Arsenal injury news and return dates for Newcastle as Mikel Arteta issues Bukayo Saka update

Mikel Arteta provided an update on Bukayo Saka after Arsenal's 2-0 victory over Port Vale in the Carabao Cup third round. The 24-year-old winger made his first start for the Gunners since August following a hamstring injury.

Saka, who was subbed on at half-time against Manchester City in the Premier League last weekend, was given an hour to shine at Vale Park on Wednesday night. Just before being brought off, the Arsenal skipper took a heavy tackle, sparking concerns that he might have picked up a knock.

The north London outfit will face Newcastle United on Sunday afternoon, and, having failed to win any of their last three games at St. James' Park, Arteta might be tempted to take a gamble. Arsenal already trail Liverpool by five points in the title race, too.

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Regardless of whether Saka is fit to play, the Gunners will be missing some key players in Tyneside. So, with that in mind, Mirror Sport has rounded up all the latest Arsenal injury news.

Bukayo Saka

Dowman replaced Saka about an hour into Arsenal's match against Port Vale. The England international, who has recently returned from a hamstring injury, was on the receiving end of a hefty tackle just before being taken off.

What Arteta has said: "It was planned - 60 minutes was the maximum. We had four, almost five players already in the line-up that we had to get him out for different reasons, especially for load and coming from long periods out, so we planned for that.

"The good thing is that nobody got injured, so he has no muscular issues. So that's a very positive thing again."

Expected return date: Newcastle (A) – Premier League – Sunday, September 28.

Piero Hincapie

Hincapie has been dealing with a groin injury recently. The 23-year-old defender wasn't included in either of Arsenal's last two matchday squads against Manchester City and Port Vale.

What Arteta has said: "He picked up a little groin injury. We'll have to assess him again in the next few days to see how he goes. There's been a change of load, and he didn't really have a pre-season after the surgery that he had.

"We'll have to see in the next week or so how he is. No, I think it will be a short time."

Expected return date: Newcastle (A) – Premier League – Sunday, September 28.

Martin Odegaard

Odegaard aggravated his shoulder injury during Arsenal's match against Forest, and he was replaced by Ethan Nwaneri after only 18 minutes. The 26-year-old midfielder seemed to have recovered from the problem he sustained last month, having played a small role in the defeat to Liverpool before featuring twice for Norway during the recent international break.

What Arteta has said: "Yes, very similar [to the injury he suffered against Leeds United]. I don't know if it's exactly the same place, but it's a very similar injury.

"He wasn't comfortable continuing. He's played two games with Norway; unfortunately, he cannot carry on today. So we have to assess him with the doctors and see, but I'm sure he will try his best to be fit for Tuesday.

"No, I don't think that [Odegaard needs surgery]. I'm not an expert, but they weren't concerned at that level at all. The last time in a few days, he was able to manage the pain, especially as the injury wasn't that bad. I don't know the extent of two days, but hopefully, hopefully."

Expected return date: Unknown.

Kai Havertz

Last month, Havertz complained about discomfort in his knee. The 26 year old forward later underwent surgery on the problem, and, whilst he's been recovering 'pretty well', Arteta believes his absence could stretch into months rather than weeks.

What Arteta has said: "With Kai, we know that it will be months with him. I don't know if it can be weeks, you never know because this is Kai and he's a different specimen. We really miss him.

"Hopefully, he will be back, and back for the long term as well, so it is very important to look after that knee. So far, he's progressing pretty well."

Expected return date: November.

Noni Madueke

Madueke was withdrawn at the interval during Arsenal's encounter with Manchester City following a knee problem. The 23-year-old wide player is understood to face two months on the sidelines.

What Arteta has said: "Yes, it looks like he's going to be out for a few weeks. We don't know yet, we're probably going to have to scan him next week again. He felt something at the beginning of the match, he tried to carry on, and at half-time, he was too sore, so let's see.

"We hope [it's weeks rather than months]. As I said, we need to scan him again to see the real extent of the injury, but it doesn't look too bad."

Expected return date: November.

Gabriel Jesus

Jesus continues to be unavailable following an anterior cruciate ligament problem sustained at the beginning of the campaign. The 28-year-old forward has intensified his recovery work in recent weeks, though he may not be ready to feature again until December or potentially January.

What Arteta has said: "He had major surgery that was going to take him many, many months. So, after discussing that with the medical staff and understanding the schedule that we had and when we thought that he could be available, that it would be between December and January, we decided to make that call, like we've done in the past with other players. Hopefully, we did it wrong and he comes back earlier. But at the moment, the provision was very clear."

Expected return date: December or January.

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