Arsenal return to Premier League action at Everton on Sunday with boss Mikel Arteta looking at some positive injury updates following the September international break.

The Emirates Stadium outfit will travel to Goodison Park optimistic after coming through the international fixture list relatively unscathed. Arteta is set to have an almost fully-fit team at his disposal on Merseyside. But he went into the break on the back of losing Thomas Partey.

Arteta was also already without their star summer signing, Jurrien Timber, following his ACL Injury. Yet the Arsenal boss would have relished seeing Gareth Southgate start Bukayo Saka on England’s bench against Scotland. The 22-year-old only featured for the final 19 minutes.

Saka seldom enjoys a night off for his club or county having now featured in all of England’s six games this year. He has also played 449 of a possible 450 minutes with the Gunners over their four Premier League games and the Community Shield to start the 2023/24 campaign.

Starting the Gunners’ four top-flight fixtures this term has further seen Saka extend his new record for playing the highest number of consecutive Premier League games for Arsenal. He eclipsed Paul Merson’s tally of 82, which stood for over 26 years, and is now on 84 matches.

Arsenal legend Ian Wright admits he is ‘worried’ that losing Saka to an injury could prevent Arteta from winning a title this term. So, the winger returning to London Colney in tip-top condition will delight the icon. And the latest injury updates from Arsenal are fairly positive.

Gabriel returns to Arsenal having avoided an injury with Brazil

Fears arose over the weekend that Gabriel Magalhaes could return to Arsenal following the international break having sustained an injury representing Brazil. The centre-half made his Selecao debut in a 2026 World Cup qualifier against Bolivia. But he did not play the full 90.

Brazil’s medics swooped to apply ice to Gabriel’s thigh after he exited the action in the 85th minute. He had already avoided an injury against Bolivia when Diego Ibanez caught the 25-year-old in the chest with his knee. Yet the thigh injury sparked fears over Gabriel’s fitness.

But, luckily for Arsenal, Gabriel did not suffer a thigh injury and started as Brazil edged Peru 1-0 this Tuesday. He also played the full 90 minutes of the 2026 World Cup qualifier. Gabriel could now start on Sunday as Arsenal visit Everton after starting against Manchester United.

Arsenal lost Partey to an injury just before the international break

The Ghana FA let the cat out of the bag before the international break when it revealed that Partey had suffered an injury whilst at Arsenal. He pulled up during training on the Thursday before the break and underwent a series of tests. They exposed an upper leg muscle injury.

According to the Daily Mail, the scans revealed Partey’s injury is a mix of a groin and a thigh problem. Arsenal hope the 30-year-old is able to return to fitness following the international break in October. The Gunners’ medical staff expects he will face six weeks out, at minimum.

Partey had been a key part of Arteta’s plans before the injury prevented him from featuring in Arsenal’s win over Manchester United. The Spaniard had started the 45-cap anchor as his right-back in the Gunners’ meetings against Nottingham Forest, Crystal Palace and Fulham.

Timber returned to Emirates Stadium for the first time post-injury

Timber was in attendance at Emirates Stadium as Arsenal edged Manchester United. It was also the first time that the 22-year-old was back at the ground since Timber suffered an ACL injury against Nottingham Forest. He sustained the blow during their 2-1 opening day result.

Arteta is likely to be without Timber for much of the season after the Dutchman required an operation. But football.london reported ahead of Timber attending Arsenal’s 3-1 win against Manchester United that he has already now started the recovery stage of his rehabilitation.

Losing Timber to an injury so soon into the season was a brutal blow for Arteta and Arsenal. The Gunners boss had intended to give his summer signing from AFC Ajax a big role in north London. Timber quickly established his importance through the defender’s strong versatility.

Arteta is still waiting for Elneny to return from surgery in January

Partey and Timber joined Mohamed Elneny on the sidelines with Arsenal still waiting for the Egyptian’s return from injury. The midfielder required knee surgery back in January that kept him out for the rest of the term. It also remains unclear when Arteta will welcome him back.

Elneny resumed training at London Colney in May following five months of rehabilitation. He took a significant step in his recovery by working beside Arsenal’s first-team coaches. But the Evening Standard notes the 31-year-old may not return to match fitness before October.

Arteta did include Elneny in Arsenal’s 25-man Champions League squad on Monday, though. So, the Spaniard is seemingly confident of having the midfielder back among his squad soon enough. Arsenal take on RC Lens and Sevilla in October and both teams again in November.

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