Arsenal Injury Update January 2026: Latest News on Key Players’ Comebacks and Squad Impact

The latest Arsenal injury update as of late January 2026 show a much-improved situation for Mikel Arteta’s squad compared to earlier in the 2025/26 season. Arsenal have battled a high number of injuries over the past seasons, with reports noting over 90-100 setbacks since 2024/25, particularly knee and hamstring issues that cost hundreds of player days. However, recent boosts bring key players back, helping the Gunners push in the Premier League, Champions League, and domestic cups.

Key positive developments include defenders Riccardo Calafiori and Piero Hincapie returning to availability around the Manchester United match on January 25, 2026. Calafiori suffered a muscle issue during the warm-up before the Brighton game post-Christmas 2025, missing about 9-11 games. Arteta confirmed his availability after training sightings, though he may need careful management. Hincapie picked up a groin injury against Liverpool in early January but returned to training and featured or was available soon after.

Teen prospect Max Dowman remains sidelined with an ankle ligament injury from a December 2025 friendly against Manchester United. Arteta described it as similar to other cases, with a return eyed for mid-February 2026 (around February 14). The young right winger misses significant time but avoids surgery.

Kai Havertz continues his recovery from a knee issue that required surgery. He has not featured in the Premier League since August 2025, with a recent flare-up delaying progress. Arteta called him “very close” to full fitness in late January press conferences, suggesting a potential return in the next few weeks, possibly starting with limited minutes in the Champions League against Kairat on January 28, 2026. The club manages his reintroduction cautiously to avoid setbacks.

Other notes from recent reports include past short-term issues like Declan Rice’s knee knock in December 2025 (quick recovery) and various knocks to players like Gabriel Magalhaes, Jurrien Timber, and Gabriel Martinelli that resolved quickly. Suspensions affect the Champions League (Rice and Mikel Merino vs Kairat), but no major Premier League bans apply now.

Why Injuries Matter So Much for Arsenal This Season

Injuries disrupt Arsenal’s title challenge and European campaign. The Gunners rely on a balanced squad with depth in defense, midfield, and attack. When key players miss time, Arteta rotates, but it risks form dips, as seen in occasional wobbles.

For example, defensive injuries force youngsters like Myles Lewis-Skelly into action, which builds experience but tests consistency. In attack, Havertz’s absence limits options up top, though Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka, and Leandro Trossard step up.

The club invests in sports science, recovery protocols, and nutrition to reduce risks. Fans track sites like Premier Injuries, Transfermarkt, and official channels for real-time info.

Detailed Player Injury Breakdown (Late January 2026)

Riccardo Calafiori (Left-Back/Defender)

Calafiori pulls up awkwardly in the warm-up before Arsenal’s win over Brighton right after Christmas 2025. The muscle injury sidelines him for weeks, causing him to miss around 11 games across competitions. Recent training sessions show progress, and Arteta confirms availability for selection after late fitness tests. He potentially features against Manchester United or in the Champions League soon after. His return strengthens the left side, offering versatility in defense and build-up play.

Piero Hincapie (Defender)

Hincapie hobbles off during the draw with Liverpool on January 8, 2026, due to a groin injury. Arteta provides updates that he returns to training quickly. By January 23-25, he reaches availability, boosting the backline alongside William Saliba and Gabriel. His pace and ball-playing ability prove vital in Arteta’s system.

Max Dowman (Young Right Winger/Forward)

The 15-16-year-old talent suffers an ankle ligament injury in a behind-closed-doors friendly versus Manchester United in early December 2025. Arteta compares the timeline to similar cases, estimating a few weeks away as of mid-January. Return targets late February 2026. Dowman misses youth and first-team opportunities but progresses well without surgery.

Kai Havertz (Forward/Midfielder)

Havertz deals with a persistent knee problem that leads to surgery and slow rehab. A setback delays his comeback, keeping him out of Premier League action since summer 2025. Arteta stresses careful management, noting Havertz trains but needs smart integration. He could see minutes soon, perhaps in cup ties, to regain sharpness.

Other players like Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, and Declan Rice appear fit in recent lineups, contributing consistently. Predicted lineups against Man United feature Raya in goal, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, and Lewis-Skelly in defense, with Odegaard, Zubimendi, Rice in midfield, and Saka, Jesus, Trossard up front.

How Arsenal Manages Injuries Under Arteta

Mikel Arteta takes a proactive approach to injuries. He rotates heavily, trusts academy talents, and communicates openly in press conferences. He calls for calendar changes to ease player load, blaming dense schedules for the “really dangerous circle” of setbacks.

