Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has received positive news on the injury front as the international break provides a crucial pause in the Premier League season.
The Gunners maintain a four-point lead at the summit despite their recent 2-2 draw at Sunderland, though Manchester City closed the gap with a convincing 3-0 victory over Liverpool.
Arteta's Defensive Relief
Arteta's concerns over defender Riccardo Calafiori have been partially alleviated after Italy opted not to risk the centre-back in their World Cup qualifier against Moldova on Thursday.
The 23-year-old had joined up with the national squad despite carrying a hip injury, but trained separately on a personalised programme rather than risking further damage.
According to reports from Italy, Arsenal officials had hoped Calafiori would miss both international fixtures during this break, including Sunday's match against Norway at the San Siro.
The defender himself was reportedly keen to participate, but Italy manager Rino Gattuso ultimately decided against using him for the Moldova clash, with Calafiori watching from the stands.
Should he also miss the Norway encounter, the defender would return to London Colney earlier than scheduled, giving him additional recovery time before the crucial north London derby on November 23.
Gunners Eye January Striker Swoop
Meanwhile, Arsenal are preparing an early move for Levante striker Etta Eyong, according to Spanish publication Sport.
The Cameroonian forward has attracted significant attention despite his relatively modest £35million release clause, with Barcelona and Real Madrid also monitoring his situation.
Arsenal appear to be showing the most serious interest in the 23-year-old, though any January transfer would present complications due to FIFA regulations.
Having already represented Villarreal before joining Levante late in the previous transfer window, Eyong cannot play for a third club this season under current rules.
This limitation has prompted Arsenal to consider a strategic approach: signing the striker in January before immediately loaning him back to Levante for the remainder of the campaign.
Such a move would allow the Gunners to secure his signature ahead of rival clubs while complying with regulations.
Striker's Premier League Ambition
Eyong has previously expressed his belief that his playing style suits English football, telling GiveMeSport: "I believe I have the necessary quality to succeed in the Premier League and that my style is well-suited to English football."
The striker also acknowledged the honour of being linked with Spain's elite clubs, stating: "It means a lot because it shows that my hard work is paying off. But now I have to focus on Levante and we'll see what happens in the future."
Despite interest from CSKA Moscow, Eyong is understood to have no desire to play in Russia, preferring instead a move to either the Premier League or one of La Liga's established giants.
Barcelona's financial limitations could complicate their pursuit, potentially giving Arsenal an advantage in the race for the highly-rated forward.
As the international break continues, Arteta will be hoping for more positive news regarding his squad's fitness ahead of the derby showdown with Tottenham later this month.
