Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Jonathan Gorrie

Arsenal injury update: Kai Havertz, Declan Rice, Riccardo Calafiori latest news and return dates

Arsenal head to Chelsea this weekend during a difficult run for the Gunners.

Mikel Arteta’s side, without a win in their last three Premier League games, were beaten 1-0 at Inter Milan in the Champions League on Wednesday night.

Another defeat at a relatively in-form Chelsea would prove another major setback in the title race, while a win would be a statement of intent.

A huge game for the club, Arteta will be boosted by the return of Martin Odegaard after his cameo against Inter.

Still, as has seemingly been the case all season, injury problems remain.

With that in mind, here’s a look at the latest Arsenal injuries...

Kai Havertz

Kai Havertz was left bloodied after a clash of heads with Inter's Yann Bisseck on Wednesday evening.

The German made way for the returning Odegaard towards the closing stages of the game, and Arteta said afterwards: “Kai Havertz had a big cut and hopefully he will be OK for the weekend."

Havertz’ has been an almost ever-present for the Gunners this season, scoring seven goals in 15 appearances in all competitions while both leading the line and also covering captain Odegaard’s absence in a deeper role.

Potential return date: Unknown

Declan Rice has not trained since the defeat at Newcastle (Getty Images)

Declan Rice

Arsenal were dealt a blow before their trip to Inter. Key midfielder Declan Rice did not travel as a result of a foot injury sustained in the defeat at Newcastle.

At this stage, it is uncertain as to whether or not Rice can play against Chelsea.

“Declan unfortunately has picked up an injury against Newcastle,” said Arteta on Tuesday.

“He was able to finish the game but he wasn’t feeling good in the last few days so we have to assess him on Thursday to understand whether he will be fit or not for the weekend.”

Potential return date: Unknown

Riccardo Calafiori (Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Riccardo Calafiori

Summer signing Riccardo Calafiori picked up an injury during the 1-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk and has now missed the last four games.

Speaking last month, Arteta revealed the Italian would likely face a “few weeks” out.

“He will be out for a few weeks I would say,” said the Gunners boss in late October.

Potential return date: Unknown

Takehiro Tomiyasu

Takehiro Tomiyasu has featured for only six minutes this season after suffering a setback in his recovery from a knee injury.

Arteta has confirmed the Japan international is not expected back before the international break.

Potential return date: November/December 2024

Kieran Tierney

Arsenal are blessed with options at left-back, so it remains to be seen just how much of a role Kieran Tierney plays this season.

Still, Arteta is confident the Scotland international will soon return to team training.

"I think he's quite close," said Arteta. "He's looking really good. I think he's over the period where he was still struggling, so he looks really sharp out there.

“He hasn't trained with the team yet but hopefully, he can do that in the next week or two."

Potential return date: Unknown

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.