While Mikel Arteta’s side have booked their place in the Champions League last 16, reached a domestic cup semi-final and progressed in the FA Cup, their Premier League momentum has stalled at an awkward moment.
Sunday’s 3-2 defeat to Manchester United was Arsenal’s first home loss of the season in any competition and means they are now three league games without a win. Their lead at the top has been cut to four points, adding pressure ahead of a crucial run.
Attention now turns to Wednesday night’s Champions League meeting with Kairat at the Emirates. With top spot in the group still within reach, Arteta is expected to use the fixture to restore rhythm and confidence before the trip to Leeds.
Here is the latest on Arsenal’s injury situation.
Riccardo Calafiori
Calafiori has been absent since suffering a muscle issue in the warm-up before the Brighton win shortly after Christmas.
The Italian defender has now missed nine matches, but signs of a return are emerging. Calafiori was back on the training pitch ahead of the Manchester United game, and Arteta confirmed he was being assessed for selection.
He ultimately missed out on the matchday squad, but Wednesday’s Champions League fixture looks like a realistic opportunity for his return if he continues to respond well.
Potential return: Kairat (H), January 28
Kai Havertz
Havertz’s carefully managed comeback continued over the weekend, with the German again left out of the squad following long-term knee surgery.
Despite online speculation, Arteta has been keen to stress that there are no setbacks and that the focus is purely on managing load and match context. The Arsenal boss confirmed Havertz is close and will be eased back in over the coming weeks.
His versatility gives Arteta multiple options once he is fully ready, and his return could prove vital during the business end of the season.
Potential return: Kairat (H), January 28
Max Dowman
Teenage midfielder Max Dowman remains sidelined after suffering ankle ligament damage in a closed-door fixture before Christmas.
The 16-year-old was ruled out for roughly two months and was subsequently removed from Arsenal’s Champions League squad. Arteta recently confirmed Dowman is still a few weeks away from returning to full training.
Potential return: Late February 2026
Key insights
- Calafiori is edging closer after returning to training
- Havertz’s return is imminent but being carefully managed
- Dowman remains sidelined with no short-term return planned
- Arteta may use the Kairat game to rebuild confidence
What’s next for Arsenal?
Arsenal host Kairat on Wednesday night before travelling to Leeds in the Premier League. With suspensions ruling out Declan Rice and Mikel Merino in Europe, Arteta is expected to rotate while keeping one eye on the title race.
Should Arteta risk Calafiori or Havertz from the start in midweek, or keep easing them back? Let us know your thoughts.
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