Arsenal dropped points in the Premier League title race once again on Sunday afternoon as they drew 2-2 against West Ham at the London Stadium. Mikel Arteta was unable to select both William Saliba and Oleksandr Zinchenko as the duo continue to recover from their respective injury problems.
The latter was omitted from the matchday squad as a 'precaution' and is likely to be involved in the squad to face Southampton on Friday evening. Saliba is facing a crucial week in his recovery from a back problem that has kept him sidelined for the past four fixtures.
The Frenchman has not played for Arsenal since the Europa League round of 16 exit against Sporting CP last month. Reports suggest that Saliba is determined to play a key role in the Gunners' title run-in despite the risk of aggravating his injury further with the north Londoners' medical staff managing his back problem on a 'day-to-day' basis.
READ MORE: William Saliba spotted in Arsenal comeback as Mikel Arteta hopes to reignite title challenge
So, with that being said, football.london has collated all the latest Arsenal injury news ahead of their clash against Southampton on Friday night.
Oleksandr Zinchenko
Zinchenko was absent against West Ham as a precaution due to a groin injury. The defender wasn't pictured in training towards the end of the week and Kieran Tierney was handed his chance to impress.
According to the Daily Mail, the defender looks set to return against Southampton, with the newspaper claiming the Gunners are "optimistic" over his chances to feature. Zinchenko was spotted pitchside before the game at the London Stadium as well as in the stands, cheering on his side during the game.
What Arteta has said: "He had a muscular issue at the end of the match at Anfield last week and he struggled in the last few minutes. We assessed him and he wasn’t fit enough to play, and that’s why we have good players like Kieran to replace him."
Expected return date: Southampton (H) - Friday, April 21
William Saliba
Saliba limped off in Arsenal's exit from the Europa League against Sporting CP, suffering an issue with his back that forced the youngster to be substituted. The defender has missed the last four games and it remains to be seen just yet whether he'll be available for selection against the Saints.
Arsenal may have been given the biggest boost to their Premier League title hopes yet as the Frenchman has been spotted back in the gym at London Colney. Saliba is said to be determined to play a key role in the Gunners' title run-in as he faces a crucial week to be fit in time for the clash against Manchester City next Wednesday.
What Arteta has said: "William [Saliba] is still not available. He’s progressing well and we’re hopeful that we’ll have him available in the next few weeks. We’ll have to see. He’s not far off starting to do that. Obviously we need to be cautious because of the injury but he’s evolving well."
Expected return date: Unknown
Takehiro Tomiyasu
Takehiro Tomiyasu was substituted inside the first 10 minutes of the Gunners' clash against Sporting CP at the Emirates Stadium. The Japanese defender had overstretched for a tackle early in the match and had to receive treatment on the pitch shortly afterwards and was unable to continue.
The Japan international wasn't in the squad to face Crystal Palace, with it later confirmed he had undergone knee surgery. Now the medical staff have learned the extent of the defender's injury.
An official club statement reads: "Tomi has had successful surgery in London on Tuesday and will be ruled out for the remainder of this season. Everyone at the club will now be working hard with Tomi, so he can join pre-season training ahead of next season."
What Arteta has said: "We don’t know. The doctor is assessing. We have one assessment and I think they need to have another assessment tomorrow. It’s not looking good. Tomi is not one to exaggerate things. He was really concerned straight away and we are concerned."
Expected return date: June
Mohamed Elneny
Elneny started in the FA Cup win over Oxford United and played the whole 90 minutes. However, the Egyptian was absent for Arteta's squad for the 2-0 win at Tottenham, with a knee issue picked up in training ahead of the clash being assessed. Additionally, there was no place on the bench to face Manchester United.
A club statement then confirmed that the former Basel man will be out for an extended period of time, although no timescale was given on his expected return. Elneny has since penned a new deal at Arsenal as he closes in on a return.
Expected return date: Unknown
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