Arsenal’s preparations for the north London derby have been overshadowed by fresh injury worries. Gabriel Magalhães, Riccardo Calafiori, and Viktor Gyökeres all face late fitness tests before Sunday’s clash against Tottenham at the Emirates Stadium (23 November 2025).
Mikel Arteta’s men remain top of the Premier League, boasting the league’s best defensive record with just five goals conceded in 11 games — but their back line could be stretched thin at the worst possible time. With major fixtures against Bayern Munich and Chelsea to follow, this week’s medical updates will heavily shape Arsenal’s short-term fortunes.
Gabriel Magalhães injury latest
Arsenal’s defensive pillar suffered a worrying blow while on international duty with Brazil, limping off during the 2–0 win over Senegal at the Emirates. Early fears of an adductor issue were later revised after scans confirmed a muscle injury to his right knee.
A statement from the Brazilian Football Confederation read: “Gabriel Magalhães underwent imaging tests that revealed a muscle injury in his right knee.” The centre-back has since returned to London for further assessment.
Given his consistency and aerial dominance this season, any prolonged absence would be a huge setback for Arsenal’s title ambitions. Arteta is expected to provide an update in his pre-Spurs press conference.
Potential return date: Unknown
Riccardo Calafiori hopeful to feature against Spurs
Just hours before Gabriel’s injury, Riccardo Calafiori was withdrawn from Italy’s camp with a hip issue. Gennaro Gattuso confirmed the defender “tried to be available but couldn’t force it.” Italian reports suggest Arsenal are “not anticipating a major problem”, and optimism remains that he could recover in time for the derby.
Calafiori’s composure and versatility have made him an early fan favourite since joining from Bologna, and Arteta will be desperate to have him fit alongside William Saliba.
Potential return date: 23 November 2025 vs Tottenham (H)
Viktor Gyökeres facing fitness race
Arsenal’s attacking depth could also take a hit. Viktor Gyökeres is still nursing a hamstring injury sustained at Burnley on 1 November. The Swede missed games against Slavia Prague and Sunderland and was left out of Sweden’s squad.
Arteta confirmed before the break that the club was “waiting to learn the full extent” of the issue. With Spurs, Bayern and Chelsea all on the horizon, his absence would leave Arsenal short of a natural striker option to rotate with Gabriel Jesus.
Potential return date: Unknown
Kai Havertz closing in on return
There is better news regarding Kai Havertz, who could make his long-awaited comeback against Tottenham. The German midfielder has been sidelined since the opening weekend with a knee problem but is now back in partial training.
Arteta recently said it would be “a huge boost for the squad” to have him available again — hinting at inclusion in the matchday squad for Spurs.
Potential return date: 23 November 2025 vs Tottenham (H)
Martin Ødegaard recovery slower than hoped
Captain Martin Ødegaard continues to rehabilitate from a knee injury picked up against West Ham on 4 October, having previously struggled with shoulder pain. Norway manager Ståle Solbakken described his recovery as “steady” but admitted he is still “some distance away” from full fitness.
Potential return date: Unknown
Noni Madueke and Martinelli eye derby return
Both Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli are expected to be available for the Tottenham clash after spells out with knee and muscle injuries respectively. Madueke, signed from Chelsea in the summer, has been out since 21 September, while Martinelli missed Brazil duty but has trained at London Colney.
Potential return date: 23 November 2025 vs Tottenham (H)
Gabriel Jesus nearing end of long road back
After almost a year out with a serious knee injury, Gabriel Jesus has returned to first-team training. Arteta has been cautious about his reintegration, but the forward’s energy in sessions has reportedly lifted the group.
Potential return date: Late 2025
Our view: Arsenal’s depth faces a defining test
In our view, Arsenal’s squad depth and resilience will be tested like never before this season. The possible absences of Gabriel and Calafiori could force tactical reshuffles in a game where defensive organisation is everything. Meanwhile, Gyökeres’ continued absence might place an even heavier creative burden on Saka and Martinelli.
If Arsenal navigate this period without major damage, it could underline their title credentials. But Arteta will need to balance risk with recovery, especially ahead of Bayern Munich mid-week — a demanding run that will reveal whether this squad has truly matured.
Key Insights
- Gabriel’s knee injury confirmed; return date uncertain.
- Calafiori hopeful to recover in time for Tottenham.
- Gyökeres remains sidelined with hamstring problem.
- Havertz, Madueke and Martinelli could all return for Spurs.
- Ødegaard and Jesus continue gradual recoveries.
What’s next for Arsenal
The Gunners host Tottenham Hotspur on 23 November 2025, before travelling to Bayern Munich in the Champions League three days later. Arteta’s pre-match update on Friday will be crucial in determining who’s fit to feature.
👉 Arsenal fans — if Gabriel doesn’t make it, who should partner Saliba in the derby defence?
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