Jurrien Timber, Riccardo Calafiori, Kai Havertz latest news and return dates - Gunners sweating on fitness of several key defenders ahead Aston Villa showdown

Arsenal reclaimed their spot atop the Premier League table with a 2-1 win over Brighton at the Emirates. The Gunners had to work hard, harder than they reasonably should have to preserve the three points,

Brighton, meanwhile, have been handed a double injury boost ahead of their showdown with Arsenal. Danny Welbeck is fit after missing Brighton’s draw with Sunderland while key defender Jan Paul van Hecke is set to be available too. Arsenal vs Brighton takes place on Saturday, December 27 with kick-off scheduled for 3pm.

Gabriel has now missed nine Arsenal games since suffering an adductor injury while playing for Brazil in November. The centre-back back has been sorely missed and Arteta has revealed he is not back in training, so appears to still be some way away from a comeback. Arteta is unsure when Gabriel will return.

Kai Havertz’s season has been defined by interruption rather than rhythm. The German suffered a knee injury on the opening weekend, required surgery, then endured a setback in November that slowed his return further. Yet recent updates have been among the most encouraging Arsenal have received.

Check out how to watch Arsenal v Brighton in the Premier League, including TV details, radio coverage and kick-off time.

Four times Arsenal have sat top of the Premier League table on Christmas Day, and they have failed to win the title on each occasion. The superstitious Arsenal fans will have their support tested tonight - victory here will move the Gunners back to the summit. David Moyes reminisced on working with Mikel Arteta the player ahead of tonight’s match.

Arsenal clinched a 2-1 victory over Wolves at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, with the league leaders avoiding disaster with a last gasp winner

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It'll be a colossal six-pointer in the Premier League title race to close out 2025 on Tuesday, when leaders Arsenal host 3rd-place (and surging) Aston Villa in north London.