The latest Arsenal injury news before the Gunners play host to Bayern Munich in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie, with an update on Bukayo Saka.
Der FCB travel to Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night for their 13th encounter with the north London giants in the Champions League so far. Bayern Munich have won seven of their prior matches against Arsenal and drawn twice since first meeting at Highbury in December 2000.
Tuesday will be a special night for Arsenal, nonetheless, as quarter-final action returns to the Emirates after 14 long years. Manager Mikel Arteta has taken the Gunners back into the final eight after ending their run of seven straight defeats in the last 16 from 2010/11 to 2016/17.
Arsenal injury list ahead of hosting Bayern Munich
Arsenal are also in high spirits ahead of meeting Bayern Munich after returning to the top of the Premier League table. A 3-0 win at Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday put the pressure back on Liverpool, who could only draw level on points via a 2-2 draw at Manchester United.
The Gunners lead the Reds through their +51 goal difference after 31 games with the Anfield natives on +42 and also one point above Manchester City. Meanwhile, Bayern Munich travel to England after back-to-back Bundesliga defeats to sit 16 points behind Bayer Leverkusen.
READ MORE: Arsenal’s possible route to 2023/24 Champions League final
FC Heidenheim stunned Der FCB last Saturday by dealing Thomas Tuchel’s team their latest setback. Frank Schmidt’s side trailed 2-0 after goals from Harry Kane and Serge Gnabry. But a second-half comeback saw the minnows win 3-2 and derail Bayern Munich’s confidence.
Now, Arsenal await Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-finals and will enjoy a 100% home crowd at Emirates Stadium. UEFA banned Der FCB fans from attending the first leg after some threw fireworks onto the pitch during their games at Copenhagen and Lazio.
So, ahead of Bayern Munich returning to Emirates Stadium for the first time since they won 5-1 in March 2017, here is the latest Arsenal injury news facing Arteta before Tuesday’s tie…
Bukayo Saka injury latest
Arteta confirmed after Arsenal’s 3-0 win at Brighton last Saturday that Saka is ‘fine’ for their Champions League quarter-final first leg against Bayern Munich. The forward returned from his muscular injury at Amex Stadium having missed their 2-0 victory at home to Luton Town.
READ MORE: Everything to know about Arsenal ace Bukayo Saka from his age, parents and house
Saka sustained his injury in Arsenal’s 0-0 draw away to Manchester City but it was not a big problem. The 22-year-old also scored on his swift return on the south coast. He now boasts 17 goals plus 13 assists over his 39 appearances across all competitions so far this season.
But while Arteta stated that Saka is ‘fine’ to face Bayern Munich, the Arsenal product noted after beating Brighton that he was ‘struggling’. Although the Hale End hero declared: “I was struggling but as long as I have two legs, I will give everything. I want to be on the pitch.”
Expected return: Returned
Gabriel Magalhaes injury latest
Brighton striker Danny Welbeck dealt Arsenal a fresh injury concern ahead of facing Bayern Munich when the former Gunners star caught Gabriel Magalhaes just before half-time. The centre-half needed treatment after Welbeck clipped him whilst attempting to make a block.
Gabriel managed to play the full 90 minutes at Amex Stadium during the 26-year-old’s 41st appearance of the season. He has started and played every minute in all eight of the club’s Champions League fixtures this term. The Brazilian has further offered four goals this term.
Expected return: Bayern Munich (April 9)
Jurrien Timber injury latest
Arteta is still to include Jurrien Timber in a matchday side as the Arsenal defender continues his recovery from an ACL injury. He sustained the blow just 50 minutes into the 22-year-old’s Premier League debut in August. But Timber is training with the first-team at London Colney.
READ MORE: Everything to know about Arsenal ace Jurrien Timber from his height to four brothers
Additionally, Arteta stated ahead of Arsenal beating Luton that Timber is ‘not far off’ making his full return from injury. But while the Dutchman is in the final stages of his rehabilitation, Arteta and Arsenal will not rush Timber’s return to action and risk aggravating his ACL injury.
Expected return: April/May 2024