Arsenal set for major injury boost after international break

Arsenal injury update ahead of Tottenham clash after frustrating draw

Injury concerns linger as Arteta eyes full-strength squad

Arsenal’s 2-2 draw with Sunderland left more than frustration behind. It also added pressure on Mikel Arteta to steady his side before the North London derby against Tottenham at the Emirates Stadium on November 23. The Gunners saw their lead at the top of the Premier League trimmed to four points after Manchester City’s win over Liverpool, and injuries continue to cloud their preparations.

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Arteta has been without several key players, but the international break offers a window for recovery. The manager hopes to welcome back a host of vital names, with optimism growing that some could return in time to face Spurs.

Viktor Gyokeres update

The biggest concern remains Viktor Gyokeres. The £64 million summer signing suffered a hamstring injury at Burnley on November 1 and has not featured since. He missed the Champions League victory against Slavia Prague and the draw at Sunderland, prompting questions about his recovery timeline.

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He was left out of Sweden’s World Cup qualifiers, and Arteta admitted last week that Arsenal are still awaiting clarity on his status. “No news,” said Arteta. “We remain the same, nobody new that can join the squad. So, all the same.”

The lack of updates has left supporters uneasy. Gyokeres’ physicality and direct play have been central to Arsenal’s forward structure this season, and any long-term absence could significantly impact their rhythm.

Potential return date: Unknown

Havertz and Odegaard closing in

Kai Havertz is nearing a comeback after nearly three months sidelined with a knee injury. He last appeared on the opening weekend at Manchester United before undergoing surgery. Arteta offered a glimmer of hope, stating, “[It will be] a huge boost for the squad to have those players available again after such a long, long time. Really happy that I think it is going to be very soon. We need to get players back because we are missing seven players in the front line for the last two months.”

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The German could return against Tottenham, which would be a significant boost for Arsenal’s attacking options. Alongside him, captain Martin Odegaard is also targeting the same fixture for his comeback.

Odegaard has struggled with multiple injuries this term, including a shoulder issue and a subsequent knee problem sustained against West Ham. He was omitted from Norway’s squad for their World Cup qualifiers, with Arsenal prioritising his rehabilitation. Arteta confirmed, “Some of them, all of them I don’t know. There are a lot of things that have to happen in the next two weeks, and everything has to be perfect, but I think we’ll be very close with most of them to be in a really strong position.”

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Potential return date for both: November 23, 2025 vs Tottenham (H)

Madueke and Martinelli nearing fitness

Noni Madueke’s absence since September has been another blow. The winger sustained a knee injury in the 2-1 defeat to Manchester City, but initial fears of an ACL issue were ruled out. The £48 million summer signing from Chelsea is now close to returning to full training. Arsenal will hope his pace and creativity can reinvigorate their wide play in time for the derby.

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Potential return date: November 23, 2025 vs Tottenham (H)

Gabriel Martinelli, meanwhile, has not featured since limping off in the 3-0 win over Crystal Palace on October 26. He has missed four matches in all competitions and was omitted from Brazil’s national squad. Arsenal remain hopeful that he will be fit after the break, bolstering their left flank options.

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Potential return date: November 23, 2025 vs Tottenham (H)

Jesus steps up recovery

Gabriel Jesus continues his gradual recovery from a serious knee injury sustained earlier in the year. The Brazilian forward is back in training and slowly building fitness. Arsenal’s medical team will not rush his return, preferring a cautious approach after previous setbacks. If his progress continues, he could be available before the end of 2025, offering a much-needed lift to Arsenal’s attacking depth.

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Potential return date: Late 2025

Pressure building on Arteta’s injury management

For Arteta, the challenge is to manage both expectation and workload. With Arsenal competing across multiple fronts, rotation and recovery have become as vital as tactics and form. The manager’s ability to integrate returning players quickly could define their season’s trajectory. The international break provides breathing space, but the real test will come when Tottenham visit north London.