Arsenal could be getting five injured players back just in time for the North London Derby on November 23. And if you’re a Spurs fan, this timing is about as bad as it gets.

Viktor Gyökeres and Noni Madueke are the most likely returns, with both expected to be fit for the Emirates showdown.

Gabriel Martinelli is also close to full fitness after missing recent matches. The Standard called it a potential “disaster for Tottenham” Arsenal fielding a full-strength squad for the first time this season, right when it matters most.

Martin Ødegaard is the wildcard. He’s “hoping” to be available, but Norway manager Ståle Solbakken threw cold water on that this week, saying the midfielder is “some distance away” from being ready.

Ødegaard will join the Norway squad Thursday to continue his rehab, but he won’t be playing. Arsenal clearly aren’t rushing him back from that MCL knee injury he picked up against West Ham in October.

Kai Havertz is the least optimistic case. He expects to return “within the next month,” which probably means he’s out for Tottenham.

The German has been dealing with hamstring problems since last season.

Here’s the real kicker: Gabriel Jesus is back in full training after 10 months out with an ACL injury. Ten months.

That’s brutal. Arsenal are planning a friendly for him during the international break to ease him back into match fitness, according to John Cross at the Daily Mirror.

Jesus has been out since tearing his ACL against Manchester United in January, and by all accounts, he’s desperate to get back on the pitch.

Why This Matters Now?

Arsenal’s injury crisis has been testing their squad depth all season. Without Gyökeres, Havertz, and Jesus, Mikel Arteta actually deployed Mikel Merino as an emergency striker against Sunderland. It didn’t go great.

Pain in the Arsenal wrote that the performance showed just how urgently Arsenal need Gyökeres back, adding that “any team needs a big squad to win the title.”

Ødegaard’s absence has been particularly felt. Before his injury, he was creating 2.6 key passes per 90 minutes and making 4.8 progressive carries per 90, according to FBref.

That’s massive for Arsenal’s attacking flow.

Without him, Declan Rice and Merino have been forced to pick up the playmaking slack.

The Timing Couldn’t Be Better

Despite all these injuries, Arsenal have won 10 consecutive games before the Sunderland draw and sit top of the Premier League.

Getting these players back for December when they face eight games in one month could be the difference between maintaining that lead or falling off the pace.

If everyone returns, Arteta will have attacking options for days: Gyökeres, Havertz, and Jesus up front; Saka, Martinelli, Madueke, Trossard, and Eze on the wings; Ødegaard, Rice, and Merino in midfield. That’s proper squad depth.

One former manager, speaking on a BBC podcast, called the international break “timely for Arteta” because it gives players crucial training time without match pressure.

What Happens Next?

The next two weeks are critical. Arsenal’s U21s played Cardiff City on November 11 in the EFL Trophy, which might have given some returning players minutes.

Ødegaard will be in Norway doing rehab but won’t feature in any matches. Jesus could play in that arranged friendly. Gyökeres and Madueke are just building fitness.

By November 23, Arsenal could look completely different from the makeshift squad that drew with Sunderland. For Tottenham, that’s terrible news. For Arsenal fans, it’s perfect timing.

Would you like me to adjust the tone to be more neutral or add more statistical analysis?

Make is more neutral avoiding casual terms like “Now here’s the kicker” Remove all mention of the Cardiff v Arsenal game

Arsenal prepares for major injury returns ahead of Tottenham derby

Arsenal’s squad could receive a substantial boost ahead of the North London Derby against Tottenham on November 23, with as many as five key players targeting a return from injury.

Viktor Gyökeres and Noni Madueke are reportedly closest to full fitness, both expected to be available for selection at the Emirates.

Gabriel Martinelli is also nearing a return after missing recent matches. The Standard has noted that this would be the first time Arsenal could field a full-strength side this season, potentially affecting the competitive balance for the crucial match.

Martin Ødegaard’s situation remains uncertain. Although he hopes to feature against Tottenham, Norway manager Ståle Solbakken stated this week that Ødegaard “is some distance away” from a full recovery after sustaining an MCL knee injury against West Ham in October.

Ødegaard will join Norway’s squad on Thursday to continue his rehabilitation but is not expected to participate in games.

Kai Havertz’s time frame appears longer, with a return estimated “within the next month,” making his involvement against Tottenham unlikely. The midfielder has struggled with recurring hamstring issues since last season.

Gabriel Jesus, meanwhile, has resumed full training for the first time since suffering an ACL injury against Manchester United in January 2025.

Arsenal are arranging a friendly for Jesus during the international break to help him regain match fitness, according to John Cross of the Daily Mirror. Jesus’s progress over the past few weeks suggests he is eager to return to first-team action as soon as possible.

Impact on team dynamics

Arsenal’s injury problems have tested their squad depth and tactical flexibility throughout the early part of the season. With Gyökeres, Havertz, and Jesus sidelined, manager Mikel Arteta has been forced to make adjustments, including deploying unconventional options in attack.

Ødegaard’s absence, in particular, has increased playmaking demands on Declan Rice and Merino.

Before the injury, Ødegaard contributed 2.6 key passes and 4.8 progressive carries per 90 minutes, according to FBref statistics, underscoring his importance to Arsenal’s midfield.

Despite these setbacks, Arsenal have maintained a strong Premier League campaign, winning ten matches in a row prior to the most recent draw, and currently lead the table.

The potential return of several starters for the derby and the busy December fixture list, with eight games in one month could provide Arteta with expanded options across attack and midfield.

If all five players regain fitness in time, Arsenal’s attacking lineup could include: Gyökeres, Havertz, and Jesus as strikers; Saka, Martinelli, Madueke, Trossard, and Eze on the wings; and Ødegaard, Rice, and Merino in midfield.

Former manager Robbie Neilson told a BBC podcast that the international break is “timely for Arteta,” providing space for targeted training with the squad.

Recovery and readiness

The next two weeks of the international break are crucial for the rehabilitation and assessment of Arsenal’s injured players. Updates on fitness levels will determine availability for the derby, which is an important fixture for both clubs.

Arsenal fans remain optimistic about the potential for increased squad depth and a stronger starting eleven, although caution persists regarding the risk of re-injury or rushing players back prematurely.

If the recovery processes continue as planned, Arsenal may face Tottenham with more attacking options and greater experience on the pitch, contributing to what is expected to be a closely contested North London Derby.