Arsenal have been hit with several new injury concerns just days before their crucial north London derby against Tottenham at the Emirates Stadium. Mikel Arteta is awaiting updates on the fitness of Gabriel Magalhães, Riccardo Calafiori, and Viktor Gyokeres, adding uncertainty to an already intense fixture week.
The Gunners enter this period at the top of the Premier League, but potential defensive absences could pose a major challenge—especially with Bayern Munich and Chelsea also on the schedule in the coming weeks.
Here is the latest on each player and their expected return dates.
Gabriel Magalhães
Gabriel suffered a worrying setback while playing for Brazil, limping off during a friendly win over Senegal at the Emirates Stadium. He required treatment for a right-thigh issue before being substituted.
Brazilian officials confirmed that imaging tests revealed a muscle injury in his right thigh, initially reported as an adductor concern. Gabriel has now returned to London for further assessment, and Arteta is expected to provide more clarity during his pre-match press conference on Friday.
Potential return: Unknown
Riccardo Calafiori
Calafiori’s situation surfaced just hours before Gabriel’s injury, as the defender withdrew from Italy duty due to a hip problem. Despite being named in the squad, he was unable to train fully, and Italy manager Gennaro Gattuso confirmed the player could not risk worsening the issue.
Reports from Italy suggest Arsenal do not fear a serious injury, and optimism remains that he could recover in time for the derby.
Potential return: November 23, 2025 vs Tottenham (H)
Viktor Gyokeres
The striker has been sidelined since picking up a hamstring injury against Burnley on November 1. Gyokeres missed subsequent matches and was left out of the Sweden squad during the international break as Arsenal continue to monitor his progress.
With decisive matches looming, his recovery remains a priority for the medical team.
Potential return: Unknown
Kai Havertz
Havertz is close to a comeback after almost three months out following knee surgery. He has not featured since the opening weekend of the season but is now nearing full fitness. Arteta recently described his return as a “huge boost” for the squad.
Potential return: November 23, 2025 vs Tottenham (H)
Martin Ødegaard
Arsenal’s captain remains sidelined with a knee injury that initially kept him out of Norway duty. After weeks of shoulder issues earlier in the season, Ødegaard is still not ready for action.
Norway boss Ståle Solbakken has said Ødegaard is still “some distance away,” though the midfielder insists progress is being made.
Potential return: Unknown
Noni Madueke
Madueke has been missing for nearly two months after picking up a knee injury against Manchester City. Thankfully, scans ruled out ACL damage, and he is among the players Arsenal hope to have available after the break.
Potential return: November 23, 2025 vs Tottenham (H)
Gabriel Martinelli
The winger has been out since suffering an injury against Crystal Palace on October 26. Martinelli missed Brazil’s latest fixtures but is expected to be in contention after the international break.
Potential return: November 23, 2025 vs Tottenham (H)
Gabriel Jesus
After nearly a year out with a long-term knee injury, Gabriel Jesus has finally returned to training. The Brazilian forward has been ramping up his recovery and is edging closer to a full return.
Potential return: Late 2025
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