Arsenal Injury Crisis: 5 Key Absences Threaten Arteta’s Carabao Cup Plans

Mikel Arteta heads into Tuesday night’s Carabao Cup tie against Crystal Palace facing a familiar and frustrating challenge. The Arsenal injury crisis, which has followed the club throughout the season, shows little sign of easing, with up to five senior players either unavailable or being carefully managed as the manager weighs rotation against necessity.

Just three days after a hard-fought Premier League victory over Everton, Arsenal are back in action at the Emirates. While the win offered encouragement and momentum, it also underlined how stretched Arteta’s squad remains. The Arsenal injury crisis has become a defining theme of their campaign, shaping selection decisions and limiting continuity at a crucial stage of the season.

A season shaped by the Arsenal injury crisis

Arsenal have not been able to name a fully fit squad since the opening weeks of the campaign. The problems began early, when Kai Havertz suffered a knee injury against Manchester United, and they have persisted ever since. At various points, Arteta has had as many as 14 players from his match-day pool unavailable, a figure that explains much of the inconsistency in Arsenal’s performances across competitions.

Despite those setbacks, Arsenal remain competitive on multiple fronts. They are still chasing the Premier League title, progressing in domestic cups, and showing resilience that reflects Arteta’s culture. Yet the Arsenal injury crisis continues to test the squad’s depth and the manager’s patience.

Encouraging signs amid continued concerns

There were positives to take from the Everton win. Leandro Trossard returned to action, while several players who have struggled with fitness this season featured from the start. William Saliba, Martin Ødegaard, Viktor Gyökeres and Trossard all played significant minutes, offering a glimpse of what Arsenal can look like when key figures are available.

Gabriel Jesus also made a late cameo, sharpening hopes that his workload can gradually increase. However, the Arsenal injury crisis means Arteta must be cautious. With Crystal Palace posing a physical and organised challenge, rotation may be forced rather than chosen.

Kai Havertz: setback delays long-awaited return

The situation of Kai Havertz remains one of the most concerning aspects of the Arsenal injury crisis. The German midfielder has been sidelined for nearly four months following a knee problem and recently suffered a setback just as a return appeared close.

Arteta has tried to strike an optimistic tone, explaining that Havertz is progressing and could rejoin full training soon. Still, the absence of a clear return date highlights the uncertainty Arsenal face. Havertz was expected to play a central role this season, offering goals and tactical flexibility, and his prolonged absence has forced others to shoulder extra responsibility.

Possible return: Late December to early January

Gabriel Magalhães: defensive stability on hold

Gabriel Magalhães has been missing since early November after picking up a hamstring injury while on international duty with Brazil. His absence has been keenly felt, as Arsenal’s defensive balance changes noticeably without him.

Arteta confirmed that Gabriel is back on the grass and completing light training, a welcome development in the context of the Arsenal injury crisis. However, there is still uncertainty over when he will be ready for full match action, and the club are unlikely to rush him back.

Possible return: Late December to early January

Benjamin White: fresh blow after recent return

Benjamin White’s situation sums up the stop-start nature of Arsenal’s campaign. After returning from injury and playing three consecutive matches at right-back, the England defender suffered another hamstring problem against Wolves.

Arteta has played down the severity, suggesting White will miss only a handful of games. Even so, his absence adds to the Arsenal injury crisis and reduces Arteta’s options in defence, particularly with the demands of domestic and cup competitions piling up.

Possible return: Mid-January

Christian Mosquera: weeks on the sidelines

Young defender Christian Mosquera had stepped in admirably during William Saliba’s absence, showing maturity beyond his years. However, an ankle injury sustained against Brentford has ruled him out for several weeks.

Arteta admitted the injury was more serious than first feared, another unwelcome development in the Arsenal injury crisis. While Mosquera is not yet a guaranteed starter, his unavailability removes an important depth option at the back.

Possible return: Mid-January

Managing Palace amid ongoing uncertainty

Crystal Palace arrive in north London knowing Arsenal may rotate, but also aware that the Gunners’ injury problems could create opportunities. For Arteta, the challenge is balancing progression in the Carabao Cup with protecting players who are returning from injury or carrying heavy workloads.

The Arsenal injury crisis has forced Arteta to rely on versatility, trust in younger players, and careful game management. It has also highlighted the fine margins at the top level, where even a small cluster of injuries can disrupt momentum.

As Arsenal continue their pursuit of trophy, the Arsenal injury crisis remains the biggest obstacle. Yet there is also quiet confidence inside the club that the situation will improve in the coming weeks, with several players edging closer to full fitness.