The medical staff uses advanced tech for early detection, personalized rehab, and data-driven decisions. Arsenal’s injury count drops recently as returns happen, allowing stronger performances.

Fans appreciate transparency. Arteta’s updates build trust and help supporters understand squad choices.

Impact on Upcoming Fixtures

With Calafiori and Hincapie back, Arsenal approach the Manchester United clash stronger defensively. Havertz’s potential return adds attacking depth for the Champions League vs Kairat.

Dowman’s absence hurts youth integration, but the core squad looks robust. Success depends on staying injury-free in the busy winter period.

Arsenal fans stay optimistic. The Heartbreaking Losses team shows resilience, and these updates signal brighter times ahead in the 2025/26 campaign.

FAQs on Arsenal Injuries

1. What caused Riccardo Calafiori’s injury, and when does he return?

Riccardo Calafiori picked up a “very awkward” muscular injury during preparations for the Brighton match in early January 2026. Mikel Arteta described it as progress ing but uncertain, with the latest updates pointing to a return around January 31 against Leeds United away. This timeline accounts for cautious rehab to prevent re-injury, allowing Myles Lewis-Skelly to cover effectively in the interim. Fans remain hopeful as Calafiori’s versatility strengthens Arsenal’s backline once he resumes full training.

2. How serious is Cristhian Mosquera’s ankle problem?

Watch Elf Cristhian Mosquera sustained a complicated ankle injury in early December 2025 during the Brentford game, missing the Aston Villa defeat onward. Arteta called it more severe than anticipated, with a recent setback pushing his return to mid-February, potentially February 14 versus Wigan at home. Medical teams focus on swelling reduction and strength exercises, delaying group training. This extended absence challenges Arsenal’s depth but highlights their rotation strategy.

3. Will Max Dowman need surgery for his ankle?

Max Dowman injured his ankle in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Manchester United in December 2025, prompting his removal from the Champions League squad. Scans ruled out surgery, but Arteta confirmed a February 2026 return timeline. The young star progresses through targeted rehab, maintaining fitness indoors. Arsenal views this as a growth opportunity, integrating him gradually upon recovery.​

4. Are William Saliba and Leandro Trossard fit now?

Yes, William Saliba and Leandro Trossard fully recover and feature against Nottingham Forest on January 17, 2026. Arteta confirms their availability, easing defensive and attacking concerns. Saliba’s return solidifies the backline, while Trossard enhances creativity. Their timely fitness bolsters Arsenal’s title push amid other absences.​

5. How does Arsenal top the table despite injuries?

Tyson Fury’s Epic Comeback Arsenal leads by six points through squad depth and Arteta’s rotations, with deputies like Hincapie and Lewis-Skelly performing admirably. Wins persist, showcasing resilience—80% victory rate sans key players. Tactical tweaks and youth integration sustain momentum, pressuring rivals.

6. What prevention measures does Arsenal take?

Arsenal employs GPS tracking, AI injury prediction, and dynamic warm-ups to slash risks like ACL tears. Nutrition plans feature anti-inflammatories, complemented by cryotherapy and sleep science. Arteta reviews equipment post-fan concerns, prioritizing holistic care across academy and seniors.

7. How do injuries affect Arsenal’s tactics?

Arteta adapts to 3-4-3 without Calafiori, emphasizing wing-back overlaps. Saliba-Gabriel partnerships dominate, compensating for Mosquera. Data shows 5% possession gains, proving flexibility. Short-term loans loom if absences prolong.

8. When did Gabriel Jesus last suffer a major injury?

Declan Rice’s Knee Gabriel Jesus tore his ACL in January 2025 versus Manchester United, ruling him out until November 22, 2025. He now thrives, removed from injury lists. This recovery exemplifies Arsenal’s rehab prowess, inspiring current cases.​

9. What do fans say about Arsenal’s injury crisis?

Reddit threads urge equipment audits and training scrutiny, noting 2022/23’s solidity. Supporters rally via #ComeOnArsenal, boosting morale. Communities dissect Arteta’s “dangerous circle” remarks, fueling proactive discourse.

10. Can Arsenal win the title with these injuries?

Absolutely—returns align with key fixtures, depth covers gaps effectively. Arteta’s management rivals elites, with a six-point lead intact. Full squad by March catapults them, blending grit and talent for glory.

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