Arsenal are navigating a significant injury crisis as they prepare for a crucial run of fixtures, starting with this weekend's North London Derby against Tottenham. The international break has dealt Mikel Arteta's squad several fresh blows, with key defender Gabriel Magalhaes now facing an extended period on the sidelines.
Major Defensive Blow for Gunners
The most severe news concerns Gabriel Magalhaes, who limped off during Brazil's friendly against Senegal at the Emirates Stadium. The ever-present centre-back has sustained a thigh injury and initial assessments suggest he will be out for a minimum of four weeks. This timeline rules him out of the upcoming Premier League clash with Tottenham, as well as critical Champions League and domestic fixtures against Bayern Munich and Chelsea. Further medical evaluation will determine the full extent, but there are fears his absence could extend into early 2026.
In further concerning news, Kai Havertz has suffered a setback in his recovery from a knee injury. Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann confirmed the "minor relapse," stating the player is now not expected back until "towards the end of the year." This is a significant blow for Arteta's midfield options during a packed December schedule.
Attack and Captaincy Concerns
The treatment room at London Colney remains busy. Gabriel Jesus is edging closer to a return after his long-term ACL injury, having returned to first-team training. While there is optimism he could feature in mid-December, Arteta is known for his caution with returning players, making a January comeback more probable.
Club captain Martin Odegaard remains "some distance away" from full fitness, according to Norway manager Stale Solbakken. The playmaker has missed Arsenal's last seven games with an MCL knee injury and his leadership and creativity continue to be sorely missed in the centre of the park.
There is some hope regarding Gabriel Martinelli. The Brazilian winger is recovering from a thigh issue and could be in contention for the weekend, though a December return is still considered more likely to ensure he is fully fit.
Other Squad Updates
The situation for summer signing Victor Gyokeres remains unclear after he was omitted from the Sweden squad due to a muscle injury. His availability for the Tottenham match is uncertain. Meanwhile, Noni Madueke is another player who could make a surprise return this weekend should his recovery from a knee injury progress perfectly.
This spate of injuries represents a major test of Arsenal's squad depth following their £250million summer investment. How Arteta navigates this period, with derbies and European nights on the horizon, could define their season.
