Quantcast
Home   >   News   >   Arsenal team news: Key trio return but Gunners confirm major double injury blow

Arsenal team news: Key trio return but Gunners confirm major double injury blow

By on April 7, 2021

kieran tierney arsenal

Arsenal have confirmed a triple injury boost ahead of Thursday’s clash with Slavia Prague but Kieran Tierney is facing up to six weeks on the sidelines.

We welcome the Czech outfit to the Emirates tomorrow for the first leg of our Europa League quarter-final clash and the club have confirmed that Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe and Granit Xhaka are all available for selection.

Saka missed the defeat to Liverpool at the weekend due to a hamstring injury that had ruled him out of international duty with England earlier this month. However, the teenager is back in full training and is ready to return to the squad tomorrow.

Smith Rowe also sat out the 3-0 defeat to Liverpool on Saturday night due to a thigh injury that he picked up while away with the England U21s. The 20-year-old has made a swift recovery and is available to face Slavia tomorrow night.

Xhaka was another major absentee against Jurgen Klopp’s side as he missed that game due to illness. However, the Swiss midfielder has recovered and is back in contention to take on Slavia Prague.

Obviously it’s a major boost for Arsenal to have three important players back for this crucial Europa League tie, however, there is some disappointing news concerning Martin Odegaard, David Luiz and Tierney.

The full-back limped off against Liverpool with a knee injury and Arsenal have now confirmed he’s facing a spell on the sidelines. Thankfully Tierney doesn’t need surgery but he’s still expected to be out for up to six weeks.

Arsenal have also revealed that Odegaard is a doubt to face Slavia Prague due to an ankle injury that he picked up during the international break. The midfielder will be assessed before his availability is determined.

Luiz on the other hand is certain to miss out tomorrow after undergoing surgery on a knee injury. The club haven’t put a fixed timeframe on his recovery but the Brazilian centre-back is expected back in training ‘in the upcoming weeks’.

An update on Arsenal.com confirmed today:

David Luiz
Right knee. David Luiz underwent a small procedure on his right knee at the weekend.
The intervention went well and David is rehabilitating with the medical team.
David is expected to be back to full fitness and available for selection in the upcoming weeks.

Martin Odegaard
Right ankle. Martin has been experiencing discomfort to his right ankle since being on international duty.
Martin is being assessed ahead of Thursday’s match regarding his availability.

Kieran Tierney
Left knee. Kieran sustained ligament damage to his left knee during Saturday’s match against Liverpool.
Surgery will not be required and it’s hoped that Kieran will be back in full training within four to six weeks.

Bukayo Saka
Right hamstring. Bukayo is now back in full training and available for selection.

Emile Smith Rowe
Right thigh/quad. Emile is now back in full training and available for selection.

Granit Xhaka
Unwell. Granit is now back in full training and available for selection.

So it’s a mixed update ahead of what’s going to be a crucial first leg against Slavia Prague. Arsenal desperately need a win as success in the Europa League is the only way to salvage something from this dreadful campaign.