Arsenal host Tottenham Hotspur in Sunday’s Premier League game at the Emirates Stadium.
Ahead of the north London derby, the club have received some good news on the injury front.
Riccardo Calafiori recently returned early from international duty due to a hip concern, but reports claim that the left-back is available to face Spurs this weekend.
It is unclear whether Martin Odegaard will be fit after his medial collateral ligament injury, but the Norwegian has provided a positive update before the derby.
Speaking to TV2 before Norway’s game versus Italy yesterday, Odegaard said that he is making progress in his recovery and hopes to return to the playing field soon.
He said: “It’s moving forward. Today’s match came a little too early. But it’s starting to look better, so I will hopefully be back soon.”
Arsenal won’t take any risks with Odegaard, considering he has been sidelined with three separate injuries this term. The £30 million signing may need to build up his fitness before his comeback.
The same could be the case with Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz and Noni Madueke. Viktor Gyokeres and Gabriel Martinelli seem the likelier candidates to make the matchday squad.
Gyokeres and Martinelli sustained muscle injuries in the lead-up to the last international break. The Gunners anticipate the duo to return for the upcoming derby at home.
Arsenal suffered a minor blip prior to the international break. Their run of 10 straight wins in all competitions ended after a late equaliser by Sunderland on the road (2-2).
As a result, the club saw their lead at the top over Manchester City reduce from six to four points.
Arsenal now face a tricky schedule with Spurs, Chelsea, Brentford and Aston Villa to tackle in the next four league games. The Gunners face a stern test of their title credentials.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com