Arsenal have started preparations for their final home game of the season against Burnley.
As a result of Manchester City’s win over Crystal Palace, the Gunners cannot clinch the Premier League title even with victory on Monday night.
However, Arsenal remain in strong position to be crowned champions for the first time in 22 years thanks to Leandro Trossard’s goal that secured a 1-0 win over West Ham last weekend.
There is a scenario where the title race is decided next Tuesday, with Man City taking on a Bournemouth side unbeaten in 16 matches and pushing for Champions League qualification.
Though, Mikel Arteta will be keen to ensure his players focus on the task at hand.
On a negative note for the Gunners, Ben White has been ruled out for the remainder of the season, while Riccardo Calafiori’s involvement for the remaining Premier League fixtures and the Champions League final is in serious doubt.
With that in mind, here is the latest Arsenal injury news and return dates…
Ben White
White was seen leaving the London Stadium with his right knee in a brace after being substituted midway through the first half as he challenged with Crysencio Summerville.
The defender, required lengthy treatment and Arteta suggested afterwards that the injury is a concerning one.
Arsenal have since confirmed that the defender suffered a “significant” injury to his medial ligament (MCL), which will see White miss the remainder of the campaign.
In a ray of positivity, Standard Sport understands that the 28-year-old will not need to have surgery on his knee. He will instead undergo a managed rehabilitation process over the coming weeks.
It is hoped that White will return in time for pre-season, easing fears of an extended absence leading into the 2026-27 campaign.
Potential return date: Summer 2026
Riccardo Calafiori
There was some confusion surrounding Calafiori's half-time substitution.
After the Italy international had been replaced by Cristhian Mosquera, Gary Neville suggested on Sky Sports commentary that it was a tactical decision by Arteta.
However, the Arsenal manager revealed after the match that Calafiori's withdrawal at the break was enforced by injury.
The defender was seen sprinting back onto the pitch celebrate the Trossard’s goal with his team-mates, suggesting the issue is not too severe and there has since been an update.
Speaking in the pre-match press conference on Thursday morning, Arteta revealed: "We don't know whether he's going to be available or not.
“We still have days ahead. Hopefully it's nothing serious but we will have to wait and see how he reacts."
Potential return date: Monday May 18, vs Burnley (H)
Jurrien Timber
It is officially two full months since Jurrien Timber last played for Arsenal.
The defender was forced off in the 2-0 win over Everton on March 14 and has subsequently missed the last 12 games in all competitions with a groin problem that also saw him withdraw from the Netherlands squad for games against Norway and Ecuador.
Mikel Arteta has since admitted Timber's injury has proved to be a complicated one but has not ruled out the prospect of the defender featuring again this season.
Arteta said: “He wanted to be very close to the team [against West Ham]. He's progressed a little bit in the last few days. He's feeling better.
“We're going to try to get him fit and available as quick as possible but let's see. Obviously he’s been out now for a while unfortunately. He’s such an important player for us, we all know that.
“He’s doing everything that he possibly can to help the team in any capacity. We know his leadership, his quality and how much the team needs him. He’s trying everything he can.”
Potential return date: Unknown
Mikel Merino
Mikel Merino is in a race against the clock to play for Arsenal again this season and be fit for Spain for the World Cup, after having surgery on a foot injury in February.
The midfielder has returned to individual training and is doing some work on the grass. There have been suggestions he could be available for selection against PSG in the Champions League final.
Arteta, however, remains unsure as to whether Merino will feature in any of Arsenal’s remaining three games of the campaign.
"I don't know, there's still a fair bit to do," Arteta said.
"Everything needs to be so smooth and quick if they want to have a chance to play any minutes.”
Potential return date: Saturday May 30, vs PSG (N)
