Arsenal injury list: Players out, potential return dates, predicted lineup for next game vs. Fulham

Arsenal will seek to go six points clear at the top of the Premier League with victory over Fulham on Saturday.

The Gunners were chasing an unprecedented quadruple this season but could not clear either of the first two hurdles as they were well beaten at Wembley in the Carabao Cup final by Manchester City before being ejected from the FA Cup at the hands of Southampton in their return from the March international break.

A surprise loss at home to Bournemouth piled on the pressure ahead of the game at the Etihad Stadium, and the defeat to saw Pep Guardiola's side position themselves to draw level atop the table. However, City's ongoing FA Cup commitments meant Arsenal moved back ahead with last weekend's nervy victory at home to Newcastle.

City not being in action until their Monday trip to Everton means Mikel Arteta's side can extend their advantage further and apply some pressure, but they remain without some key personnel.

Here's the latest injury picture around Arteta's squad for a fixture that falls in the middle of a Champions League semifinal against Atletico Madrid that is locked at 1-1.

MORE: Max Dowman becomes youngest goal scorer in Premier League history

Arsenal injury list

Below is the latest injury picture for Arsenal, and estimated return dates for those who are sidelined.

Kai Havertz

• Injury: Groin
• Expected return date: May 5 (vs. Atletico Madrid)

After assisting Eberechi Eze's early goal, Kai Havertz was hauled off a half-hour into Arsenal's win over Newcastle in late April, appearing to tweak something in his groin. He looked dismayed while walking off the pitch, and headed down the tunnel.

Mikel Arteta said after the match that they hoped it was just a "muscular niggle" which wasn't "too bad" but he missed the first leg against Atletico and was also ruled out of the Fulham match.

Jurrien Timber

• Injury: Knee
• Expected return: May 5 (vs. Atletico Madrid)

Timber suffered an injury early in the eventual 2-0 victory over Everton on March 14. He went down in the opening 15 minutes but carried on as long as he could. Ultimately, he was forced off in the 37th minute, replaced by Cristhian Mosquera.

Arteta said that Timber's recovery will be "a matter of days," but the full-back has still not played since and missed the Netherlands' games in the March international break. He hopes to be back for the second leg of the Champions League semifinal.

Martin Odegaard

• Injury: Knock
• Expected return: May 2 (vs. Fulham)

Arsenal captain Odegaard has suffered an injury-ruined season and was substituted during the second half at the Metropolitano/ Asked whether he would be availble to face Fulham, Arteta simply replied "we will see".

Mikel Merino

• Injury: Broken foot
• Expected return date: May 24 (vs. Crystal Palace)

It was reported in Spain late on February 1 that Merino could miss much of the rest of the season with a broken foot, and Arsenal confirmed the injury a day later. The club said the midfielder will be out for "an extended period" while he recovers from surgery, but the intention is for him to be back in training before the season ends.

As April wound down and May drew closer, it seemed more likely that Merino would miss the rest of the season, although there is hope he can return for the final match of the campaign if he's lucky.

Arsenal predicted lineup vs. Fulham

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Raya (GK)

White, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie

Rice, Zubimendi

Saka, Eze, Trossard

Gyokeres

Arsenal fixture schedule: Next five games

• Arsenal vs. Fulham | Premier League | Saturday, May 2
• Arsenal vs. Atletico Madrid | Champions League semifinal 2nd leg | Tuesday, May 5
• West Ham vs. Arsenal | Premier League | Sunday, May 10
• Arsenal vs. Burnley | Premier League | Sunday, May 17
• Crystal Palace vs. Arsenal | Premier League | Sunday, May 24