Arsenal XI vs Aston Villa: Predicted lineup and latest injury news

Arsenal face a defining night in the Premier League title race when they host Aston Villa at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday, with Mikel Arteta still juggling several injury concerns ahead of the clash.

The Arsenal head into the fixture on top of the table after edging past Brighton & Hove Albion 2-1, but the visit of an in-form Aston Villa side represents a major test. Unai Emery’s team arrive on an extraordinary run of 11 straight wins in all competitions and would draw level on points with Arsenal with victory in north London.

Below is the latest Arsenal team news, injury update and predicted XI.

There is cautious optimism that Jurrien Timber could return to the squad. The versatile defender missed the Brighton win after failing to recover from an issue picked up in the Carabao Cup victory over Crystal Palace.

“We missed him because in the last part of the [Palace] game he felt something and he could not carry on so he's out,” Arteta explained on Saturday.

The injury is not believed to be serious, and Timber’s availability would allow Declan Rice to move back into midfield after deputising at full-back.

There is more uncertainty surrounding Riccardo Calafiori, who pulled out during the warm-up against Brighton and was replaced by Myles Lewis-Skelly. The left-back remains a major doubt for Tuesday night.

In more positive news, Gabriel has returned from an adductor injury and could make his first start since early November, strengthening Arsenal’s central defence alongside William Saliba.

Arteta may also consider rotation in attack. Gabriel Jesus has impressed in recent cameo appearances and could replace Viktor Gyökeres, who again struggled to influence proceedings against Brighton.

There is competition out wide too, with Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze pushing for involvement, although Gabriel Martinelli is expected to retain his place on the left.

Kai Havertz is closing in on a return after resuming full first-team training. While a start appears unlikely, the Germany international is believed to be close to making the matchday squad, offering Arteta another option from the bench.

Predicted formation: 4-3-3

XI:
David Raya;
Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly;
Martín Zubimendi, Rice, Martin Ødegaard;
Bukayo Saka, Jesus, Martinelli

Injured: Ben White, Cristhian Mosquera, Max Dowman
Doubts: Timber, Calafiori, Havertz

With Villa in relentless form and Arsenal keen to end 2025 top of the table, this fixture carries major significance in the title race. Arteta’s selection — particularly in defence — could be decisive against one of the league’s most in-form sides.

Should Arteta risk Timber and Calafiori if they are only just fit, or stick with the players who beat Brighton?