Arsenal could be without nine players for Saturday’s clash against Wolves.

Cristhian Mosquera, Gabriel, Kai Havertz and Max Dowman will definitely miss the game due to injury.

Riccardo Calafiori will also be absent because he is suspended after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season last weekend at Aston Villa.

Myles Lewis-Skelly will start at left-back in place of Calafiori and Mikel Arteta will hope Jurrien Timber is fit to partner Piero Hincapie in the heart of defence.

Timber is one of four players that are doubts for the game with Wolves at Emirates Stadium.

Declan Rice was ill in midweek and missed the win in Club Brugge. Leandro Trossard has a calf problem and William Saliba is struggling with an ankle issue.

“[Saliba] hasn’t trained with us yet,” said Arteta on Friday morning. “We have an extra day, we train this afternoon. Let’s see if he can be available or not.

“If you asked me [about the] Everton game, I think he will be fit. For tomorrow I don’t know.

“It came from an ankle injury that he had and then it started to modify the way he was running and all that. He started to overload an area, which is something common.”

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Arteta may not have to rush Rice back as he could opt to play with a midfield trio of Eberechi Eze, Martin Odegaard and Martin Zubimendi.

Arsenal played with Eze and Odegaard as two No8s earlier this season, when they hosted West Ham.

In attack, Viktor Gyokeres will hope to lead the line again after starting in Club Brugge and getting just over an hour under his belt.

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Bukayo Saka was rested for that game, but should return. Noni Madueke could keep his place in team after scoring twice against Brugge, however he may have to move to the left flank.

Arsenal predicted XI (4-3-3): Raya; White, Timber, Hincapie, Lewis-Skelly; Odegaard, Zubimendi, Eze; Saka, Gyokeres, Madueke

Mikel Arteta says Arsenal are caught in a “really dangerous circle” after a consistent spate on injuries across this season; Max Dowman is the latest Gunners’ player to be ruled out, but Arteta denies over-training is to blame; Arsenal play Club Brugge in the Champions League on Wednesday

Wednesday 10 December 2025 11:09, UK

Image:Mikel Arteta says Arsenal are in “dangerous circle” regarding injury issues

Mikel Arteta said Arsenal are in a “really dangerous circle” as their injury crisis worsened over the weekend with news that teenager Max Dowman has been sidelined for a number of weeks with ankle ligament damage.

Arsenal’s 28 injuries is the highest in the Premier League this season. Their current absentee list is made up of three centre-backs in William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes and Cristhian Mosquera, as well as Kai Havertz and now Dowman.

Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, Ben White, Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Jesus, Viktor Gyokeres, Noni Madueke, Christian Norgaard and Piero Hincapie have also faced spells on the sidelines across an injury-blighted campaign, some with multiple setbacks.

To add to Arteta’s problems, Trossard has not travelled to Belgium for Arsenal’s Champions League match against Club Brugge on Wednesday after he limped off in defeat to Aston Villa over the weekend while Declan Rice is also absent – but through illness.

Gabriel Jesus, on his way back from an ACL injury, has replaced Dowman in the Gunners’ Champions League squad and could make his first appearance since January against Brugge.

Image:Gabriel picked up an injury against Olympiakos

Asked if training methods are partly to blame, Arteta said: “No, because we don’t have time to train. Today [Tuesday] we’ve done 20 minutes, so surely it’s not because we over-trained the players.

“But obviously when you are missing players, you are loading other players and there is a consequence to that, and it’s a really dangerous circle.

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“You have to separate the kind of injuries. Some of them have been long-term and some have been acute injuries. It’s something that we are constantly looking at.

“We have played a lot of games with a lot of players missing and that puts a lot of stress, and then you get more injuries.”

Commenting on Dowman’s injury, Arteta added: “With Max, unfortunately he picked up an injury last weekend, and he had to come off, so we did some scans and he is going to be out for weeks.”

Arsenal can make it six consecutive wins in the Champions League with victory in Belgium, almost certainly guaranteeing a top-eight finish and automatic qualification to the knockout rounds.

Injuries in clusters poses another problem

Image:Kai Havertz hasn’t played a single minute for Arsenal this season

It is not just the volume of injuries causing problems for Arsenal. They continue to suffer injuries in positional clusters too.

