Arsenal injury latest: Gabriel, Ben White and more | OneFootball

Arsenal injury latest casts shadow over Wolves escape

Arsenal edged past Wolves 2-1 at the weekend, a result that may yet echo loudly in the title race, but it came wrapped in familiar concern. Even with several key figures returning from illness or injury, the Gunners emerged with fresh problems, reinforcing the sense that this season’s physical toll is rarely far away. As the festive period approaches, Arsenal’s injury list remains an unwelcome companion.

The victory over Wolves restored some stability after a testing run, with Declan Rice, William Saliba, Jurrien Timber and Leandro Trossard all back in action.

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Yet Ben White’s early withdrawal shifted the mood. Mikel Arteta watched his side labour against the Premier League’s bottom club, eventually relying on two own goals, including Yerson Mosquera’s stoppage time header into his own net, to secure the points. Arsenal avoided becoming only the third side to drop points against Wolves this season, but the price may prove significant.

With a rare free week now in the calendar before a trip to Everton, Arsenal have time to regroup. The question is how many players will be ready when the schedule tightens once more.

Ben White setback raises concerns

Ben White’s injury felt particularly cruel. Just as the defender was rediscovering rhythm and continuity, he pulled up in the first half against Wolves, clutching his left hamstring while chasing back to halt a counter attack. His immediate discomfort told its own story.

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Arteta’s post match assessment offered little comfort. “That is bad news, for sure. It looks like a hamstring, so we don’t know the extent of that, but probably tomorrow, or the day after we will know more.

“He hasn’t played a lot of minutes because of the previous knee issue that he had.

“Then the moment that he started to get some momentum, he had to play a lot because we didn’t have any other solution.”

White’s importance to Arsenal’s structure is well established, whether operating centrally or from full back. Having been denied a fifth consecutive start, his availability across the festive period is now in doubt.

Potential return date: Unknown

Gabriel absence still felt at back

Gabriel’s absence continues to shape Arsenal’s defensive planning. The Brazilian has not featured since suffering an adductor injury while on international duty a month ago, a blow Arteta described at the time as losing “the leader of our backline”.

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Initial fears suggested a return might not come until January, and while there has been some encouragement, the timeline remains cautious. Arteta’s latest update earlier this month pointed towards patience rather than haste.

“Big Gabi is doing very well, but that’s weeks as well,” he said.

Arsenal have coped admirably in his absence, but the physical presence and authority Gabriel brings remains difficult to replicate, particularly with demanding fixtures ahead.

Potential return date: Late December or January

Mosquera and Dowman add to list

Cristhian Mosquera has been ruled out until the New Year after what Arteta described as a “complicated” ankle injury. The issue has proven more serious than initially hoped, with Arsenal reportedly braced for a six to eight week absence.

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“He’s going to be out for weeks unfortunately, it’s much more than what we expected,” Arteta said. “But the player was feeling it, so he’s going to be out for weeks.”

Potential return date: Unknown

Max Dowman’s injury adds a different note of frustration. The 15 year old suffered ankle ligament damage during a behind closed doors Under 21 friendly against Manchester United at St George’s Park earlier this month. While surgery is not expected, the setback rules him out for around two months.

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Dowman has been removed from Arsenal’s Champions League squad, replaced by Gabriel Jesus, underlining the seriousness of the injury. Arteta confirmed: “With Max, unfortunately, he picked up an injury last weekend, and he had to come off, so we did some scans and he is going to be out for weeks.”

Potential return date: February

Kai Havertz timeline remains cautious

Kai Havertz remains unavailable after suffering a setback in his recovery from a knee injury sustained on the opening weekend of the season against Manchester United, an issue that required surgery. Progress has been steady rather than swift.

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Arteta offered a brief update at the start of the month. “Matter of weeks. Let’s see how it evolves in the next few weeks.”

Havertz’s eventual return will add competition to Arsenal’s forward line, particularly with Viktor Gyokeres struggling for form. For now, patience is required.

Potential return date: Late December or January

Arsenal will hope this rare clear week brings clarity rather than complication. The Wolves result may prove decisive come May, but the immediate challenge lies in navigating the coming fixtures with resilience, adaptability and, ideally, a healthier squad.