Arsenal Injury Update: Saliba, Saka, Havertz and more ahead of Nottingham Forest

The international break has come at a welcome time for Arsenal, with several key players currently sidelined through injury. Mikel Arteta will be hoping the pause gives his squad a chance to recover before the Gunners return to Premier League action against Nottingham Forest on Saturday, September 13.

Here’s the latest on every Arsenal player dealing with fitness issues from Mikel Arteta's most recent comment and potential return dates:

William Saliba

Saliba lasted just five minutes in Sunday’s defeat to Liverpool, limping off after twisting his ankle during the warm-up. He was replaced by Cristhian Mosquera, who made his Premier League debut at Anfield.

What Arteta recently said:

"He twisted his ankle during the warm-up and he came in and he said he believed that he could carry on and play but he strayed away in the first two actions. I could see that he couldn't cope and we had to get him out, unfortunately. But thank God we have Mosquera, which we put in for the first time in the Premier League, his debut, not expecting it at Anfield and I think he was really, really good."

"Well, I am [worried] because you cannot play a game of that stature. After you try, that means that there is something wrong."

Potential return date: Unknown

Bukayo Saka

Saka came off against Leeds holding his hamstring, sparking fresh fears given his most recent hamstring injury. Thankfully, it was the other leg and Mikel Arteta has also confirmed no surgery will be required this time.

What Arteta recently said:

"Yeah, we're getting better, but he will be out for a few weeks, unfortunately. No, no surgery. It's not as bad as the previous one. Obviously, very unfortunate to kick it off, he's on the other side. It's an action that requires full power from him. Then he clashed with the opponent, he needs to change pace again. And he felt something, so he will be out for a couple of weeks.

I don't know. Let's see how he evolves in the next few days, few weeks. Repeat the scan and see where he's at."

Potential return date: Nottingham Forest (September 13)

Kai Havertz

Havertz was ruled out ahead of the Leeds clash after suffering a knee injury. He underwent minor surgery on August 28, which Arsenal confirmed was successful.

What Arteta recently said:

"I think it will be weeks, but I don't know how many months. Very unfortunate, very sad for him. I think he did tremendously well to recover from the previous one. He's never had an injury before. And suddenly this happens, but this is our profession, our football. We need to live with that. Obviously, we lose another big player for many, many weeks. But it was the right thing to do. The doctors advised and I think he was very convinced at the end that it was the quickest and the best way to resolve that issue.

Every time there is a surgery you expect something like this. I'll leave that for the medical staff to explain in detail what it was. But hopefully the most important thing is when he gets back he's in good condition and maybe in a long time he'll be protected by the players."

Potential return date: Unknown

Christian Nørgaard

The summer signing has yet to feature in the Premier League for Arsenal after picking up a minor injury. He missed the Liverpool trip but could be back in contention for the Forest game.

What Arteta recently said:

"So that's another two that we don't know yet. Again tomorrow we have another day, let's see how they evolve. And this is a chance to keep them involved in the game."

Potential return date: Nottingham Forest (September 13)

Ben White

White came off injured in the opening-day win over Manchester United. Although he looked okay walking off, he hasn’t featured since and missed both the Leeds and Liverpool games.

What Arteta recently said:

"So that's another two that we don't know yet. Again tomorrow we have another day, let's see how they evolve. And this is a chance to keep them involved in the game."

Potential return date: Nottingham Forest (September 13)

Gabriel Jesus

Jesus has been sidelined since suffering an ACL injury against Manchester United in last season’s FA Cup. The Brazilian has been steadily working on his recovery and recently returned to ball work on the grass.

He shared his progress on social media in August:

“It’s been seven months of pain, uncertainty, and anxiety. Today, I finally feel light — like a child playing football again. GOD IS GREAT.”

Potential return date: December

The Big Picture

With Saliba, Saka and Havertz among those facing uncertainty, Arsenal’s squad depth will once again be tested. The break has come at the right time, though, and there’s optimism that both Nørgaard and Ben White will be back for Forest, with hope for Saliba and Saka to also be included or nearing a return.

For now, it’s all about careful management — Arteta will not want to risk further setbacks, especially with Arsenal fighting to stay in the early title race.