Tuesday evening's pivotal Premier League encounter between Arsenal and Aston Villa at the Emirates Stadium is set to be heavily influenced by a significant absentee list, with as many as 13 players potentially unavailable for selection.
Arsenal's Defensive Concerns and Boosts
The Gunners head into the match with mixed news from their treatment room. Defenders Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber are both major doubts. Calafiori felt muscular discomfort during the warm-up before the Brighton game and faces a late fitness test, while Timber is nursing a knock sustained in the EFL Cup.
In a significant positive development, Gabriel Magalhaes made a surprise return from the bench against Brighton and is now expected to start, providing vital cover for Mikel Arteta's backline. Further forward, Kai Havertz is back in full training and could be included in the squad, with Arteta stating his return from a knee injury is a "matter of days".
However, the club confirmed longer-term absences for Ben White (thigh), Cristhian Mosquera (ankle), and youngster Max Dowman, who suffered significant ankle ligament damage and is not expected back until early 2026.
Aston Villa Hit by Suspension and Injury Blows
Unai Emery's side travel to North London grappling with a double suspension blow. Both Matty Cash and Boubacar Kamara are banned after accumulating yellow cards, depriving Villa of their first-choice right-back and a key midfield anchor.
The defensive woes continue with Pau Torres (calf) and Tyrone Mings (thigh) still sidelined. Torres is not expected back until early 2026, while Mings is progressing but remains a few weeks from a first-team return. Midfielder Ross Barkley is also out with a knee issue until late January or February.
Adding to Emery's selection headache, Harvey Elliott is considered doubtful after missing sessions due to illness, and Evann Guessand is unavailable as he is on international duty with the Ivory Coast for the Africa Cup of Nations.
Implications for the Premier League Showdown
The sheer volume of potential absences for both sides is set to dramatically shape the tactical approach and starting line-ups for this high-stakes match. Arsenal's defensive resilience will be tested, while Villa must find solutions without two disciplined and experienced players in Cash and Kamara.
With the Premier League title race intensifying, Arsenal can ill afford to drop points at home. Conversely, Villa will aim to capitalise on any disruption in the Gunners' ranks to strengthen their own position in the top-four chase. The depth and adaptability of both squads are now under severe examination.
