Arsenal prepare to host Aston Villa in a pivotal Premier League encounter on Tuesday, December 30 at the Emirates Stadium. Mikel Arteta faces a familiar headache which is injuries. Arsenal remain on top of the table after a gritty festive schedule which have been plagued by injury news that have tested their squad depth, particularly at the back.
What Happened?
Arsenal injury news includes Ben White, the versatile right-back sidelined by a hamstring strain sustained against Wolves on December 13. His absence disrupts Arsenal’s fluid backline rotations. Similarly, Cristhian Mosquera, the young Spanish center-back, limped off in early December with an ankle injury during the Brentford draw. This ruled him out for the foreseeable. Kai Havertz, Arsenal’s forward, is nursing a knee issue that has kept him out since mid-December. This deprived the attack of his physicality and hold-up play. Academy prospect Max Dowman joins the list with his own ankle problem, though his youth status softens the blow. Finally, Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber are the latest casualties. Calafiori felt discomfort in a recent warm-up, while Timber aggravated a knock late against Crystal Palace.
Context
Hope flickers amid the gloom, with Arteta hinting at breakthroughs. Timber and Calafiori are the most optimistic cases, both undergoing late assessments ahead of kickoff on December 30. Timber’s “other” injury is described as a nagging sensation. We could see him reclaim his spot if he passes muster, potentially ending a three-week layoff. Calafiori’s muscle tweak mirrors this timeline, with the Italian defender’s versatility making his availability crucial.
For Havertz, the news is brighter than feared. Arteta labeled it “a matter of days, not weeks” on December 26. He is eyeing a possible return for the Villa game or the subsequent January 3 fixture against an unspecified opponent. However, caution prevails, and he’s currently ruled out. White and Mosquera face longer hauls—both projected back by January 17, in time for the Nottingham Forest clash, allowing a pre-winter break recovery. Dowman’s ankle woes lack a firm ETA, but scans suggest weeks rather than months.
Arteta’s updates emphasize rapid healing—White’s issue is “not major”—yet the cluster of returns post-Villa underscores the urgency of a clean sheet to buy time.
🎙️| Mikel Arteta on whether the heartbreaking late defeat at Villa Park can fuel tomorrow's clash at the Emirates:
“If you use that motivation and that anger in the right manner, for sure.”
Channel the pain into performance. Revenge mission incoming. 🔴⚪#ARSAVL… pic.twitter.com/aGOyXvDwYv
— Arsenal Team (@_ArsenalTeam) December 29, 2025
Arsenal Predicted Lineup vs Aston Villa
Assuming Timber edges into contention, Arteta is likely to stick with a pragmatic 4-3-3 to counter Villa’s counterattacking threat. This will blend solidity with flair. In goal, David Raya retains his berth, his shot-stopping a constant amid chaos. The back four hinges on fitness. Timber at right-back if cleared, else Rice slots there limitations. William Saliba anchors centrally alongside Piero Hincapie, who’s passed fit after his own minor concerns. Myles Lewis-Skelly, the breakout left-back, completes the line for his composure under pressure. Midfield offers balance. Martin Zubimendi (a summer coup) shields as the deep pivot, freeing Declan Rice for box-to-box duties. Martin Ødegaard to orchestrate from No. 10, his recent goal tally underscoring his form.
Up top, Arsenal’s firepower dazzles. Bukayo Saka hugs the right, his dribbling Villa’s nightmare. The new signing Viktor Gyokeres leads as the focal point. His predatory instincts filling Havertz’s void. Eberechi Eze, another 2025 addition, starts on the left over Martinelli, bringing silky creativity to stretch Emery’s defense. Subs like Gabriel Magalhães (post-cameo recovery), Leandro Trossard, and Thomas Partey provide punch from the bench. This XI prioritizes experience, with Hincapie shifting inside to mitigate Gabriel’s unreadiness for a full 90.
Resilience Over Ruin
Arsenal’s injury toll—echoing last season’s saga—tests their “mentality monsters” ethos, but recent wins sans key men prove their mettle. A victory vs Aston Villa for Arsenal, could cement top spot into the New Year.
As featured on GoonerNews.com
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