Arsenal injury latest: Kai Havertz, Riccardo Calafiori and more | OneFootball

Arsenal injuries shape Champions League build up after United setback

Arsenal’s January has taken on an uneven rhythm, moments of progress punctuated by disruption, and Sunday’s 3-2 defeat to Manchester United brought that uncertainty sharply into focus. It was their first home loss of the season in any competition and extended a Premier League wobble to three matches without a win.

Yet Europe offers a different backdrop. Arsenal have already secured a place in the Champions League last 16 and Wednesday’s home fixture against Kairat is a chance to steady momentum, even if it comes with caveats. Declan Rice and Mikel Merino are suspended, and while a point would be enough to confirm top spot in the group, Mikel Arteta’s focus is as much psychological as mathematical. With a trip to Leeds looming, this is about rhythm, confidence and managing a squad that continues to be shaped by Arsenal injuries.

Riccardo Calafiori return watch

Calafiori’s absence has quietly stretched on. The left sided defender has been sidelined since pulling up in the warm up before the win against Brighton just after Christmas, and he has now missed nine matches across all competitions with a muscle injury.

There was encouragement before the Manchester United game when he was spotted in training, and Arteta suggested he could be available for selection. However, his absence from the matchday squad at the weekend underlined the caution still being applied.

That places fresh focus on Wednesday night. If Calafiori is included against Kairat, it would represent a meaningful step forward, even if minutes are carefully managed. With fixtures stacking up and defensive options already under strain, his return would offer both tactical flexibility and a timely boost.

Potential return date: January 28 vs Kairat (H)

Kai Havertz fitness management

Havertz’s situation is less about setbacks and more about patience. The German has not featured in the Premier League since August and his slow reintroduction after knee surgery continued on Sunday as he again missed out on the squad.

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Speculation on social media about concerns was met with a calm response from Arteta, who stressed how close Havertz is to being fully ready. The manager said:

“Obviously, he has been out for a long time, almost a year, for different reasons, and now we have to be very smart in the manner that we manage that load, the minutes.

“I am sure in the next few weeks he is going to play in minutes. I cannot tell you which competition because that will depend as well on the game context, and it is a context that is positive to throw him in or not, with his qualities.

“It is great that we have him. We can use him in different positions. We will see him in different positions, and we are really happy to have him.”

Those comments reflect a wider theme of Arsenal injuries this season, where returns are phased rather than rushed. Havertz’s versatility adds to his value, but his reintegration will be shaped by match state as much as medical clearance.

Potential return date: January 28 vs Kairat (H)

Max Dowman recovery timeline

For Max Dowman, the road is longer. The 16 year old suffered an ankle ligament injury in a behind closed doors game against Manchester United before Christmas. Initially ruled out for two months, he has since been removed from Arsenal’s Champions League squad, a clear indicator of how carefully his recovery is being handled.

Arteta recently confirmed Dowman remains “a few weeks away”, and there is no appetite to accelerate his return. For a player at such an early stage of his development, the priority is long term health rather than short term availability.

Potential return date: Late February

As Arsenal navigate a demanding schedule, these injury updates underline how finely balanced their squad management has become. With domestic form faltering and Europe offering a reset, how Arteta handles Arsenal injuries over the coming weeks may prove as significant as any tactical tweak.