Arsenal take on Aston Villa in a huge match in the context of the Premier League title race, but both teams are dealing with injury and suspension issues that will impact their team selection
The festive fixture list is putting teams through their paces, especially in the Premier League title race, with three sides firmly in the heat of battle at the very top. Among them are Arsenal and Aston Villa, who make up the top three after an impressive first half of the campaign.
The Gunners have gone close to winning a first league title in 20 years, but haven’t managed to get themselves over the line under Mikel Arteta so far. Their rivals, Villa, have been a thorn in the side of the manager in recent seasons, with Unai Emery picking up four wins in eight meetings against him.
The latest came earlier this month, where a dramatic late win saw Villa close the gap on Arsenal at the top of the table. The reverse fixture at Emirates Stadium will create a challenge for both teams in the race for the title, with both managers facing some selection issues.
A mixture of injury troubles and suspension concerns are impacting both Arsenal and Villa going into the match. So, with that said, here’s a look at who could miss out on the big game…
1. Jurrien Timber (Arsenal)
Jurrien Timber is a fresh injury concern for Arsenal after missing out against Brighton over the weekend. The right-back is believed to be a short-term injury concern, suffering from a knock after landing awkwardly in the EFL Cup penalty shootout victory over Crystal Palace. He is doubtful for the clash, with a possible return date of December 30.
2. Riccardo Calafiori (Arsenal)
Another issue at full-back came for Arsenal in the warm-up for the clash with Brighton, as Riccardo Calafiori had to leave before the match. It appears to be a muscular issue that has caused some discomfort, making him a major doubt with a late fitness test required. Possible return date: December 30.
3. Kai Havertz (Arsenal)
There is a return on the cards for Kai Havertz over the next few weeks, with the striker stepping up his recovery. A knee injury has left him out of action for the majority of the season, but his return to training signals potential availability soon. However, he is still out for this match, with a possible return as early as December 30.
4. Ben White (Arsenal)
Ben White picked up a hamstring issue during Arsenal’s win over Wolverhampton Wanderers in mid-December and is expected to remain sidelined. The defender’s thigh injury means he will miss the Villa clash, with an expected return in early-to-mid January, potentially January 17 against Nottingham Forest.
5. Cristhian Mosquera (Arsenal)
Cristhian Mosquera is dealing with an ankle injury that forced him off during Arsenal’s clash with Brentford on December 3. He remains out, with an expected return in mid-January, around January 17.
6. Max Dowman (Arsenal)
Youngster Max Dowman suffered ankle ligament damage during an Under-21s friendly earlier this month. He is out for the foreseeable future, with an expected return in early 2026.
7. Matty Cash (Aston Villa)
Aston Villa’s Matty Cash is suspended after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season. The right-back will serve a one-match ban, missing the trip to the Emirates.
8. Boubacar Kamara (Aston Villa)
Midfielder Boubacar Kamara is also suspended for Aston Villa due to a booking, resulting in a one-match ban for this crucial encounter.
9. Pau Torres (Aston Villa)
Pau Torres is sidelined with a calf injury for Villa. He is expected to return in early January 2026, missing out on this game.
10. Tyrone Mings (Aston Villa)
Tyrone Mings continues to recover from a thigh injury. Unai Emery has indicated he is getting better but will miss this match, with a return expected in mid-January.
11. Ross Barkley (Aston Villa)
Ross Barkley is out with a knee injury, expected to return in late January or February. He will not feature against Arsenal.
12. Evann Guessand (Aston Villa)
Evann Guessand is unavailable due to international duty with Ivory Coast for the Africa Cup of Nations. He will miss the clash as a result.
These absences represent a significant blow for both sides, particularly Arsenal, who are dealing with a defensive crisis amid the double blow of Calafiori and Timber’s issues. Aston Villa’s suspensions in key areas could also tilt the balance in this title-defining showdown. With Arsenal one win away from topping the table and Villa hot on their heels after an 11-game winning streak, the match promises drama despite the depleted squads.