saka missed the recent Carabaco Cup semifinal against Chelsea, and it is believed he will be out of action for a few weeks. Rest assured, he should at least be back in time to face Tottenham at the end of February.

It's never really too surprising when Saka becomes injured. He is the most overworked Arsenal player, and he has been for many years now. Mikel Arteta made the risk by playing him too much while he was young, but Saka has dealt with the stress well, all things considered.

Injury: Physical discomfort

Expected injury length: Weeks

Return date: Tottenham (A) Sunday 22 February, 2026

Mikel Merino - Unavailable

Unfortunately for Arsenal fans, Mikel Merino picked up a pretty serious injury at the start of 2026. The Spanish midfielder will be ruled out of action until towards the end of the season.

When recently questioned about whether there's a chance Merino could return before the season's over, Mikel Arteta said: "We hope so. I don't know, he needs to go through a procedure, which is not always positive. He's a big player for us, a player who has such versatility and capacity to compete in various positions, and that's a big blow."

Injury: Foot

Expected injury length: Months

Return date: N/A

Max Dowman - Unavailable (ankle ligament injury)

Arsenal youngster Max Dowman picked up a devastating injury blow in the middle of December.

David Ornstein was the first to break the news, and The Athletic journalist said that Max Dowman picked up an ankle ligament injury, in a friendly against Man United.

It is expected that Max Dowman will be out for two months, but the exact point of his return is still unknown. The one positive we do know, though, is that he's not scheduled for surgery.

Injury: Ankle ligament injury

Expected injury length: Two months

Return date: Unknown