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.

The Gunners’ Sporting Director, Andrea Berta, looks set to pull off a significant coup in hiring Napoli’s leading Italian scout and bringing him to North London in an attempt to bring even better players into an already strong, deep and star-studded squad.

Maurizio Micheli is already recognised as one of the best scouts in Italy and was responsible for the signings of players such as Alessandro Buongiorno, Scott McTominay,  Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (now at PSG) and Kim Min-Jae (now at Bayern Munich).

Arsenal trophy train adds more fuel as the Gunners Express roars forwards towards destination silverware.

Following a staggering summer transfer window as well as a table-topping start to the season, Arsenal are still looking to improve.

Such signings have helped Napoli to become a major force in Italian football for the first time since the days of Diego Maradona.

The signing of Micheli from Napoli to strengthen technical director James Ellis in the scouting department, shows Arsenal’s ambition to dominate the EPL transfer market and begin to bring regular silverware to The Emirates after a long period of failure in the Premier League and the Champions League alike.

Micheli will be joining an already successful Arsenal recruitment team which signed several key players during the last transfer window includingMartin Zubimendi, Eberechi Eze, Viktor Gyökeres, and Noni Madueke.

This new addition to the Gunners’ recruitment team demonstrates the club’s dedication to long-term success regardless of whether Mikel Arteta can secure silverware this season.

I believe that the Spaniard might well step aside should he fail to sin a major trophy this season with such a strong squad.

Don’t get me wrong. I want Arsenal to succeed this season. However, if Arteta fails to win a major trophy then I strongly believe it is time to give another manager a chance at guiding this star-studded Arsenal squad to long overdue glory.

 

As Arsenal’s season hits another huge setback following our terrible performance and defeat at Newcastle, more bad news has hit the greatest club in North London.

I’m getting worried now. Saying that, if we stuff Chelsea at the weekend and go on a winning run then my fickle fears will probably subside. Maybe it was Edu’s fault that we didn’t sign a striker like Ivan Toney in the summer. Who knows?

Edu quit his role at the Gunners in order to move from his position as Sporting Director to begin a similar role at (wait for it – no disrespect to them) Nottingham Forest.

Edu has quit his role at the club he told us he loves so much, in order to move to a team who surely must be seen as way smaller than Arsenal (again, respectfully said).

Edu has been key to Arsenal and Arteta’s success since his role started in 2019 and now it seems that things are no longer great behind the scenes.

Arsenal released a statement on Arsenal.com saying: “We thank Edu for the part he has played in our renewed football strategy and driving the club forward with the values of Arsenal in his heart.”

The former Arsenal and Brazil midfielder said: “This was an incredibly hard decision to make.

“Arsenal has given me the opportunity to work with so many amazing people and the chance to be a part of something so special in the club’s history. It has been a special journey and I thank Stan, Josh, Tim and Lord Harris for the support they’ve given me.

“I’ve loved working with so many great colleagues across our men’s, women’s and academy teams, especially Mikel, who has become a great friend.

“Now it is time to pursue a different challenge. Arsenal will always remain in my heart. I wish the club and its supporters only good things and all the very best.”

Top brass Josh Kroenke reacted saying: “We respect Edu’s decision and thank him for his immense contribution and dedication to drive the club forward.

“Everyone at the club wishes him well. We are all so fond of him and the positive energy he brings to everything and everyone.

“Change and evolution is a part of our club. We remain focused on our strategy and winning major trophies. Our succession plan will reflect this continued ambition.”

This is a real worry as Arsenal seem to be slipping this season and fans will be concerned after a disappointing end to the last two seasons, an underwhelming summer transfer window and a poor first quarter of this Premier League season.

Leandro Trossard 4– Many Premier League fans rate Trossard highly but his last few games have been really frustrating for Arsenal.

The Belgian tries really hard and has heaps of heart, skill and confidence. However, his penalty tonight was dreadful hitting it straight down the middle for the keeper to save with his trailing leg. Many were surprised he even took it with Havertz being most people’s choice.

Some Gunners fans were already critical of him after he seemed to be in a huff a few games back for not getting a regular start despite his excellent impact from the bench.

However, his sending off in the league for needlessly kicking the ball away as well as his dreadful back pass which helped Saliba get into a muddle resulting in a red card and another loss for The Gunners, showed a player on somewhat of a nightmare run.

A 4/10 may be harsh but it comes after a succession of mistakes which he will hopefully not let turn into a downward spiral of form.

Ben White 5 – He looked uncertain tonight and was subbed at the break.

Gabriel Jesus 5 – Needs a run in the team in order to get his touch back. Sometimes a joy to watch while other times quite frustrating to see him lost possession and fail to make a good enough impact. Still a quality player if he can remain injury-free.

William Saliba 6 – Solid performance despite some good counters from the Ukranians.

Gabriel 6 – Similar night to Saliba.

Riccardo Calafiori 6 – Good performance before heading off injured. Could have scored. Hopefully, he will be fit for the Liverpool game at The Emirates.

Declan Rice 6 – Broke up play well on a frustrating night for Arsenal’s midfield.

Kai Havertz 7 – Solid performance again, working very hard and almost scoring yet again at home. Many believed he should have taken the penalty instead of Trossard.

Gabriel Martinelli 8 – Tried his best tonight. Positive attacking play, as well as some good backtracking in defence. Could have been on the scoresheet which would have really boosted his confidence after some significant criticism of late.

Thomas Partey 8 – Almost faultless performance from the defensive midfielder. Didn’t really put a foot wrong.

David Raya 8– Another solid performance topped off with a great save near the end to keep all three points for Arsenal.

Substitutes
Mikel Merino 5
Raheem Sterling 5
Myles Lewis-Skelly 6
Jorginho 5

The whole world knows that Arsenal are crying out for a perfect goalscoring number nine to complete Arteta’s puzzle of winning the English Premier League. Nearly-man Jesus nearly made it in his first season, but injury ended that. Eddie stepped up but never really showed he was the answer.

Now, Toney went to Saudi on the cheap despite being one of the best strikers in the world, with nobody going in for him from the EPL after the rumours of Arteta’s reported rejection of him after their meeting based on personality rather than potential. What a shame. What a waste. Arteta is amazing at judging characters, but I’m disappointed that he couldn’t see the potential of the recovering gambling addict and back his own man management of the Christian marksman.

Arteta is absolutely correct in only signing players who fit into his and the club’s ethical framework. Rather than sign someone like Spurs’ Solanke, he would rather wait.

Everyone knows how much Ivan Toney wanted to sign for Arsenal and is technically good enough to take on that role. However, Arteta reportedly met with Toney and didn’t fit the club’s vision of a player. Sure, he’s good enough. We all know that. But there must have been something else.

Maybe it was the gambling or the lack of loyalty to Brentford when he made his ambitions to play for a bigger club public. I get that. But he would have done the job for Arsenal without disrupting other players. Maybe this shows Arteta’s lack of confidence in changing players to fit his mould. Perhaps he tried, and that’s why nobody wanted to touch him. I would have had a punt of £50m on an absolute weapon of a striker.

Now, Arsenal relies on Havertz and his colleagues. The stats say they are doing just fine, but imagine if Toney was presented with the chances that Arsenal’s frontline squandered over the last two years.

I’m gutted that we have lost Toney from the EPL. I wish him all the best. I think Arsenal missed out there. Incredibly, Manchester United could have signed him and given itself a natural edge in this challenging era of its history in the shadow of the magnificent Manchester City.