Saka, Odegaard, Calafiori – Arsenal injury news and return dates ahead of Atalanta

Arsenal returned to action in style on Sunday as they continued their recent dominance against Tottenham Hotspur with a 1-0 win in the Premier League. Gabriel Magalhaes’ second-half header was the difference to retain the north London bragging rights.

Mikel Arteta’s men were back to their best in parts. Despite being without Declan Rice due to suspension and Martin Odegaard to injury, Arsenal kept their fierce rivals at bay and looked a threat on the attack.

September presents a hectic schedule for the Gunners and this week, their UEFA Champions League campaign starts against Serie A side and Europa League champions Atalanta.

Martin Odegaard

Injury: Ankle

The Arsenal captain missed the north London derby win after suffering an ankle injury during the international break. Arteta refused to rule him out on Friday but he was left out of the squad altogether.

What Mikel Arteta said: Speaking after the win, he said: “Martin, we still have to want and see. He wasn’t available today.”

Bukayo Saka

Injury: Unknown

Saka grabbed an assist at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with a beautiful delivery from a corner. However, in the 86th minute, he was forced off after receiving treatment by the club physio.

What Mikel Arteta said: “”I don’t know,” Arteta said on the forward. “I made two changes with the front players and suddenly he’s down. I don’t know exactly what it is but he could not continue.”

Riccardo Calafiori

Injury: Calf

The defender suffered the injury in Italy’s Nations League clash against France. There was initial optimism that he would be able to feature for the nation again this week, but he has since returned to Arsenal to continue his recovery.

Mikel Merino

Injury: Shoulder

What Mikel Arteta has said: “Very unfortunate. Yesterday, he had a collision, and he has a shoulder injury. It looks like he’s going to be out for a few weeks. He was really excited, and everything was looking really good. He landed on the floor, and Gabi landed on top of him, and it looks like he has a small fracture, probably.”

Possible return date: Vs Bournemouth (A) (October 19).

Takehiro Tamiyasu

Injury: Knee.

What Arteta has said: “At the moment, it is difficult to say [when he will return]. It’s a bit slow the process of the first phase of that injury. It’s probably for the medical team to say more than that. He’s not done any training yet.”

Possible return date: Vs Leicester City (September 28).

Kieran Tierney

Injury: Hamstring.

What Arteta has said: “He will be a few weeks.”

Possible return date: Unknown.