Arsenal team news: Two big injury updates ahead of Brighton clash
Mikel Arteta has provided an update on Arsenal’s injuries ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash with Brighton.
Arsenal beat Crystal Palace on penalties to progress to the Carabao Cup semi-final on Tuesday, in a game that featured plenty of rotation.
The Gunners made eight changes, with only William Saliba, Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori retaining their places in the team.
The defence is the worst-hit area for Arsenal, with Gabriel picking up an injury while on international duty with Brazil at the start of November.
Ben White has also been ruled out through injury and is expected to return with Cristhian Mosquera in January.
Mikel Arteta shares updates on Kai Havertz and Gabriel
Kai Havertz returned to training for Arsenal this week, after more than four months out injured with a knee issue.
The Germany international underwent surgery in August after picking up a problem in the latter stages of the Gunners’ opening-day win over Manchester United.
Havertz was reportedly close to a return in November, but Germany head coach Julien Nagelsmann confirmed that he had suffered a setback.
| Kai Havertz | Premier League 2025-26 |
| Appearances | 23 |
| Goals | 9 |
| Assists | 3 |
| Chances created | 17 |
| Duels won | 111 |
The striker has been a big loss for Arteta‘s team, with Viktor Gyokeres failing to recreate the German’s impact last season.
But his absence pales in comparison to the loss of Gabriel. The Brazilian is undoubtedly crucial in both boxes for Arsenal, scoring key goals from corners and leading the defence in his own.
Piero Hincapie has stepped up in his absence, but he could now be unavailable too, after appearing to suffer an issue with his shoulder in the win over Everton.
In a huge boost for Arsenal, however, Arteta confirmed on Friday that both players are close to making their returns.
“I think it will be a matter of days, if not weeks,” the Spaniard said on Havertz. “Let’s see in the next step how he responds to that.
“He’s a player that we missed a lot, a player that brings the team into a different dimension. So, I’m really happy to have him back very soon.”
On Gabriel, he said: “We’ll have to wait and see. “He hasn’t trained yet, he’s still doing his rehab. But hopefully as quickly as possible because we know the situation that we have in the back line.”
Injury response will be vital for Arsenal
At no point this season have Arsenal had a fully fit squad of players to choose from. Whether it be Gabriel Jesus, Havertz, or a whole host of defenders, someone has always been injured.
But that situation could now, finally, become a reality in January. With the German and Gabriel to return in the coming days, Arteta will be left waiting for Hincapie, White and Mosquera.
How the Gunners manage those returns will be crucial. Just a match too much could well result in a further setback and further risk for the players left to cover.
If Arsenal can protect their squad, however, they will be incredibly well-placed for the second half of the season.