Arsenal injury update: Viktor Gyokeres, Martin Zubimendi and Gabriel Martinelli latest news and return dates | OneFootball

New fitness concern emerges ahead of two fixtures this week

Arsenal started November where they left off in October with victory and a clean sheet.

The Gunners beat Burnley 2-0 on Saturday to record their ninth straight win across all competitions, keeping a seventh successive shut-out in the process.

Mikel Arteta's side continue to lead the way in the Premier League, but attentions shift towards Champions League action on Tuesday evening and a trip to Czechia to face Slavia Prague.

Arsenal have made a perfect start to the league phase of Europe's premier competition, beating Athletic Club, Olympiacos and Atletico Madrid, and will be out to take a big step towards qualification.

While the Gunners were boosted by the return of William Saliba from injury at the weekend, they have been handed a couple of fresh concerns heading into the game against Slavia.

Viktor Gyokeres

After ending his Premier League goal drought by breaking the deadlock in the 14th minute at Turf Moor, Viktor Gyokeres was forced off at half-time and replaced by Mikel Merino.

The Swede was praised for arguably his best performance in an Arsenal shirt to date following a big money summer transfer from Sporting, but Mikel Arteta confirmed the striker was forced of with a “little niggle”.

“It’s a shame that he felt something. We had to take him off because he was feeling a little niggle. So we’ll have to wait and see. He felt something muscular so we have to wait to learn the extent of that.”

Gyokeres did not train with the Arsenal squad on Monday, and Arteta has confirmed he will miss the Slavia Prague game, remaining in London to undergo scans.

Arteta said on Monday: “He is definitely not available, he hasn’t trained today. We need to do some more tests and scans in the next few days to understand the extent of the injury, but for this game, he is not available.

“I am concerned, because he hasn’t had many muscular issues and he had to leave the pitch [on Saturday].”

Potential return date: Unknown

Martin Zubimendi

Also forced off in the win over Burnley was Martin Zubimendi. The Spanish midfielder requested to be substituted and was replaced by Christian Norgaard with 12 minutes remaining.

Zubimendi trained with the Arsenal squad on Monday, allaying any injury fears.

But he is suspended for the Champions League game against Slavia Prague as a result of picking up three yellow cards in the league phase.

As a result, the Gunners will hope the summer signing will be fit enough for the trip to Sunderland before the international break.

Potential return date: November 8, 2025 vs Sunderland (A)

Martin Zubimendi was forced off against Burnley

AFP via Getty Images

Gabriel Martinelli

Gabriel Martinelli replaced Bukayo Saka on 66 minutes and saw out the win over Crystal Palace last weekend, but was spotted hobbling down the tunnel after the game.

Subsequently, the Brazilian winger missed the wins over Brighton and Burnley, with a timescale regarding a return not clear just yet.

When pressed for an update on Martinelli ahead of the trip to Turf Moor, Arteta said: “We don’t know yet, but I think this game is going to come too early for him.”

Potential return date: Unknown

Martin Odegaard

Martin Odegaard has had no luck with injuries so far this season, but he is one of three Arsenal players hopeful of returning to action after the international break.

After making a full recovery from a troublesome shoulder problem, disaster struck for the Gunners captain against West Ham last month as he suffered a medial collateral ligament injury.

Asked on Friday about his captain, Arteta said he is hopeful the playmaker will be back in time for the north London derby against Tottenham later this month.

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

Noni Madueke

The summer signing from Chelsea was enjoying an impressive start to life at Arsenal, but suffered a setback in the draw against Manchester City.

Withdrawn at half-time because of a knee complaint, fortunately scans the next day showed Noni Madueke had not suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

The winger has missed the last nine games in a row across all competitions. That number will increase to 11 following the two fixtures this week, but he could return - alongside Odegaard - for the north London derby.

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

Kai Havertz

Kai Havertz has not featured for Arsenal since a second half substitute appearance in the win over Manchester United on the opening weekend of the new season.

After complaining of discomfort in his knee, the German international required minor surgery to correct the issue.

If all goes to plan, Arsenal’s No29 could be available for selection again after the international break to provide even further competition in attack.

On Friday, when asked if he hopes Havertz, Madueke and Odegaard will be back for the Tottenham game, Arteta said: “Yeah.

“And [I am] excited because they are tremendous players. I see them work every single day, how desperate they are to be part of the team.

“[It will be] a huge boost for the squad to have those players available again after such a long, long time. So, really happy that I think it is going to be very soon.”

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

Gabriel Jesus

Gabriel Jesus last featured for Arsenal in January’s FA Cup third round loss to Man United on penalties.

The Brazilian has struggled with knee issues throughout his stint in N5, and was forced to undergo yet another surgery on a torn cruciate ligament.

Jesus has regularly been keeping supporters updated regarding his progress, posting footage on social media of himself doing some work on grass and he is targeting a return to full training soon.

He recently said: “Yeah, I'm feeling great, man. My knee's responding very well. So now I’m looking forward to being around the team again soon, to come back to do what I love to do. It’s been too long.

Gabriel Jesus is on the comeback trail

Arsenal FC via Getty Images

“An injury like this, one that is so long, you split up the recovery periods into smaller timings. So now I’m at the stage where I need to hold myself back a little bit, because I’m doing great work outside on the pitches, but it’s tricky because I need to not rush myself too hard over the line.

“When you can see the end, it’s important you don’t push too hard, keep my feet on the floor, and then as soon as the time comes, I will be ready.”