Mikel Arteta provides injury update on Declan Rice and Riccardo Calafiori | OneFootball

Arsenal injuries overshadow emphatic Emirates win

Arsenal closed out 2025 with authority, sweeping aside Aston Villa 4-1 at the Emirates and reminding the Premier League of their depth and attacking fluency. Goals from Gabriel Magalhaes and Gabriel Jesus underlined a confident afternoon, while Mikel Arteta was able to welcome back several important figures. Jurrien Timber returned, Kai Havertz appeared among the substitutes after a long absence, and Ben White was eased back with a second half cameo.

Yet even on a day of celebration, Arsenal injuries remained central to the conversation. With a demanding run ahead, fitness updates are shaping the narrative just as much as results.

Declan Rice concern ahead of Bournemouth trip

The most pressing issue involves Declan Rice, whose absence against Villa raised immediate alarm. The England midfielder suffered a knee problem against Brighton, one that swelled significantly during the match.

Arteta explained the situation clearly beforehand, saying, “Declan got a big kick in his knee during the match [against Brighton], at the start of the match actually, and by the time he finished the match he had a massive swell up. The game [against Villa] was too early for him to be able to consider.”

Rice watched from the dugout, and while there is optimism it remains short term, nothing is guaranteed. Arteta added post match, “That swelling has to come right down for him to have the chance to function. [Rice] wasn’t available to do that today yet. He’s improving but let’s see what it is in the next couple of days.”

Arsenal will hope his recovery allows involvement away at Bournemouth on January 3, but caution may prevail.

Defensive options tested by further injuries

Riccardo Calafiori was another notable absentee, having withdrawn late against Brighton after aggravating what Arteta described as a “very awkward” training injury. His absence against Villa suggests Arsenal will monitor him closely, particularly with Myles Lewis Skelly and Piero Hincapie available to cover at left back. A return at home to Liverpool on January 8 remains possible.

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Cristhian Mosquera faces a longer spell out. Arteta labelled the ankle problem “complicated” and admitted in December, “He’s going to be out for weeks unfortunately, it’s much more than what we expected.” Mid January remains a tentative target.

Young talent recovery timeline

Teenager Max Dowman also features on the Arsenal injuries list after damaging ankle ligaments during a private friendly with Manchester United. Surgery is not expected, but he has been withdrawn from the Champions League squad.

Arteta confirmed earlier this month, “With Max, unfortunately, he picked up an injury, so we did some scans and he is going to be out.” February is the earliest likely return.

As Arsenal push into 2026, managing injuries could define their momentum just as much as results.