Arsenal head into the Premier League match against Tottenham with a number of injury problems following Gabriel Magalhães’ injury while playing for Brazil.
With the international break almost over, Arsenal will be able to focus on the important parts of the season so far. The Gunners cannot miss this weekend’s north London derby, with Bayern Munich and Chelsea chasing them in seven days.
This could be a defining moment for Mikel Arteta and his team as they look to prove themselves in the Premier League title race. The north London side currently sit top of the division, but suffered a setback in their last encounter against Sunderland.
Arsenal continue to struggle with injury problems, with Gabriel Magalhães’ injury on international duty for Brazil perhaps the most notable ahead of the match against Tottenham. But a £250m summer transfer fee has added to Arsenal’s depth, leaving Arteta with little excuse.
Still, the Spaniard will be hoping to have all his players available soon. Arteta has some important assets to return.
Mirror Football looks back at Arsenal’s latest injury situation.
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Gabriel Magalhães
Arsenal’s Premier League regular defender Gabriel Magalhães limped off during a friendly against Brazil and could be out until January. Gabriel injured his thigh and was unable to complete the match between Brazil and Senegal. The defender played in an international match at the Emirates but was forced off the field and is expected to be out for at least four weeks.
Further evaluation will take place, and depending on the severity of the issue, he could be sidelined until early 2026. The 27-year-old is likely to be ruled out of games against Tottenham, Bayern Munich and Chelsea.
Kai Havertz
Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann provided an update on Kai Havertz during the international break. Havertz was due to return from his knee injury this month, but it was later revealed that he had suffered a setback.
The injured Arsenal star is apparently set to return “towards the end of the year”. “Kai experienced a mild relapse but is doing well overall,” Nagelsmann said. “Jamal (Musiala) doesn’t have any major problems anymore, but like Kai, he needs to get his rhythm back at the club first.”
“They need to be fully fit by March, but obviously they need to stabilize now,” he added.
Gabriel Jesus
The Brazilian forward has been out of action since suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury in January and returned to training ahead of the Gunners’ Premier League draw with Sunderland earlier this month. It has been suggested that his return to action could be in January or mid-December, with the forward looking sharp in training. But Arteta is cautious about his progress.
“It’s important to take one step at a time, day by day, in a different environment,” Arteta said of his progress earlier this month. “He’s done everything on his own. He’s got some very competitive players around him now. Let’s see how he deals with that. But he’s full of energy.”
Martin Odegaard
Odegaard has been battling knee problems and has missed Arsenal’s last seven games. Norway manager Starre Solbakken said in a press conference last week that Gunners captain Odegaard is still “a long way off” from returning to the pitch.
Asked for an update on Odegaard’s recovery, Solbakken said: “He’s doing well. He’s making steady progress, but it’s still a little ways off.” Odegaard injured his MCL in a knee collision with Crisencio Somerville during Arsenal’s 2-0 win over West Ham in October.
Gabriel Martinelli
The Brazilian winger is one of the players hoping to be in contention this weekend. Martinelli is recovering from a thigh injury sustained in Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Crystal Palace in October.
Speaking about injured star players before the international break, Arteta said: “We don’t know if some or all of them will be available[after the break]. There’s a lot to do in the next two weeks and everything has to be perfect, but I think we’re getting pretty close.”
It remains to be seen how Martinelli will progress. A December return could be even more likely.
Victor Gokeres
The forward’s return schedule is unclear after he was left out of Sweden’s national team during international break. Gokeres suffered a muscle injury against Burnley and missed the draw with Arsenal at Sunderland.
Perhaps he too, summed up in Arteta’s quote above, could come as a surprise. Arteta is expected to provide an update ahead of Sunday’s game.
Noni Madueke
Maduke is also one of the players who could compete for a spot this weekend if his recovery is complete. The England winger had been out since September with a knee injury after performing well in the opening games.
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