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

With all the cushion used up in the Premier League title chase, Arsenal face one of their most critical rivalry matches in years as they visit North London derby opponents Tottenham on Sunday.

The Gunners slumped to a heartbreaking 2-2 draw with Wolves last time out, which left them with just 10 points from their last 21 possible.

They now lead Manchester City by just five points in the league table, with Pep Guardiola also holding a game in hand, meaning City are effectively just two points back.

Arsenal will meet Tottenham in the debut of interim boss Igor Tudor, as the former Juventus manager takes over for the sacked Thomas Frank. With Spurs in a relegation battle, they cannot afford many slips either, leaving this rivalry matchup one of the most meaningful in decades.

Here's the latest injury picture around Arteta's squad.

MORE: Are Arsenal really so boring? It's time to bust the Premier League leaders' flawed set-piece narrative

Arsenal injury list

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

Bukayo Saka

• Injury: Knee
• Expected return date: February 22 (vs. Tottenham)

In his first match since signing a new contract, Bukayo Saka had to be withdrawn in the 73rd minute against Wolves, and there were worries that he had picked up a new injury. However, Saka did not go down the tunnel to receive treatment, instead staying on the bench to watch the rest of the match.

Reports claim that he is "fine" and that he will be good to go in the critical North London derby.

Martin Odegaard

• Injury: Knee
• Expected return date: February 22 (vs. Tottenham)

Odegaard was seen limping after the Brentford draw, and he has missed each of the last two games. Arteta said he was "hopeful" that the Norwegian would be available for the North London derby, which isn't exactly an inspiring prognosis, but it's possible he is ready to return for that critical game.

Leandro Trossard

• Injury: Head
• Expected return date: TBD

The Belgian came on to replace Bukayo Saka late in the Wolves draw, but was forced off himself after a collision with Santiago Bueno that left him dizzy. It's unclear what his status is, and he will likely need to pass concussion tests before he is able to take the field again.

Kai Havertz

• Injury: Muscular
• Expected return date: March 1 (vs. Chelsea)

After impressing with two goals and a couple of assists on his return to action, Havertz has suffered a muscular injury setback. It is not thought to be as serious as the hamstring problem that has decimated his season to date, but it means the Germany international will miss the north London derby against Tottenham on February 22.

Max Dowman

• Injury: Ankle
• Expected return date: March 1 (vs. Chelsea)

Shuttled back and forth between Arsenal's first team and the U-21 side, Dowman picked up an ankle injury in the youth team's victory over Manchester United in early December. Speaking on January 13, Arteta said Dowman was likely looking at a similar layoff to Cristhian Mosquera, and now that the Spanish defender has returned, it's likely Dowman will be an option off the bench once again soon.

Mikel Merino

• Injury: Broken foot
• Expected return date: May

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.

MORE: The latest on Bukayo Saka's injury in the Arsenal warmup

Arsenal predicted lineup vs. Tottenham

Formation: 4-3-3

Kepa (GK)

White, Mosquera, Hincapie, Lewis-Skelly

Odegaard, Zubimendi, Rice

Saka, Gyokeres, Martinelli

Arsenal fixture schedule: Next five games

Arsenal were set to face three successive Premier League London derbies, but a rescheduled fixture against Wolves has been plopped in the middle of that run.

That means Arsenal will play three of their next four matches on the road following the FA Cup meeting with Wigan.

• Tottenham vs. Arsenal | Premier League | Sunday, February 22
• Arsenal vs. Chelsea | Premier League | Sunday, March 1
• Brighton vs. Arsenal | Premier League | Wednesday, March 4
• Mansfield vs. Arsenal | FA Cup fifth round | Saturday, March 7
• Arsenal vs. Everton | Premier League | Sunday, March 15