Aston Villa is contending with several injuries, including first-choice goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, who is doubtful due to a back injury sustained in midweek, though a late fitness test will determine his availability. Midfielder Ross Barkley is sidelined for at least two months with a knee injury. Long-term absentees include Tyrone Mings (hamstring/knee), Emi Buendía (knee ligament injury), Boubacar Kamara (ruptured ACL, out until next season), Diego Carlos (hamstring, expected back in late March), Jhon Durán (hamstring), and Jacob Ramsey (foot injury). Arsenal faces a significant injury crisis, especially in their defensive unit. Midfield enforcer Declan Rice is a major doubt after picking up a calf issue against Brentford, with his fitness uncertain ahead of the match. Defender Cristhian Mosquera also sustained a knee or ankle problem in the same game and could be out for six weeks or more. First-choice centre-backs William Saliba (knock) and Gabriel Magalhães (thigh injury) are unavailable, with Saliba a major doubt and Gabriel expected to return in late December. Forwards Kai Havertz (knee injury) and Leandro Trossard (calf/muscle problem) are also out, further depleting Arsenal's squad depth.