Arsenal find themselves navigating a delicate spell as Mikel Arteta manages a growing injury list ahead of the north London derby on 23 November. The international break provides breathing room, yet it also heightens uncertainty around the availability of key players. Arteta confirmed that the squad situation has not improved and that there are no fresh reinforcements returning to training.
Speaking on Friday morning about Viktor Gyokeres and the wider injury picture, Arteta said, “No, no news. We remain the same, nobody new that can join the squad. So, all the same.” It reflects a period in which Arsenal must balance caution with preparation, particularly with Tottenham arriving at Emirates Stadium for one of the club’s most significant fixtures of the season.
Photo IMAGO
Injury Picture Clouding Arteta’s Options
----------------------------------------
Several influential figures remain sidelined. Kai Havertz, Martin Odegaard and Noni Madueke are recovering from knee injuries and Gabriel Martinelli is out with a thigh issue. Arteta outlined the uncertainty surrounding their timelines. “Some of them, all of them I don’t know,” he said. “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.”
The comments underline how crucial the next fortnight will be, not only for fitness but also for tactical clarity. Arsenal’s attacking rhythm has depended heavily on continuity and the manager must now explore short term solutions.
Positive Momentum for Gabriel Jesus
-----------------------------------
There was better news regarding Gabriel Jesus. The forward returned to full training on Thursday for the first time since knee surgery in January, a milestone many expected to come closer to the new year. His recovery appears ahead of schedule, although Arteta remains cautious about the next steps.
Arteta explained, “I don’t know. Now is about making the steps day by day in a different surrounding. Obviously, he’s been doing everything on his own; now he’s got players around him, very competitive players around him, and see how he copes with that. But he’s full of energy, I love the reaction of all his team-mates when he first joined us and yeah, great to have him back.”
His return injects dynamism and leadership into the group, qualities Arsenal have often leaned on during testing periods. But he will need time to adjust to full training intensity, something Arsenal must manage carefully.
Wider Context as Fixtures Approach
----------------------------------
Beyond Jesus, Kepa Arrizabalaga was absent from the squad that travelled to Prague on Tuesday after missing training on Monday. Those issues, although less detailed publicly, add another layer of complexity to Arsenal’s plans.
With Sunderland monitoring Arsenal’s situation amid their own scouting interests, the coming weeks will be defined by squad depth, rehabilitation progress and Arteta’s ability to adapt. The derby looms large, and Arsenal know that clarity around availability will shape both selection and strategy as Tottenham prepare to test their resilience.