Arsenal head into their Premier League fixture against Aston Villa this weekend with no fresh injury concerns and the potential return of Riccardo Calafiori.
Mikel Arteta expressed optimism over the defender’s availability, stating, “We have a few decisions to make this afternoon with the medical staff to understand whether they are in the best condition for this game or the next one, so we’ll decide that.”
However, Arsenal remain without several long-term absentees, including Ben White, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Bukayo Saka, whose injuries have significantly tested the squad’s depth. When asked if any of these players were nearing a return, Arteta replied, “Not so far.”
Injury Overview
Gabriel Jesus is now sidelined with an ACL injury suffered against Manchester United on 12 January. The Brazilian forward underwent surgery and will not be back this season.
Similarly, Bukayo Saka, recovering from hamstring surgery, is not anticipated to return until March.
Defender Ben White is progressing from a minor knee procedure, with Arteta recently commenting that the player’s rehabilitation has gone smoothly but adding, “He hasn’t done anything with the team yet.” White is unlikely to feature until late January or early February.
Meanwhile, Takehiro Tomiyasu was back in training after a knee injury sustained during October’s international break, but that was quite a few weeks ago and we’ve heard nothing about him since.
In midfield, Ethan Nwaneri is out with a muscular injury, sustained against Brighton on 4 January, while youth prospect Josh Nichols is confirmed as a long-term absentee following an unspecified injury during an under-21s match in December.
Tactical Implications
Calafiori’s possible return could offer Arteta more flexibility in defence, a welcome boost as Arsenal aim to maintain their position in the title race. However, the absence of Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka continues to limit Arsenal’s attacking options, placing greater responsibility on players such as Leandro Trossard, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Ødegaard to deliver in key moments.
Arsenal will hope to avoid a repeat of last season’s 2-0 defeat to Unai Emery’s Aston Villa and will rely on their defensive resilience and collective mentality to secure a crucial three points.
With injuries still shaping the squad’s composition, Arteta’s side faces a challenging but manageable test as they look to keep pace in the Premier League title race.
Aston Villa are expecting to welcome former Arsenal youngster, Donyell Malen, recently signed from Borussia Dortmund, into their squad. Diego Carlos is unavailable due to speculation around his future. John McGinn, Ross Barkley and Pau Torres are also out.
Should Villa win on Saturday, it would be the first time they have beaten Arsenal in successive away league games since 1993, while Arsenal are unbeaten at home in the league since that defeat to Villa last season.
None of the last 18 games between the pair has ended in a draw but Arsenal have lost five of the last 10 Premier League games. Previously, they had lost five in 46 against Villa.
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