Arteta Delivers Positive Team News Ahead of London Derby
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has offered a significant boost to fans by suggesting that key attackers Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz could be in contention for Sunday's Premier League showdown with Chelsea. The Gunners have been navigating a striker shortage in recent weeks, but Arteta's pre-match press conference on Friday brought encouraging news regarding the duo's fitness.
Returning Forwards Offer Timely Boost
Gyokeres has been sidelined for Arsenal's last four matches due to a hamstring issue, while Havertz has been out of action since suffering a knee injury in the club's first game of the season back in August. Despite their absences, the team has performed admirably, with a stunning 3-1 victory over Bayern Munich on Wednesday highlighting their resilience. However, Arteta is eager to reintegrate his missing firepower.
"We have another day tomorrow, so let’s see how everybody has come on," Arteta told reporters. "Clear, not yet, but they are getting closer and closer. So, we are very positive with both of them - and let’s see."
Trossard, Jesus and Gabriel: The Latest on Other Absentees
The triumph over Bayern was somewhat marred by a first-half injury to Leandro Trossard. When asked about the Belgian's condition, Arteta revealed a potential for a quick return. "Yeah, with Leo, there is another test today, we'll have to see how he's feeling, and it doesn't look like much," he said. "There is a potential chance, yeah," Arteta added regarding Trossard's availability for the trip to Stamford Bridge.
In further positive news, Gabriel Jesus is nearing a long-awaited comeback from an ACL injury. The Brazilian striker participated in a behind-closed-doors friendly this week, a crucial step in his rehabilitation. "Yeah, it did happen," Arteta confirmed. "The good thing is that he is very, very close at the moment." The manager cautioned, however, that after an strong>11-month layoff, the club must manage his progression carefully.
While Martin Odegaard and Noni Madueke have recently returned, defender Gabriel Magalhaes remains out with a thigh problem picked up on international duty with Brazil. "Not yet, I think he's evolving really, really well," Arteta stated. "We have to wait for that scan a little bit longer to be more precise in terms of the timings." When questioned about a potential return before the new year, the manager was non-committal, replying, "I don't know. We have to wait and see."
