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Timber, Zinchenko, Jesus – Arsenal injury news and return dates ahead of Crystral Palace clash

Arsenal won their Premier League opener against Nottingham Forest but Mikel Arteta has some fresh injury concerns coming out of the clash

Gabriel Jesus and Jurrien Timber of Arsenal reacts after the MLS All-Star Game between Arsenal FC and MLS All-Stars at Audi Field on July 19, 2023 in Washington, DC.
Arsenal duo Gabriel Jesus and Jurrien Timber are both dealing with knee injuries

Mikel Arteta has a fresh injury concern after Arsenal secured an opening-day win in the Premier League over Nottingham Forest. Usual starter Gabriel Magalhaes was left out of the starting XI, but it was instead fellow defender Jurrien Timber to suffer an injury blow.

After fouling Brennan Johnson, the Netherlands international, making his competitive debut for the Gunners, landed awkwardly in the challenge before receiving treatment. The incident occurred right before half time, but Timber still came out for the second 45 until the discomfort returned and he was replaced in the 50th minute by Takehiro Tomiyasu.

Elsewhere, Gabriel Jesus, and Oleksandr Zinchenko were both absent from the matchday squad but the duo look to be closing in on returns.

With that said, football.london has rounded up the latest Arsenal injury news after the Gunners beat Nottingham Forest at Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

Jurrien Timber

Five minutes into the second half of Arsenal’s win over Nottingham Forest, Jurrien Timber was withdrawn after first suffering a problem in his knee towards the end of the opening 45 minutes.

Injury: Knee

What Arteta has said: “I said on air, I hope it’s his calf and not his knee. But the outside of his right knee landed awkwardly in the initial challenge in the first half. He’ll go for a scan over the weekend and fans will keep their fingers crossed that it’s not too bad.”

“The physio and docs looked at him and were happy to continue. Straight away in the second he made a movement and it felt funny. We will have to assess him.”

Expected return date: Unknown

Gabriel Jesus

Gabriel Jesus is continuing to recover from a knee operation. The Brazilian striker is making good progress and is set to step up his rehabilitation next week.

Injury: Knee

What Arteta has said: “It’s a bit early still. Less than two weeks since the operation. Hopefully he can start to do some stuff next week.

“He’s doing really well to be fair. But it’s something we’re going to be cautious and make sure he comes back in the right way.”

Expected return date: Unknown

Oleksandr Zinchenko

Oleksandr Zinchenko picked up a calf problem but was pictured in training on Friday and he then played 11 minutes during Saturday’s Game4Ukraine charity match, showing that he is nearing full fitness at the perfect time.

While he was with his teammates as they faced his former side at Wembley, the Ukraine international was not selected in the matchday squad – with Kieran Tierney appearing off the bench.

What Arteta has said: “Yeah I think everyone is available,” Arteta said. “We have Mo [Elneny] out, we have Gabriel Jesus with a knee injury but the rest should be fine.”

Injury: Calf

Expected return date: Crystal Palace (A) – Monday, August 21.

Reiss Nelson

Reiss Nelson also hasn’t featured since a foot laceration meant he was forced to leave the tour of USA early.

What Arteta has said: “Yeah I think everyone is available,” Arteta said. “We have Mo [Elneny] out, we have Gabriel Jesus with a knee injury but the rest should be fine.”

Injury: Foot

Expected return date: Crystal Palace (A) – Monday, August 21.

Mohamed Elneny

Mohamed Elneny remains out for Arsenal after undergoing an operation on a knee injury

Injury: Knee

Expected return date: Unknown

Recovering at London Colney: Albert Sambi Lokonga, Nicolas Pepe, Cedric Soares, Nuno Tavares

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