Smith-Rowe, Martinelli, Leno - Arsenal injury latest and expected return dates

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta will assess the situation of his squad ahead of Saturday's visit of Southampton in the Premier League as the Gunners currently have four players out injured.

Granit Xhaka made a surprise return to the starting lineup against Everton in Monday's night's 2-1 defeat and will provide a big boost for the Gunners ahead of the rest of this month.

However, a further two players have been sidelined this week and now Arteta will sweat over the fitness of both, as the Spaniard will want as many players as fit as possible ahead of the gruelling Christmas schedule.

Here is all you need to know about the current state of play at the Emirates Stadium and the potential return dates for those currently out injured.

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Emile Smith-Rowe

Emile Smith-Rowe was left out of the Arsenal squad for the visit to Everton on Monday night, with Arteta revealing after the game that he was suffering with a groin injury.

Smith-Rowe had been feeling a lot of pain and was left at home, but there is optimism that he will return ahead of the visit of The Saints this weekend.

Following the Everton game, Arteta said: "He was with pain and could not train or travel. We will see how he is. It was a tight groin. Should be okay for next week I think."

Gabriel Martinelli

Gabriel Martinelli was another player who suffered with an injury this week but unlike Smith-Rowe, he picked his up during the defeat at Goodison Park and it has since been revealed as a hamstring injury.

Martinelli was replaced in the second half on Monday night and it was initially thought to be a cramp problem, but now Arteta is sweating over the condition of his player and is worried that it could be worse than he thought, with no current return date specified for the Brazilian.

Speaking after the incident, Arteta said: "I don't know we will have to assess him. He felt something in his hamstring so I'm not very positive about it."

Bernd Leno

German goalkeeper Bernd Leno remains out with a groin problem and after initial hopes he would return to the squad on Monday, it now looks more likely to be this weekend against Southampton.

Leno has been suffering with a tight groin that he had picked up last week but it wasn't suspected to be anything too serious.

He will most likely face a late fitness test ahead of Saturday's game, but Arteta will hope to have him back in the squad behind number one Aaron Ramsdale.

Sead Kolasinac

Sead Kolasinac remains as Arsenal's long-term absentee after picking up a nasty injury whilst on international duty with Bosnia-Herzegovina last month.

Kolasinac was on the receiving end of a nasty challenge which resulted in the defender sustaining an ankle injury, and will keep him out until the end of January at least.

Arteta said: "Sead is progressing well in the early stages of his rehab with the current aim to be back in full training in January."