Mikel Merino
January 2026
Arsenal’s Mikel Merino had surgery on a fractured foot and posted an upbeat recovery message, but faces a spell out with a rare injury type, per Arteta. Merino was hurt in Arsenal’s 3-2 loss to Manchester United. Arteta said the case is unusual and depends on post-surgery healing and monitoring. Merino confirmed the operation is done and signalled his intent to return as soon as the recovery process allows.
Leon Goretzka
January 2026
Arsenal made a late bid for Goretzka as emergency midfield cover after Merino’s injury, but Goretzka chose to stay at Bayern through the season. Reports say Arsenal “intervened” late with a formal approach, with Arteta viewing Goretzka as the physical, box-to-box profile to protect Arsenal’s midfield for the title run-in and Champions League knockouts. The move collapsed because the player preferred a structured exit plan, pushing any transfer decision into a likely summer market battle.
Martin Ødegaard
January 2026
Odegaard was a surprise omission from Arsenal’s squad against Chelsea and was not even on the bench. Arteta said he had picked up an untimely knock before kickoff, forcing a reshuffle. Eze started in the No.10 role, with Arsenal opting not to risk Odegaard after the late issue emerged.
Bukayo Saka
January 2026
Saka pulled out of Arsenal’s starting XI after picking up a groin issue in the warm-up at Elland Road. He is expected to miss the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Chelsea, but Arsenal believe the injury is not serious and he could return soon. Arteta said Saka felt a niggle in the warm-up, improved the next day, and Arsenal will monitor how he responds before deciding if he can feature “tomorrow or the weekend.”
Bukayo Saka
January 2026
Saturday; injury in pre-match warm-up; next games vs Chelsea and Sunderland next week
What: Saka withdrew after a hip injury in the warm-up and was replaced in the XI by Madueke as Arsenal won 4-0 at Elland Road. Arsenal scored through Zubimendi, a Darlow own goal from a Madueke corner, then added goals from Gyokeres and Jesus. The win ended a three-game winless league run and restored a seven-point lead over Manchester City and Aston Villa, though both have a game in hand.
Arsenal
January 2026
Arsenal chose not to fly to Yorkshire because of heavy fog and instead traveled by coach. Concerns centered on Leeds Bradford Airport’s exposure and poor-visibility risk; Arsenal took the longer M1 road trip and dealt with normal traffic delays.
Bukayo Saka
January 2026
KSI said Saka is Arsenal’s most important player and argued Gyokeres still improves the team despite modest scoring numbers since his move. He claimed Gyokeres functions as a “magnet” that draws defenders and creates space for Saka, Trossard, and Odegaard, so Arsenal look better with him on the pitch.
Patrick Vieira
January 2026
Vieira said Arsenal showed questionable mental strength and lacked leaders in a damaging 3-2 home loss to Manchester United, also criticising Saka and Trossard for not creating enough danger. Arsenal’s January league form included a win over Bournemouth then draws with Liverpool and Nottingham Forest before losing to United. Vieira said the team needs someone to lift spirit, increase energy, and take more risks to match their quality.
Kai Havertz
January 2026
Arsenal are reportedly concerned about Havertz’s long-term knee condition after a flare-up during his return, raising the prospect of careful workload control for the rest of the season and possibly beyond. Havertz has not started since August 17, returned in limited minutes in cup games, and was unexpectedly unused in a Champions League match as Arsenal balance his recovery after reported ligament damage and renewed discomfort.
Gabriel Jesus
January 2026
Jesus said he wants a new deal at Arsenal and wants to win trophies, while reflecting on repeated injuries that have disrupted most of his time at the club. After long layoffs including an ACL tear, he described doubts during rehab and focused on staying fit through the rest of the season; with his contract running down and links to Palmeiras, he positioned himself as committed to staying and extending.
