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• Arsenal injury update: Gabriel, Calafiori, Havertz

  Arsenal is set to welcome back key players Gabriel Magalhães and Kai Havertz from injury soon. Gabriel is recovering from a muscular issue and has started light training, with a return expected in the coming weeks. Havertz is also nearing a comeback after a minor knock. Additionally, Riccardo Calafiori, a defender linked with Arsenal, is working his way back from a hamstring injury and is anticipated to train fully within the month.

  
  

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• Arsenal set to make key Gabriel Jesus decision against Crystal Palace

  Mikel Arteta has declared Gabriel Jesus fit and ready to start for Arsenal against Crystal Palace, praising the forward’s recent training form and physical sharpness.

  Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Gabriel Jesus is ready to play a prominent role as the Gunners prepare to face Crystal Palace.

  Despite limited starts recently, the Brazilian forward has impressed his manager with his attitude and physical condition.

  Arteta emphasized that Jesus remains a vital part of the squad’s tactical flexibility as they navigate a demanding winter schedule and aim to maintain their title challenge.

  Arteta praised the striker’s resilience, stating, “He’s in a really good place. He’s been training really well, he’s fit, he’s sharp.”

  The manager noted that Jesus’s versatility allows Arsenal to adapt their attacking approach against disciplined defenses.

  While competition for places remains high, Arteta’s comments suggest the 27-year-old is now fully recovered from previous fitness issues and is pushing hard to reclaim his spot in the starting eleven.

  The North London side enters the festive period looking to maximize points against local rivals.

  Arteta highlighted the importance of squad depth, noting that every player must be prepared to contribute immediately.

  “We need everybody,” Arteta added, reflecting his belief that Jesus’s experience and work rate will be crucial for the team’s success.

  Fans expect a high-intensity performance as Arsenal looks to secure a decisive victory at the Emirates.

• Why optimism is growing at Arsenal despite history of faltering

  Arsenal have reclaimed first place in the Premier League heading into the Christmas break, aiming to overcome a historical trend of mid-season collapses to finally secure the title.

  Arsenal will spend Christmas Day at the top of the Premier League table after securing a narrow 1-0 victory over Everton.

  The decisive moment came courtesy of a Viktor Gyokeres penalty, marking the striker’s first goal since November and propelling the Gunners back above Manchester City.

  While reaching the summit provides a significant morale boost for Mikel Arteta’s squad, it also brings the weight of historical expectations and previous festive failures to the forefront.

  Statistically, the Gunners face a daunting omen, having failed to win the title the last four times they led at Christmas.

  However, the current mood around the club remains defiant. Reflecting on the evolution of his team and the psychological shift required to maintain their lead, Arteta previously noted:

  “When you are at the top, compared to where we were last season, it is different. We have more belief and are starting to create a bit of fear into the opposition.”

  Despite past collapses, supporters are finding reasons for optimism in the team’s defensive resilience and clinical edge.

  The victory at the Hill Dickinson Stadium demonstrated a grit that has sometimes been lacking in previous campaigns.

  As the club enters the second half of the season, the emphasis remains on internal focus rather than external skepticism.

  Arteta has emphasized that the journey is ongoing, stating: “Hard work, faith, conviction, self-confidence… gave us the peace of mind to continue on the path to what we aim for.”

• Gary Neville gives blunt Aston Villa title verdict after United win

  Gary Neville has bluntly ruled Aston Villa out of the Premier League title race, insisting the contest is a “two-horse race” between Arsenal and Manchester City despite Unai Emery’s side sitting within touching distance of the top.

  Manchester United legend Gary Neville has delivered a sobering verdict on Aston Villa’s Premier League title aspirations, dismissing the idea of a three-way fight for the crown.

  Despite Unai Emery’s side sitting just three points off the top after a string of impressive results, Neville believes the race will ultimately narrow down to the established giants.

  “I’m drawing a line beneath the top two,” Neville stated, making it clear that he views the battle for first place as an exclusive contest between Arsenal and Manchester City.

  While Villa have enjoyed a remarkable run of seven consecutive league victories, including a recent win over Manchester United, Neville remains unconvinced that they possess the longevity to sustain a challenge through the spring.

  He suggested that Arsenal are better positioned to maintain their form during the high-pressure months of April and May.

  Discussing the threat posed by the reigning champions, Neville added: “Pep Guardiola and Erling Haaland are ‘very special’ and will ensure Arsenal face a significant challenge.”

  The pundit further noted that even the current leaders, Arsenal, face potential pitfalls that could derail their campaign, specifically pointing to the importance of squad depth.

  Neville highlighted that “an injury to Declan Rice could prove more problematic” for the Gunners in the second half of the season than any pressure from the chasing pack.

  Despite the “stunning form” shown at Villa Park, the eight-time Premier League winner insists that the title remains a two-way street between the Emirates and the Etihad.

• Fabian Hurzeler praises trio, but warns ahead of Arsenal trip

  Fabian Hurzeler expressed satisfaction with Diego Coppola’s performance during his first Premier League start, praising the defender’s professionalism and contribution to a clean sheet despite his recent lack of game time.

  Brighton & Hove Albion head coach Fabian Hurzeler has praised Diego Coppola after the Italian defender made his full Premier League debut in a 0-0 draw against Sunderland.

  Stepping in for the suspended Lewis Dunk and the ill Jan Paul van Hecke, Coppola played the full 90 minutes alongside Olivier Boscagli.

  Despite the stalemate, Hurzeler was impressed by the 21-year-old’s ability to maintain a clean sheet under significant pressure and late changes to the defensive line.

  The Albion manager acknowledged the difficult situation facing Coppola, who has seen limited action this season behind established veterans.

  Hurzeler noted that while the former Verona man has been frustrated by his lack of playing time, his professional attitude in training prepared him for the opportunity.

  Speaking after the match, Hurzeler told The Argus: “I think he played a good game, but we all understand the situation. We have really good centre-backs.”

  Hurzeler emphasized the depth of his squad but admitted that keeping four high-quality defenders happy remains a challenge.

  While Dunk and Van Hecke are expected to return for the upcoming clash with Arsenal, the manager highlighted the importance of his backup options remaining ready.

  Reflecting on the performance of his reserve pairing, he added: “They played well, they kept the clean sheet. It’s not easy if you have to change the back four.”