2 hours ago
22
The latest Arsenal injury news as Mikel Arteta's squad prepare for a North London Derby on Sunday after the international break
Mikel Arteta has a series of injury concerns to deal with ahead of Arsenal's clash with Tottenham on Sunday.
The Premier League returns this weekend with a bang as the Gunners prepare for the first North London Derby of the season. Arsenal will be looking to extend their lead at the top of the table, with the gap to Manchester City currently sitting at four points.
Arteta did look set to welcome a host of players back from injury post-international break ahead of a tough run of fixtures. Arsenal play Bayern Munich next week in the Champions League, followed by a trip to Stamford Bridge where Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea await.
What the Gunners boss wouldn’t have wanted to see is more players go down during the break, but it seems that may have happened. With that in mind, football.london has the latest injury news below.
Gabriel
Gabriel was substituted in the 64th minute of Brazil’s international friendly against Senegal at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday with a knee injury.
Now, as reported by football.london via BBC Sport, Arsenal fear the 27-year-old could be out for a minimum of four weeks, with a chance that his absence could extend into January.
It is a big hit for Arteta as the Spanish boss will be without a key player during a busy festive period where Arsenal will play eight games in a month.
Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotti said he was “really sorry” and “really disappointed.” Mikel Arteta will undoubtedly be quizzed on Gabriel’s condition when he faces the media ahead of the North London Derby.
Potential return date: Late December
Jurrien Timber
Timber required treatment for what looked to be a knee problem during the Netherlands’ clash with Lithuania yesterday. The Dutchman appeared to be in significant pain while on the floor.
The 24-year-old played on and, despite a visible gash on his leg, Timber was ultimately taken off just after the hour mark. The Dutch international later posted a reassuring message on social media after the game.
Timber looked to be in good spirits, alleviating concerns of a serious injury. It wouldn’t have been the first for the right-back, given the ACL injury he suffered early in his Arsenal career.
Kai Havertz
Julian Nagelsmann, Germany’s head coach, revealed during the international break that Havertz had suffered a “minor relapse,” but the 26-year-old is still “doing well.”
Havertz underwent minor knee surgery earlier in the season following an injury sustained in Arsenal’s opening clash with Manchester United.
Nagelsmann, via Ben Dinnery on X, believes the German international will be back in action “towards the end of the year.” This will give Arteta more rotation options up front.
Potential return date: Early December
Viktor Gyokeres
Arsenal’s star striker was not included in the Sweden squad for the nation’s two games during the international break. More information is needed to understand the full extent of Gyokeres’ hamstring injury.
He was taken off at half-time during Arsenal’s game against Burnley on November 1st. Arteta admitted he was “concerned,” as Gyokeres hasn’t suffered many muscular issues in his career.
With a series of big games coming up, the Gunners boss will be hoping the Swedish international can make a speedy recovery.
Potential return date: Unclear
Riccardo Calafiori
Arteta was dealt a double injury blow on Saturday as, shortly before Gabriel was brought off for Brazil, Calafiori withdrew from the Italy squad with a hip issue.
He played the full 90 minutes in Arsenal’s victory over Sunderland before the break but, having withdrawn from the squad, has not featured since.
Arsenal are reportedly not expecting a “big problem,” and Italy manager Gennaro Gattuso stated that Calafiori “tried to be available but he can’t force it now.”
Potential return date: Saturday vs Tottenham
Martin Odegaard
Norway boss Stale Solbakken revealed that Martin Odegaard was still “some distance away” from a full recovery following a knee injury sustained in early October against West Ham.
The good news is that Solbakken said the 26-year-old’s recovery was “steady.” Arteta will hope he can have his captain back soon to reignite leadership within the squad amid their title push.
Potential return date: Late November
Gabriel Martinelli
Martinelli is still recovering from a thigh injury he sustained during Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Crystal Palace in late October. The Brazilian has made a positive start to the season, scoring four goals and providing one assist. Arteta hinted at the possibility of Martinelli returning after the international break, but that doesn’t look likely.
Potential return date: Early December
Noni Madueke
Arsenal’s new £48m signing is still sidelined with a knee injury. Despite looking full of energy early in the season, Madueke hasn’t played a minute of football since mid-September.
Potential return date: Early December
English (US) ·