Arsenal injury update: Gabriel, Calafiori, Havertz and return dates

Arsenal continue to manage a crowded treatment room as they head into a decisive festive period at the top of the Premier League.

Mikel Arteta’s side sit top of the table at Christmas after a 1-0 win over Everton, but the Gunners remain without several key first-team players ahead of crucial league fixtures against Brighton, Aston Villa and Bournemouth, as well as a Carabao Cup quarter-final against Crystal Palace.

There was some positive news on Merseyside, with Leandro Trossard returning to the starting XI for the first time since November, but Arsenal were again forced to juggle availability across defence and attack.

Below is the full Arsenal injury update, including the latest from Arteta and potential return dates.

Gabriel has now missed eight matches after suffering an adductor injury while on international duty with Brazil in November.

The defender’s absence has been keenly felt, but Arteta has offered encouraging signs that his return is not far away.

“He’s pushing hard as he always does,” Arteta said last week.
“He’s evolving really well, he’s doing pitch sessions. He’s not too far.”

Gabriel has returned to individual training and is entering the final stages of his rehabilitation.

Potential return date: Late December / early January

Riccardo Calafiori returned from suspension against Everton but gave Arsenal a brief scare when he went down late in the first half after landing awkwardly from an aerial duel.

The defender received treatment on the pitch and briefly left the field, but returned to complete the full 90 minutes. Arteta offered no post-match update, suggesting there is no serious issue.

Potential return date: Crystal Palace (H), December 23

Kai Havertz has endured a frustrating campaign after suffering a knee injury on the opening weekend of the season, followed by surgery and a subsequent setback in November.

However, Arteta believes the German is now accelerating towards a return.

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

Arteta admitted he has a specific match in mind but stressed caution after such a lengthy absence.

Potential return date: Late December / January 2026

Ben White missed the Everton win after suffering a hamstring injury against Wolves on December 13.

Initial fears suggested a serious problem, but Arteta later confirmed the injury was less severe than first thought.

“It’s not a major injury but it will keep him out for a few games,” Arteta said.
“Ben is a really fast healer.”

That timeline leaves open the possibility of a return before the turn of the year.

Potential return date: Aston Villa (H), December 30

Cristhian Mosquera remains sidelined with what Arteta has described as a “complicated” ankle issue.

“He’s going to be out for weeks unfortunately,” Arteta explained.
“It’s much more than what we expected.”

Reports earlier this month suggested a six-to-eight-week recovery window.

Potential return date: January 2026

Youngster Max Dowman suffered ankle ligament damage in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Manchester United.

He does not require surgery but is expected to be sidelined for a prolonged period and has been replaced in Arsenal’s Champions League squad by Gabriel Jesus.

Potential return date: February 2026

Arsenal are back in action on Tuesday night when they host Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals, before returning to league duty at home against Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday, December 27.

With the title race finely balanced, Arteta will be hoping to welcome key players back quickly — while carefully managing those already close to full fitness.