Arsenal have been given a new injury update, with Mikel Arteta now without a key player until 2026.
Arsenal’s current state of play with injuries
According to a recent report from the Telegraph, 17 of Arsenal’s 25 players have missed at least one match due to injury or suspension. So it’s safe to say that their bad luck has continued since last season.
As a result, Arsenal’s title ambitions are facing increasing scrutiny, with Arteta facing a defensive injury crisis that threatens to derail his Premier League title quest during the congested festive calendar.
Ben White’s hamstring injury against Wolves represents the latest devastating blow, with scans revealing the England international will be out for at least a month.
The 28-year-old stopped on his way back during Saturday’s dramatic 2-1 win, straining his left hamstring with visible discomfort.
His absence proves particularly cruel given that he only recently recovered after long periods of dealing with knee problems throughout last season.
White’s injury worsens Arsenal’s already precarious defensive situation.
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It would be a surprising decision.
Gabriel Magalhaes has been out since the November international break after representing Brazil, with his return not expected until late December or even into the new year.
Cristhian Mosquera faces a similar schedule, with his ankle injury much worse than initially expected. The versatile Spaniard could miss another six weeks, according to the BBC, so his return is not expected until late January or early February.
The simultaneous absences create significant tactical headaches for Arteta.
Both White and Mosquera offer crucial versatility, capable of operating at right-back or right centre-back, but Arsenal now possess no obvious alternatives to William Saliba and Jurrien Timber.
The situation forces a reliance on academy prospects Marli Salmon and Josh Nichols, both recently involved in first-team training despite their inexperience.
15-year-old wonderkid Max Dowman adds to Arteta’s concerns after suffering ankle ligament damage in an Under-21 friendly against Man United, ruling him out for around two months.
Meanwhile, Kai Havertz continues his long rehabilitation after a knee injury in August, and he was once battling to be in contention to face Tottenham in November’s north London derby.
Kai Havertz out until early to mid-January after injury setback at Arsenal
However, after suffering a setback, the prognosis is now much longer.
According to the Mail’s Isaan Khan this afternoon, Havertz is “ready to be sidelined” until early or mid-January, meaning he will no longer be available for the festive period and will have to wait until after the new year.
The 26-year-old has been a big problem for Arteta and will continue to be after this update.
The Germany international’s absence since August removes a crucial dimension from Arsenal’s forward line.
Havertz offers unique qualities as a false nine capable of dropping deep to link play, while possessing the technical intelligence to also operate between the defensive lines.
Viktor Gyokeres has struggled to replicate Havertz’s all-round game despite his goalscoring pedigree, scoring just six goals in all competitions while appearing isolated during Arsenal’s recent labored performances.
The Swedish striker’s limited involvement against Wolves, completing just three passes, highlighted Arsenal’s difficulties creating chances without Havertz’s movement and link-up play.
With Arsenal playing nine December/January matches across multiple competitions, including crucial clashes against Everton, Crystal Palace, Brighton, Aston Villa and Liverpool, Havertz’s continued absence forces Arteta into compromised team selections – precisely when squad depth matters most.
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This would be great news for the Gunners.
