Arsenal injury, suspension list and return dates for Aston Villa clash: Jurrien Timber , Ricardo Calafiori, Kai Havertz latest
With the twin goals of vengeance and creating clearer daylight atop the Premier League Summitleaders Arsenal welcome third-placed Aston Villa for the high-profile Round 19 clash at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday.
The Gunners face the same opposition that earned them their last defeat, with the Villans. snatch a 2-1 victory with the final kick of the match in the reverse fixture in Birmingham.
Since that setback, Arsenal have gone five matches unbeaten in all competitions, including victories in all three league matches during this run, most recently winning a 2-1 success against Brighton and Hove Albion SATURDAY.
The win saw Arsenal return to the top following Manchester City’s short-lived spell at the top earlier in the day, and another success on Tuesday would extend their lead over Villa to six points, while potentially opening up a five-point gap ahead of City.
Here, Sports mole takes stock of the latest Arsenal injury and suspension news ahead of their meeting with Villa, who got a return victory 2-1 at Chelsea during the weekend.
© Imago
Status: Doubtful
Type of injury: Hit
Possible return date: December 30 (vs. Aston Villa)
Jurrien Timber is another recent concern, having landed awkwardly during Arsenal’s EFL Cup penalty shootout victory earlier in the week.
Although he was involved this weekend, the defender will still need to be assessed before kick-off to confirm whether he is fit to play.
© Imago / Sportimage
Status: Out
Type of injury: hamstrings
Possible return date: January 17 (vs. Nottingham Forest)
Ben White picked up a hamstring problem during Arsenal’s win over Wolverhampton Wanderers in mid-December and is expected to remain on the sidelines until around mid-January.
© Imago / News images
Status: Out
Type of injury: Ankle
Possible return date: Unknown
Teenage prospect Max Dowman suffered ankle ligament damage during an Under-21 friendly earlier this month, with the 15-year-old facing several weeks out as he works towards full fitness.
© Imago
Status: Out
Type of injury: Ankle
Possible return date: January 17 (vs. Nottingham Forest)
Cristhian Mosquera was forced off the field during Arsenal’s clash with Brentford on December 3 after injuring his ankle and is not expected to return until mid-January.
Ricardo Calafiori
© Imago
Status: Doubtful
Type of injury: Muscle
Possible return date: December 30 (vs. Aston Villa)
Ricardo Calafiori was withdrawn from the warm-up before the Brighton match after feeling unwell following a training session the day before.
The Italian defender will have to pass a late fitness test to determine his availability, leaving him a major doubt for Tuesday.
© Imago
Status: Out
Type of injury: Knee
Possible return date: December 30 (vs. Aston Villa)
After spending almost four months recovering from a knee injury, Kai Havertz returned to full training and narrowly missed out on the matchday squad last weekend.
Arteta suggested his return was only a “matter of days”, meaning a return on Tuesday is possible, although his involvement has not yet been confirmed.
ARSENAL SUSPENSION LIST
Arsenal have no players suspended for this match.