Arsenal facing anxious injury wait ahead of Tottenham Hotspur clash | OneFootball

Arsenal Injury Update Ahead of Tottenham Hotspur Clash

Arsenal’s preparations for the north London derby against Tottenham Hotspur have been hit with fresh injury concerns, as Mikel Arteta faces anxious waits over several key players. The Gunners remain top of the Premier League, boasting the division’s best defensive record with just five goals conceded in 11 games, yet fitness issues are beginning to pile up ahead of a crucial run of fixtures that includes Bayern Munich and Chelsea.

Gabriel Injury Worry After Brazil Duty

Centre-back Gabriel Magalhães limped off during Brazil’s friendly win over Senegal at the Emirates Stadium, suffering what has been confirmed as a thigh injury. The Brazilian Football Confederation released a statement saying: “Arsenal player Gabriel Magalhaes was re-evaluated this Sunday and underwent imaging tests that revealed a muscle injury in his right thigh.”

The defender has been pivotal to Arsenal’s defensive solidity this season and his absence would be a significant blow. Gabriel has returned to London for further assessment, with Arteta expected to provide an update during his pre-match press conference on Friday.

Potential return date: Unknown

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Calafiori and Gyökeres Fitness Battles

Riccardo Calafiori withdrew from the Italy squad due to a hip issue, despite initial hopes from coach Gennaro Gattuso that he might feature in their World Cup qualifier against Norway. “He tried to be available but he can’t force now,” said Gattuso. Reports in Italy suggest Arsenal “are not anticipating a big problem or issue,” which will come as some relief to Arteta.

Potential return date: 23 November 2025 vs Tottenham (h)

Forward Viktor Gyökeres has also been sidelined since picking up a hamstring injury in the 2-0 win at Burnley on 1 November. He missed matches against Slavia Prague and Sunderland before the international break, and Arteta admitted the club were still waiting for clarity on the full extent of his injury.

Potential return date: Unknown

Havertz, Odegaard and Others Nearing Return

Kai Havertz looks set to rejoin the squad after nearly three months out following knee surgery. Arteta said, “[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.”

Potential return date: 23 November 2025 vs Tottenham (h)

Captain Martin Ødegaard’s recovery has been slower. The midfielder has not featured since 4 October and remains “some distance away,” according to Norway manager Ståle Solbakken. Ødegaard himself admitted, “It’s moving forward. The match today came a little too early… but it’s starting to look better, so hopefully I’ll be back soon.”

Potential return date: Unknown

Madueke, Martinelli and Jesus Provide Hope

Noni Madueke could make his return against Tottenham after missing two months with a knee problem. Similarly, Gabriel Martinelli, sidelined since 26 October with an injury sustained against Crystal Palace, is also targeting a comeback in the derby.

Gabriel Jesus, meanwhile, is back in full training after a long-term knee injury and is closing in on competitive action once again.

Potential return date: Late 2025

As Arsenal prepare for one of their defining weeks of the season, Arteta will be desperate for positive news. With Tottenham Hotspur in fine form, and Bayern Munich looming in Europe, the Gunners’ injury list could yet play a major role in shaping their title ambitions.