Arsenal set for major injury blow ahead of Spurs clash
Arsenal injury update: Key stars set to be ready for Tottenham Hotspur clash
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal are hoping for a much-needed boost ahead of their Premier League showdown with Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates Stadium on November 23. The Gunners have been dealing with several key absentees, but the international break could bring some positive news as the players inch closer to full fitness.
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Gyökeres recovery remains uncertain
Viktor Gyökeres has been sidelined since suffering a hamstring injury during Arsenal’s 2-0 win at Burnley on 1 November. The £64million summer signing has already missed the Champions League win over Slavia Prague and the 1-1 draw at Sunderland.
He has been left out of Sweden’s squad for the World Cup qualifiers as Arsenal continue to assess the extent of his injury. “No news,” Arteta said before the Sunderland game. “We stay the same, no one new can join the team. So, still.” His return date remains uncertain, with no timetable yet provided by the club’s medical staff.
Potential return date: Unknown
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Calafiori and Havertz watch Tottenham Hotspur match
There were concerns earlier this week when Riccardo Calafiori was seen training separately with Italy due to a hip problem. Arsenal were initially reluctant for him to travel, but his inclusion in the squad to face Moldova suggests progress. The versatile defender could well be ready in time for Tottenham Hotspur’s match at the Emirates.
Potential return date: November 23, 2025 vs. Tottenham (H)
Meanwhile, Kai Havertz is set to return after knee surgery kept him out for almost three months. The Germany international last played in the opening weekend at Manchester United and represented a significant loss to Arsenal’s attacking depth.
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“(It will be) a huge boost for the team to have these players available again after such a long, long time,” Arteta said. “I’m really happy that I think it will be very soon. We need to get some players back because we’ve been missing seven players in the front line in the last two months.”
Potential return date: November 23, 2025 vs. Tottenham (H)
Odegaard and Madueke set to return
Captain Martin Ødegaard has been out for a month with a knee problem following a shoulder problem earlier in the season. The Norwegian has been ruled out of international duty as he works on his fitness. Arteta remains cautiously optimistic. “Some of them, I don’t know all of them,” he said. “There are a lot of things that need to happen in the next couple of weeks, and everything needs to be perfect, but I think we will be very close to most of them to be in a really strong position.”
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Noni Madueke, signed for £48 million from Chelsea, has also been sidelined since injuring his knee against Manchester City on September 21. Scans have ruled out a torn ACL and he is expected to be part of Arsenal’s return contingent after the break.
Potential return date: November 23, 2025 vs. Tottenham (H)
Martinelli and Jesus Boost expected
The absence of Gabriel Martinelli since the 2-0 win over Crystal Palace has been a frustration for Arteta. The Brazilian striker, excluded from the national team, should appear when the Premier League resumes.
Gabriel Jesus is also close to returning after a serious knee injury earlier this year. He is back in full training, although Arsenal will likely take a cautious approach with his return.
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Potential return date: end of 2025
As Arsenal prepare to host Tottenham Hotspur, Arteta will provide his next detailed injury update ahead of the derby. With several stars fully fit, the Gunners could soon return to full strength for one of the most anticipated matches of the Premier League season.