Arsenal injury latest: Gabriel, Kai Havertz and more

Arsenal injury latest as festive schedule tests Arteta’s depth

Arsenal head into the most compressed part of the season with the familiar tension between momentum and fragility. The league table offers encouragement, sitting two points clear at Christmas after the 1-0 win over Everton, yet the injury list continues to shape how Mikel Arteta can navigate what comes next. The latest Arsenal injury update reads like a quiet sub plot running alongside the title race, one that may prove decisive once fixtures begin to stack up.

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Victory at the Hill Dickinson Stadium brought relief and reminder in equal measure. Ben White was missing again with a hamstring issue, while Leandro Trossard’s return to the starting line up hinted at some easing of pressure. At the same time, Riccardo Calafiori’s late first half tumble served as another example of how quickly Arsenal’s defensive balance can be tested. With Aston Villa and Bournemouth looming in the Premier League, and Crystal Palace visiting in the Carabao Cup quarter final, every update carries weight.

Below is the latest Arsenal injury and return date picture as the squad prepares for a defining festive stretch.

Gabriel recovery shapes Arsenal defensive stability

Few absences have been felt as sharply as Gabriel’s. The centre back has now missed eight matches after suffering an adductor injury while on international duty with Brazil in November. His importance extends beyond aerial dominance, touching build up play, defensive organisation and the subtle chemistry developed alongside William Saliba.

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There has been guarded optimism from the training ground. Arteta confirmed last week that Gabriel has returned to individual work, an important step that suggests the most restrictive phase of his rehabilitation has passed.

Speaking ahead of the Everton game, Arteta said: “He’s pushing hard as he always does every time he’s out. He’s evolving really well, he’s doing pitch sessions. He’s not too far.

“We have to see in the last stages of that rehab how he progresses but we’re quite positive about it.”

That cautious tone reflects Arsenal’s broader approach this season. Rushing Gabriel back for one fixture would make little sense if it risks another setback. The aim is stability into the new year, not a short term fix.

Potential return date: Late December or January.

Riccardo Calafiori scare adds to Arsenal injury list

Calafiori’s situation felt symbolic of Arsenal’s current balancing act. Returning from suspension at Everton, he appeared to pick up a problem in first half injury time after landing awkwardly from an aerial challenge. Treatment followed, concern flickered, then the defender returned and completed the full 90 minutes.

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Arteta offered no post match update, which in itself suggested there was no significant issue. The absence of immediate alarm points towards a precaution rather than a new injury entering the Arsenal list.

With Crystal Palace next in the Carabao Cup, Calafiori remains expected to be available, an important detail given White’s ongoing recovery and Gabriel’s careful reintegration.

Potential return date: December 23 vs Crystal Palace, home.

Kai Havertz injury progress offers cautious optimism

Kai Havertz’s season has been defined by interruption rather than rhythm. The German suffered a knee injury on the opening weekend, required surgery, then endured a setback in November that slowed his return further. Yet recent updates have been among the most encouraging Arsenal have received.

Arteta grouped Havertz alongside Gabriel when discussing positive rehabilitation news, hinting that both are approaching the point where team training becomes realistic.

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“Progressing really well and quite fast in the last few weeks,” said Arteta. “We’re really positive that if everything continues like that, in the next training sessions he’s going to be with us quite soon.”

When asked if a specific match had been targeted, Arteta added: “I do. I don’t want to say it because again I think in that last part of the rehab, especially after such a long time, we need to be cautious.

“We need to go really firm with every step we take along the way to make sure that when he’s back, he’s back and he’s back for the long term.”

That emphasis on long term availability speaks to Arsenal’s experience last season, where rushed returns proved costly. Havertz’s reintegration will likely be measured, with minutes managed carefully once clearance is given.

Potential return date: Late December or January 2026.

Ben White and wider Arsenal injury concerns

White’s absence has quietly reshaped Arsenal’s right side. The defender picked up a hamstring injury during the 2-1 win over Wolves on December 13, with Arteta initially describing it as “bad news.” Subsequent updates have softened that outlook.

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“He’s out. He’s evolving well. It’s not major injury but it will keep him out for a few games.

“I don’t think it’s going to be [major]. Ben is a really fast healer as well so let’s hope that we’re going to have him in the next few games.”

A return before the year’s end remains plausible, potentially against Aston Villa, which would offer a timely boost given the physical demands of the festive run.

Elsewhere, Cristhian Mosquera remains sidelined with what Arteta described as a “complicated” ankle injury. “He’s going to be out for weeks unfortunately, it’s much more than what we expected,” Arteta said. “But the player was feeling it, so he’s going to be out for weeks.” Early December reports suggested a six to eight week absence.

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Max Dowman is also facing an extended spell out after sustaining ankle ligament damage in a behind closed doors friendly against Manchester United. Arteta confirmed: “With Max, unfortunately, he picked up an injury last weekend, and he had to come off, so we did some scans and he is going to be out for weeks.”

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Potential return dates: Ben White, December 30 vs Aston Villa, homeCristhian Mosquera, January 2026Max Dowman, February 2026

As Arsenal chase consistency through December and into the new year, the injury picture remains fluid rather than alarming. The challenge lies in preserving momentum while resisting the temptation to rush key players back too soon.