Overview
- Arteta said Kai Havertz is only a matter of days from availability after returning to first‑team training and being close to featuring in the midweek Carabao Cup tie.
- Gabriel Magalhães remains in individual rehabilitation after his November adductor injury for Brazil and has not resumed team training, with no firm return date.
- Gabriel Jesus made his first start in months against Crystal Palace, played 86 minutes on his 100th Arsenal appearance, and will have his workload increased cautiously.
- Arsenal top the Premier League and also lead the Fair Play standings with 22 yellow cards and no red cards through 17 league matches.
- Defensive options remain stretched, with Piero Hincapié a doubt and Ben White and Cristhian Mosquera sidelined, prompting continued rotation alongside William Saliba.