Ben White could be out for about six weeks after undergoing a knee surgery. This has caused difficulties and affected his playing time this season. Depending on the recovery process, the right-back's return date could be earlier than expected.
Other "Gunners" defenders Riccardo Calafiori and Takehiro Tomiyasu are also fighting to fully recover before December. In particular, the Italian international is aiming to return in the next few weeks. As for the Japanese defender, his future remains uncertain after encountering some injury setbacks before the season.
Despite a series of injuries, Mikel Arteta and Arsenal's board currently have no specific transfer targets for the winter. General Director Richard Garlick has made a regular trip to the US this week to meet owner Stan Kroenke and co-chairman Josh Kroenke. The meeting was to plan for next summer's transfer window and was held without sporting director Edu after he resigned last week.
However, Arsenal's policy remains unchanged - January is just a time to be passive rather than proactive. Their last big spend in the January transfer window came in the 2022-23 season.
They spent money two years ago on Brighton's Leandro Trossard, Chelsea's Jorginho and Spezia's Jakub Kiwior for around £40 million.
Arteta's injury worries have eased in recent weeks with captain Martin Odegaard returning to action. Mikel Merino, Jurrien Timber and Gabriel have also proven their fitness.
Arsenal have made a number of moves this summer, including a £27 million signing of goalkeeper David Raya after a season-long loan from Brentford.
They also signed Calafiori for £42 million and spent £32.6 million to bring Merino from Real Sociedad. The loan of goalkeeper Neto and Raheem Sterling on the last day of the transfer window also helped create competition in the Arsenal squad.
There were also deals to sell Emile Smith Rowe to Fulham and Eddie Nketiah to Crystal Palace, as well as goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale moving to Southampton.
Back after the FIFA Days in November, Arsenal will face Nottingham Forest, who are currently fifth in the Premier League. Arteta's side will have to continue to prove their mettle after a difficult start to the season.
