Arsenal boosted by injury news with star trio expetced to return to action this week

Arsenal Injury Update: Key Returns Boost Mikel Arteta

Arsenal head into a decisive week with renewed optimism as several influential players move closer to full fitness. With Bayern Munich arriving in the Champions League and a potentially defining Premier League trip to Chelsea on the horizon, the injury picture is finally shifting in Mikel Arteta’s favour.

Momentum Building After Derby Win

The emphatic 4-1 victory over Tottenham offered clarity on Arsenal’s improving availability. Riccardo Calafiori recovered from a hip concern to start in the north London derby where Eberechi Eze struck a superb hat trick after Leandro Trossard’s opener. Noni Madueke also made his long awaited return from a knee issue with a late cameo and Gabriel Martinelli was named on the bench.

Even so, there were notable absentees. Martin Odegaard, Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Magalhaes and Gabriel Jesus all missed out, keeping attention firmly on Arsenal’s medical department ahead of a critical run of fixtures.

Gyokeres Nearing Crucial Return

Viktor Gyokeres has been sidelined since scoring in the 2-0 win at Burnley, pulling up with a hamstring problem that forced him to withdraw from Sweden duty. Arteta has repeatedly hinted that Gyokeres is close to returning and included him in a group of players who were under consideration for the Tottenham match.

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Arteta said in his pre match interview that Gyokeres was “very close”, although the striker did not train with the squad before the Bayern showdown. The manager remains cautiously optimistic about his involvement at Chelsea and reiterated that both Gyokeres and Kai Havertz were progressing well. “Really good both of them,” Arteta said, adding, “So in the next few days, again, I think they are going to have a repeat scan to see how everything is and whether we can push them, or not, for the weekend or the following game.”

Odegaard Boost as Captain Returns to Training

Martin Odegaard’s season has been repeatedly disrupted by shoulder and MCL setbacks, but his return to full training has lifted spirits at London Colney. Arteta confirmed that the captain was close to featuring against Tottenham and remains hopeful of having him available in Europe. “We are going to have a meeting now to decide as well on Martin,” Arteta said. “He was very close for the previous game. We are hopeful that tomorrow he can be in the squad as well.”

Odegaard’s influence in possession and leadership on the pitch will be essential as Arsenal face Bayern Munich then Chelsea in quick succession.

Other Key Fitness Developments

Gabriel Magalhaes faces further assessment after suffering an adductor injury with Brazil, with early reports suggesting a possible lengthy spell out. Havertz, recovering from a knee procedure, is also targeting the Chelsea fixture as a realistic return point. His situation mirrors Gyokeres’ with Arteta again stating, “Really good both of them.”

Gabriel Jesus is edging closer to involvement after surgery on his anterior cruciate ligament. His comeback could arrive in early December, when Arsenal face Brentford, Aston Villa and Club Brugge.

Arsenal’s depth has been tested heavily this season but the timing of these returns could prove instrumental in sustaining their title challenge. With Arteta’s squad close to full strength again, the next fortnight offers a significant opportunity.

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