Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has delivered a significant team news update, confirming that three first-team players will be unavailable for the Gunners' pivotal Champions League encounter with Inter Milan.
Injury Trio Ruled Out of San Siro Trip
Speaking to the media on the evening of January 19, 2026, Arteta revealed that defenders Piero Hincapie and Riccardo Calafiori, along with teenage talent Max Dowman, have been left out of the squad travelling to Italy. None of the trio have been able to rejoin full first-team training.
Hincapie, who joined on loan from Bayer Leverkusen last summer, is nursing a groin injury that has kept him out of Arsenal's last three matches. Calafiori has been sidelined even longer, missing seven games across all competitions since sustaining a muscle problem in the 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace on December 23.
Promising youngster Max Dowman has been absent since damaging ankle ligaments in an Under-21 friendly at the start of last month. While there is optimism all three could return in the near future, Tuesday's heavyweight clash at the San Siro comes too soon.
Havertz and Mosquera Return to Boost Gunners
In more positive news for Arsenal supporters, Arteta confirmed that both Kai Havertz and Christhian Mosquera are fully fit and available for selection. Their return provides a welcome boost to the squad's options for the Group Stage contest.
When pressed for further fitness updates, the Spanish coach stated succinctly: ‘No, that’s all.’ He then emphasised his team's consistent mentality, regardless of injury setbacks. ‘We will prepare the game with the line-up and the finishers in the best possible manner to win the game,’ Arteta asserted.
Arteta Braced for Tough Test Against Serie A Leaders
The match represents a stern challenge for an Arsenal side currently top of their Champions League group. They face an Inter Milan team who ended their unbeaten European run last season, with Hakan Calhanoglu scoring a penalty winner.
Arteta acknowledged the threat posed by the Serie A leaders, who are now under the management of Cristian Chivu, having replaced Simone Inzaghi. ‘They have a new manager... and I think he has given them some other things in their identity,’ Arteta observed. ‘It is going to be a really tough game.’
Reflecting on the importance of building momentum, the Arsenal boss was clear: ‘Every game in the Champions League, when you have the opportunity to achieve something, you have to grab it.’ He added that his team would have to earn victory against a ‘top, top side.’
The news follows a frustrating weekend for the Gunners, who were held to a goalless draw by Nottingham Forest in the Premier League. Arteta defended striker Viktor Gyokeres after his struggles, citing the physical demands on modern centre-forwards.
