Arsenal and Aston Villa both go into crucial Premier League matches significantly weakened by injuries and suspensions. The difference between the two teams is just three points, with Unai Emery aiming to surpass his predecessor and achieve a league double. Emiliano Buendia’s dramatic late winner secured Villa victory over the Gunners last month, but Mikel Arteta’s side will be hungry for revenge. But they may have to pursue that without Riccardo Calafioli and Julian Timber, who were both absent for the game against Brighton at the weekend.
A late fitness assessment is expected to determine their readiness, with Gabriel Magalhães and Kai Havertz likely to face similar assessments, with the Brazilian defender likely to feature. Villa have largely avoided any serious injury concerns, but Matty Cash and Boubakar Kamara have been handed one-match suspensions, meaning they will be unavailable for the game at the Emirates Stadium. Express Sport takes a look at Arsenal’s latest injury situation ahead of their title showdown with Villa.
julian timber
Timber remains in doubt for the game against Villa after missing the win against Brighton. The defender has had a week to recover from his symptoms and given the magnitude of the game, there is a good chance he will return.
Arteta said: “At the end of the game (Tuesday) against (Palace) he felt something and couldn’t continue. That’s why he was sent off.”
Expected return date: Aston Villa (H) – Tuesday 30th December
Riccardo Calafioli
Calafioli was left out of the starting XI just before Saturday’s match, with Arteta later revealing he had encountered problems the day before. Given his quick turnaround and the availability of Miles Lewis-Skelly, it’s hard to see him being in any danger.
Arteta said: “That’s what he felt yesterday (Friday), something very awkward happened, and he wasn’t comfortable in the warm-up today.”
Expected return date: Liverpool (H) – Thursday, January 8th
Kai Havertz
Arteta is nearing a major injury increase and Havertz is on the verge of making his long-awaited return. Latest information and attendance at training last week suggest he will be included in Villa’s match-day squad.
Arteta said: “I think it’s going to be a matter of days, not weeks… Let’s see how he reacts in the next step. He’s a player we’ve missed a lot and he’s going to take the team to another dimension. So I’m really happy to be back so soon.”
Expected return date: Aston Villa (H) – Tuesday 30th December
ben white
White is recovering from a thigh injury and Arteta will likely be hoping to have him back in time for Liverpool’s visit.
Arteta said: “It’s not a major (hamstring) injury but he will be out for a few games. Ben is recovering very quickly so let’s hope he’s available for the next few games.”
Expected return date: Liverpool (H) – Thursday, January 8th
Cristian Mosquera
Mosquera is also making gradual progress, but is expected to remain sidelined for some time.
Arteta said: “He will be out for a few weeks. Unfortunately, it was a lot more than we expected. But the player felt it, so he will be out for a few weeks.”
Expected return date: January 2026
Max Dauman
Dauman was injured during a friendly match behind closed doors but is expected to return next month.
Arteta said: “Max picked up an injury last weekend and had to be out. So he did some tests and he will be out for a few weeks.”
Expected return date: January 2026
