Partey, Vieira, Smith Rowe - Arsenal injury news and return dates after Lens clash

Arsenal have a few injury issues to deal with, having played out their penultimate clash in the Champions League group stages.

Arsenal sent a message to the rest of Europe on Wednesday evening as they put six goals past RC Lens in emphatic fashion to earn a place in the Champions League knockout rounds. Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Martin Odegaard and Jorginho all got on the scoresheet in a rout at the Emirates Stadium.

The result not only secured qualification, but confirmed the team as group winners, meaning they will face a team that finishes second in another group, once the draw rolls around. In the mean time, there's little chance for celebrations as concentration turns back to the Premier League this weekend.

A huge clash against Wolves awaits, with the Midlands outfit performing better than their points total may suggest at first glance. The Gunners have a couple of injury worries to deal with in the lead up to the clash, so here's a look at all the latest updates on the case.

Thomas Partey

Partey has undergone a 'procedure' which is set to keep him out for the remainder of the year, football.london understands.

Injury: Thigh

Expected return date: N/A

What Arteta has said: "It is a possibility (that he will return for January). Emile (Smith Rowe) has already been on the pitch doing some jogging. He’s a quick healer. Thomas the same. We need them to be back at their best."

READ MORE: Arsenal qualify for Champions League knockout stages after RC Lens win

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Fabio Vieira

Vieira missed Tuesday's open training session at the club's London Colney base, with Arteta then confirming that the Portuguese midfielder has undergone an operation on a groin issue.

Injury: Groin

Expected return date: N/A

What Arteta has said: "Yeah we’ve got a problem with him. He’s been having some discomfort. We sent him to see a specialist and the advice was to have an operation in his groin. He did that yesterday. We don’t expect him back this side of the winter break."

Emile Smith Rowe

Smith Rowe has been unlucky with injuries again this season, this time nursing a knee issue. He was omitted from the matchday squad to face Burnley earlier this month. football.london understands that the talented playmaker won't be back until next month.

Injury: Knee

Expected return date: N/A

What Arteta has said: "It is a possibility (that he will return for January). Emile has already been on the pitch doing some jogging. He’s a quick healer. Thomas (Partey) the same. We need them to be back at their best."

Jurrien Timber

Timber has undergone successful surgery, football.london understands, and he's now in the 'recovery phase' of his rehabilitation. The Dutchman has been sorely missed, especially with the club failing to find a suitable replacement in the summer transfer window. Worrying reports from Dutch media have suggested that Timber could miss out on a spot in the Netherlands squad for Euro 2024, throwing into doubt his return with Arsenal next year.

Injury: ACL

Expected return date : N/A.

What Arteta has said: "Well I hope so (be back on the grass soon.) He’s been for a few walks out on the field. He’s still a bit far from competing but he’s in a good place."

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