Arsenal injury update: Timber, Calafiori and Havertz return dates

Arsenal’s Premier League title push faces another stern test this week, with Arsenal juggling multiple fitness concerns ahead of a crunch showdown against Aston Villa.

The Gunners preserved their two-point lead at the summit with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Brighton & Hove Albion, sealed by a superb late save from David Raya. However, defensive absences again dominated the post-match conversation, with Mikel Arteta forced into late changes before kick-off.

With Arsenal also facing trips to Bournemouth and a heavyweight clash against Liverpool early in the New Year, here is the latest Arsenal injury update and expected return dates.

Jurrien Timber was a surprise omission from the squad against Brighton despite arriving at the Emirates Stadium with his team-mates. The versatile defender picked up a knock late in the Carabao Cup win over Crystal Palace, forcing Arsenal into a last-minute rethink.

Arteta confirmed: “We missed him because in the last part of the game he felt something and he could not carry on so he's out.”

With Arsenal short at right-back, Timber’s availability for Villa could be decisive.

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

Riccardo Calafiori added to Arsenal’s injury list after withdrawing from the starting XI moments before kick-off against Brighton. The left-back felt discomfort during the warm-up, allowing Myles Lewis-Skelly to step in.

Calafiori has largely stayed fit this season after a stop-start debut campaign, establishing himself as Arteta’s first-choice option on the left. However, an issue described as “very awkward” has now cast doubt on his short-term availability.

Arteta explained: “It's something that he felt yesterday… and today in the warm-up he wasn’t comfortable.”

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

There is more encouraging news regarding Kai Havertz, who is nearing a return after a long absence. The German has not featured since suffering a knee injury at Manchester United on the opening weekend but is now back in full training.

Arteta recently suggested his comeback was imminent: “Quite close… a matter of days, not weeks.”

A return against Aston Villa is now a realistic possibility.

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

Ben White remains sidelined with the hamstring injury sustained against Wolverhampton Wanderers on 13 December. The issue is not considered serious, and Arsenal are optimistic he will be back sooner rather than later.

“He's evolving well… it will keep him out for a few games,” Arteta said recently.

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

Young defender Cristhian Mosquera is facing a more prolonged spell on the sidelines with what Arteta has labelled a “complicated” ankle injury.

“He's going to be out for weeks unfortunately,” the Arsenal boss admitted, with reports suggesting a return may not come until mid-January.

Potential return date: January 2026

Academy midfielder Max Dowman is also unavailable after damaging ankle ligaments in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Manchester United. While surgery is not required, Arsenal have removed him from their Champions League squad as he recovers.

Potential return date: February 2026

Arsenal host Aston Villa on Tuesday, 30 December, in a meeting that could shape the title race heading into 2026. Arteta is expected to make late calls on several defenders, with rotation likely as fixtures pile up. The Bournemouth trip follows quickly, before Liverpool visit the Emirates Stadium on 8 January — a stretch that may define Arsenal’s season.

Should Arsenal risk Timber or Calafiori if they’re only partially fit against Aston Villa?