Arsenal injury news and return dates for Brighton: Jesus, Merino latest

Aiming to continue their perfect start to 2024-25 at the expense of Brighton & Hove Albion's 100% record, Arsenal host the Seagulls in Saturday lunchtime's Premier League clash.

Mikel Arteta's charges exorcised some demons by overcoming Aston Villa 2-0 in gameweek two, where second-half strikes from Leandro Trossard and Thomas Partey sunk Unai Emery's men.

The Gunners are one of just four sides in the division to have taken six points from six on offer this term, an exclusive club that also includes this weekend's visitors, led by the fledgling 31-year-old Fabian Hurzeler.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up all of Arsenal's latest injury and suspension news ahead of their clash with Brighton, who thumped Crawley Town 4-0 in the EFL Cup second round on Tuesday.

Mikel Merino

© Imago

Status: Out Type of injury: Shoulder Possible return date: Unknown

During Friday's press conference, Arteta revealed that new signing Mikel Merino had sustained a shoulder injury - a suspected fracture - in his first training session after Gabriel landed on him, and he will not be making his debut for a few weeks.

Gabriel Jesus

© Imago

Status: Out Type of injury: Groin Possible return date: September 15 (vs. Tottenham Hotspur)

A few hours before Arsenal's showdown with Villa kicked off, rumours began to swirl that Gabriel Jesus had picked up a new groin injury, a diagnosis that was confirmed by the Gunners after their Jesus-less lineup was announced. Early indications have reportedly shown that he is not suffering from a serious problem, but a comeback before the international break is still unlikely.

Takehiro Tomiyasu

© Imago

Status: Out Type of injury: Knee Possible return date: September 15 (vs. Tottenham Hotspur)

The luckless Takehiro Tomiyasu - who missed the entirety of pre-season - is also targeting a return from his own knee injury for the North London derby in the middle of next month, although caution will be exercised over the Japan international given his fitness record.

Kieran Tierney

© Imago

Status: Out Type of injury: Hamstring Possible return date: September 15 (vs. Tottenham Hotspur)

Similarly, Kieran Tierney's hamstring problem from Euro 2024 is not expected to fully heal for another couple of weeks, but there is every chance that he will leave before the transfer window shuts on August 30.

ARSENAL'S SUSPENSION LIST

Arsenal have no players suspended for this fixture.