Arsenal injury update: Gabriel, Ben White and Kai Havertz return dates

Arsenal’s injury fortunes continue to shift unpredictably as Mikel Arteta enters a gruelling festive schedule with several key players unavailable or uncertain. Although the Gunners secured a tense 2–1 win over Wolves, welcoming back Declan Rice, William Saliba, Jurrien Timber and Leandro Trossard, the relief was tempered by yet another setback: Ben White limping off with a hamstring issue.

The victory — sealed in stoppage time by Yerson Mosquera’s own goal — may well prove valuable in the title race, but Arteta enters the coming week with more questions than answers. With Arsenal enjoying a rare clear week before travelling to Everton on Saturday, the latest updates provide a mixed picture of hope, caution and long-term concern.

Here is the full breakdown of Arsenal’s current injury list and expected return dates.

White’s injury came at an unfortunate moment as he attempted to recover defensively during the first half against Wolves, pulling up and immediately clutching his left hamstring.

Arteta was blunt afterwards: “That is bad news, for sure. It looks like a hamstring… we will know more tomorrow or the day after.”

White had only recently regained rhythm after earlier knee problems, and Arteta admitted the defender had been forced into heavy minutes due to limited alternatives. Whether he will feature at all during the festive period remains unclear.

Potential return date: Unknown

Gabriel has been sidelined since suffering an adductor injury during Brazil duty a month ago. The early fear was that he could be out until January, with Arteta describing the loss as a major structural blow.

“Big Gabi is doing very well, but that’s weeks as well,” Arteta said recently.

The expectation is that he will rejoin the squad late this month or early January, but Arsenal will take no risks with their defensive anchor.

Potential return date: Late December / January

Mosquera is facing an extended spell out with what Arteta labelled a “complicated” ankle injury. Arsenal initially hoped it would be minor, but further assessment revealed a six-to-eight-week absence.

“Much more than what we expected… he’s going to be out for weeks,” Arteta confirmed.

Potential return date: Unknown (likely early February)

Dowman sustained ankle ligament damage during a behind-closed-doors U21 friendly with Manchester United. Although surgery is not required, the 15-year-old has been withdrawn from Arsenal’s Champions League squad.

Arteta: “He is going to be out for weeks.”

Potential return date: February

Havertz remains unavailable after suffering a setback in his recovery from the knee injury he sustained on the opening weekend vs Manchester United. While surgery was successful, progress has slowed.

Arteta noted: “Matter of weeks. Let’s see how it evolves.”

With Viktor Gyökeres struggling for consistency, Havertz’s eventual return could reshape Arsenal’s forward dynamic.

Potential return date: Late December / January

In our assessment, Arsenal’s results have masked how precarious their squad situation is. While some argue the depth has improved significantly compared to previous seasons, it’s worth questioning whether Arsenal can sustain a title challenge with so many defensive absences.

White’s and Gabriel’s simultaneous injuries place huge strain on Saliba and Timber, while Havertz’s setback limits tactical flexibility in the front line. Arsenal’s resilience is admirable, but this period will likely force Arteta into rotation patterns he did not intend. January reinforcements could become a necessity rather than a luxury.

Arsenal return to action on Saturday, 20 December, travelling to Everton in a fixture that often demands physicality and defensive discipline. With multiple starters sidelined, Arteta will hope this week allows key players to progress closer to match fitness.

👉 Arsenal fans — which returning player will make the biggest impact over Christmas?