Arsenal injury, suspension list and return dates for Wigan: Martin Odegaard, William Saliba, Kai Havertz latest

A welcome distraction from their latest Premier League slip-up, Arsenal welcome Wigan Athletic to the Emirates Stadium for Sunday’s FA Cup fourth-round showdown.

The Gunners’ lead on the summit of the top-flight desk has now been reduce right down to 4 factors because of their 1-1 draw with Brentford on Thursday, when Manchester Metropolis followers celebrated as loudly as Bees supporters.

Nonetheless, Mikel Arteta’s males cruised previous Portsmouth 4-1 within the third spherical of the FA Cup and might now attain the fifth stage since their triumphant 2019-20 season.

Right here, Sports activities Mole rounds up Arsenal’s newest damage and suspension information forward of their conflict with Wigan, whom they memorably overcame on penalties within the 2013-14 semi-finals en path to glory.

Standing: Minor doubt

Kind of damage: Sickness

Doable return date: February 15 (vs. Wigan)

William Saliba was an surprising absentee from the draw with Brentford because of sickness, and it stays to be seen if he recovers in time for Sunday, however he needs to be rested both approach.

Standing: Main doubt

Kind of damage: Knee

Doable return date: February 15 (vs. Wigan)

Martin Odegaard returned from a knock off the bench in midweek however suffered a worrying blow to the knee when making an attempt to forestall Brentford’s equaliser.

The Norwegian noticed out the sport, however he was reportedly seen limping closely by means of the combined zone, so it will be a shock to see him function right here.

Standing: Out

Kind of damage: Muscle

Doable return date: March 1 (vs. Chelsea)

The luckless Kai Havertz was simply starting to make an affect once more when he picked up a brand new muscle concern, one that’s anticipated to maintain him out for the rest of February.

Standing: Out

Kind of damage: Foot

Doable return date: Unknown

Mikel Merino lately underwent a profitable operation on a foot fracture, and the Spaniard is combating an uphill battle to return earlier than the top of the season.

Standing: Out

Kind of damage: Ankle

Doable return date: February 22 (vs. Tottenham Hotspur)

Sixteen-year-old phenom Max Dowman is closing in on a return from a difficult ankle downside, however the go to of Wigan will come a bit too quickly for the attacker, who ought to have in any other case began this contest.