Arsenal injury latest on three players as Liverpool hopes for boost in title chase

Arsenal skipper, Martin Odegaard has given fans a glimmer of hope by stating his injury is 'starting to look better', sparking optimism that he might be fit for the upcoming North London derby this Sunday.

The 26-year-old midfielder has been out of action since early October due to a knee injury sustained during Arsenal's 2-0 victory over West Ham, with the Gunners pulling clear of Liverpool and the chasing pack in the title race.

Odegaard was compelled to sit out Norway's final three World Cup qualifiers, watching from the sidelines as his team secured their spot in next summer's tournament. During the international break, defensive pair Gabriel Magalhaes and Riccardo Calafiori also suffered injuries, casting doubt on their participation against Tottenham.

However, Odegaard offered a positive update, hinting at a return 'soon'. "It's moving forward," the Norwegian informed TV2.

"The match today came a little too early... But it's starting to look better, so hopefully I'll be back soon."

Odegaard's absence from 12 of Arsenal's matches this season has necessitated a midfield reshuffle by Mikel Arteta. When quizzed about the availability of Odegaard, Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyokeres and Gabriel Martinelli post-international break, the Gunners boss remained elusive.

"Some of them, all of them, I don't know," Arteta commented prior to Arsenal's 1-1 draw with Sunderland. "There are a lot of things that have to happen in the next two weeks and everything has to be perfect, but I think we'll be very close with most of them to be in a really strong position."

However, Arteta is now dealing with two new defensive concerns. Despite the Gunners' confidence that Calafiori will be fit to face Spurs, Gabriel's participation is in doubt due to a thigh injury he sustained during Brazil's 2-0 victory over Senegal at the Emirates.

"Gabriel Magalhaes will not travel with the team for the game against Tunisia," a statement confirmed. "The defender left the field yesterday after feeling pain in the adductor muscle of his right thigh,' a statement on the Brazilian Football Confederation website read.

"Arsenal player Gabriel Magalhaes was re-evaluated this Sunday (November 16) and underwent imaging tests that revealed a muscle injury in his right thigh.

"Therefore, the player will not travel with the team to the match against Tunisia in Lille. No other player will be called up to replace him."

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