Last season, it was most apparent up front, with Havertz tearing his hamstring in February after another injury to Jesus had increased the burden on him as the side’s only available striker.

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A similar situation occurred at right-back, as injuries to Takehiro Tomiyasu and White ensured a punishing schedule for Jurrien Timber, who had to undergo surgery on an ankle issue in May.

Arsenal paid the price for leaving themselves short in certain positions last season, particularly up front. But the problem has resurfaced this term.

Everton

Arsenal

Saturday 20th December 7:45pmKick off 8:00pm

An injury to Havertz at the start of the season left Gyokeres with a heavier-than-planned load. He then hurt his groin, with midfielder Mikel Merino having to fill in up front as he did last season.

Merino performed admirably in the role but, having been required to start seven consecutive games in the space of a month for Arsenal, either side of another two starts for Spain, he was taken off at half-time in Saturday’s loss Aston Villa, clearly fatigued.

Arsenal’s December fixtures

Dec 10: Club Brugge (A) – Champions League

Dec 13: Wolves (H) – Premier League

Dec 20: Everton (A) – Premier League, live on Sky Sports

Dec 23: Crystal Palace (H) – Carabao Cup quarter-final, live on Sky Sports

Dec 27: Brighton (H) – Premier League

Dec 30: Aston Villa (H) – Premier League, live on Sky Sports

Arsenal Football Club has been the center of attention in recent weeks, not just for their on-pitch performances but also for some off-field controversies. One of the most talked-about subjects has arisen from a surprising source: striker Victor Gyökeres. The Swedish forward, who joined the Gunners during the summer transfer window, recently expressed dissatisfaction with his teammate Bukayo Saka’s attitude in training and during matches.

The Gunners have enjoyed a promising start to the season, with many experts tipping them as potential title contenders. However, the atmosphere in the squad has reportedly been affected by Gyökeres’ candid remarks regarding Saka’s conduct on and off the pitch. For many fans and analysts, Saka represents the future of Arsenal. His incredible talent, commitment, and passion make him a favorite among supporters and teammates alike. However, Gyökeres’ comments shine a light on the pressures that exist within a competitive squad striving for success.

In a recent interview, Gyökeres stated, “Talent can only take you so far. It’s important not just to show your skills but to lead by example and motivate the team. I feel that sometimes Bukayo doesn’t bring that energy that we need, especially during training sessions. Every player has to contribute, not just in terms of ability but also in attitude.” His remarks have caused a stir, prompting a flood of reactions from fans, pundits, and other players.

Saka has long been heralded as one of England’s brightest stars. Following his breakout performance in Euro 2020 and strong contributions in subsequent international competitions, expectations are sky-high. He has demonstrated maturity beyond his years, and his loyal following has largely defended him against criticism. However, Gyökeres’ take adds a different perspective—emphasizing the need for Saka to embrace a more energetic and influential presence within the squad.

Critics of Saka may argue that the pressures of being an immensely talented young player can result in sporadic dips in form or motivation. It’s not uncommon for even the most talented athletes to experience phases where their spark appears to fade. Perhaps Gyökeres, having arrived at Arsenal with high ambitions, expects more from his colleagues as they push for collective success.

Arsenal fans are left to wonder what impact this could have on the team dynamic. Gyökeres entering the fray with such outspoken criticism might suggest he is keen to spur his teammates into greater efforts, but it risks fracturing relationships in a squad that has been traditionally united. Manager Mikel Arteta will be faced with the task of managing this situation carefully, ensuring that the competitive spirit Gyökeres embodies does not undermine team cohesion.

The club’s next steps will be crucial. Will they rally around Saka, affirming his significance to Arsenal’s future? Or will they take Gyökeres’ comments onboard and encourage Saka to adopt a more influential role, both in his attitude and on the pitch? Both paths hold potential risks and rewards.

As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on the relationship between Gyökeres and Saka. Their performance, both individually and collectively, will undoubtedly play a significant role in determining Arsenal’s success. The Gunners’ supporters will hope that any rift is temporary and that the squad can pull together as they strive for glory in the Premier League and beyond.

For now, the dynamics within the dressing room will continue to be a point of discussion as Arsenal navigates a competitive season ahead. Can unity and shared ambition triumph over discord? Only time will tell.