White, Calafiori, Odegaard – Latest Arsenal injury news and return dates for Wolves clash

Mikel Arteta looks to have suffered three fresh Arsenal injury concerns this week, with the Gunners aiming to secure a huge Premier League title boost in just two days

Arsenal’s spot in the FA Cup fifth round draw was wrapped up after just 27 minutes against League One Wigan Athletic. Noni Madueke, Gabriel Martinelli, a Jack Hunt own goal and Gabriel Jesus put the Gunners in cruise control in the first half with Eberechi Eze also shining.

Prior to that goal-fest, Mikel Arteta was forced into an unfortunate decision with Riccardo Calafiori pulling out of the starting XI. He was replaced by Bukayo Saka, who was taken off at half-time having returned from injury himself earlier in the week against Brentford.

In that 1-1 draw on Thursday, captain Martin Odegaard picked up a problem which kept him out of the weekend’s cup tie. Ben White meanwhile, was taken off in the late stages of the 4-0 victory. However, both Arsenal stars have since provided positive updates.

Despite that, there are still three other injury worries plaguing Arteta. With all of that being said, football.london has rounded up the latest updates on Arsenal’s injured stars.

Ben White

White was substituted late into the victory over Wigan but has since confirmed to social media that he was not replaced by Martin Zubimendi because of injury.

He wrote to Instagram: “Next round no injuries [ok hand emoji].” That update has eased worries especially following Arteta’s post-match comments.

What Arteta has said: “Yeah, him and Ben are the only doubts. We have to wait and see in the next 48 hours how things develop.”

Possible return date: Available.

Riccardo Calafiori

Calafiori was due to start at left-back, but a late change was made which saw him miss out and Saka come into the XI. The Italian defender has only recently returned from a one-month absence and could now be facing another spell on the sidelines.

What Arteta has said: “Yeah, him and Ben are the only doubts. We have to wait and see in the next 48 hours how things develop.”

Possible return date: N/A.

Martin Odegaard

Odegaard was absent from Arsenal’s matchday squad for the FA Cup after suffering a knee issue in Thursday’s draw with Brentford.

What Odegaard has said: “I picked up a bit of an injury when they scored their goal, but hopefully it’s not too bad. I tried to clear the ball as it came down, but instead kicked into the player a bit, and ended up over-stretching my leg, which pinched the knee.

“I was able to carry on, but on Friday morning it was very sore, so I was worried of course, but thankfully it looks like it’s not too bad.”

What Arteta has said: “Yeah, Martin we’ll have to wait and see. He picked that knock on the action when we conceded the goal and he wasn’t fit for today.”

Possible return date: N/A.

Kai Havertz

Havertz’s rotten injury luck has continued with a fresh muscular problem ruling him out for a few weeks. It was stated before the trip to Brentford that the Germany international is expected to miss games up to the North London Derby, though there is no clear timeline for his return.

Possible return date: March 2026

Mikel Merino

Merino underwent an operation on his foot earlier this week and could miss the remainder of the season.

What Arteta has said: “Well, I think the doctors were really happy the way it went. Yeah, now it starts. Obviously, it’s a long process.

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“You’re talking about bone healing, so you need to be patient. You respect the timings, and I’m sure Mikel is going to do everything that he possibly can to speed up the process. We’re talking about months, whether it’s three, four or five, we don’t know.”

Possible return date: N/A.

Max Dowman

Dowman has missed the last two months but is set to for a return to training soon before then being deemed available for first-team matches again.

What Arteta has said: “Max is still not available. The rest, we will see when we make the medical meeting. He’s doing very well. I think he will be with us in a week or so, and then he just needs to pick up the rhythm and be available for us.”

Possible return date: March 2026.