Arsenal maintained their impressive run of form with a 2–0 win over Burnley, their ninth consecutive victory across all competitions and seventh straight clean sheet. Mikel Arteta’s men remain top of the Premier League and are unbeaten in Europe, but a busy week brings new injury concerns ahead of trips to Slavia Prague and Sunderland.
Here’s the latest on Arsenal’s injury situation and potential return dates for key players.
Viktor Gyökeres
Viktor Gyökeres finally ended his Premier League goal drought at Turf Moor, breaking the deadlock early on before being substituted at half-time. The Swedish striker — a £78m summer signing from Sporting — impressed with an all-action display, but Arteta confirmed that he was withdrawn due to a muscle niggle.
“I think that was one of the best games he’s played. His performance was exceptional. It’s a shame that he felt something. We had to take him off because he was feeling a little niggle — something muscular — so we’ll have to wait and see.” — Mikel Arteta, post-match press conference
Early indications suggest the issue is minor, and Gyökeres could feature in the Champions League trip to Slavia Prague.
Potential return date: November 4, 2025 vs Slavia Prague (A)
Martin Zubimendi
Midfielder Martin Zubimendi was also forced off during the Burnley win after asking to be substituted late in the second half. While the Spaniard’s injury does not appear serious, he will miss the midweek Champions League tie through suspension after accumulating three yellow cards in the group stage.
Arteta confirmed:
“He asked to be subbed, so we’ll have to wait and see.” — Mikel Arteta
The club are optimistic he will recover in time for the Sunderland game next weekend.
Potential return date: November 8, 2025 vs Sunderland (A)
Gabriel Martinelli
Gabriel Martinelli has missed Arsenal’s last two matches after hobbling down the tunnel following the 2–0 win over Crystal Palace. The Brazilian winger featured briefly off the bench that day but has since been dealing with a minor muscle issue.
Arteta said ahead of the Burnley trip:
“We don’t know yet, but I think this game is going to come too early for him.” — Mikel Arteta
The club continues to assess his progress, with no definitive timeline set.
Potential return date: Unknown
Martin Ødegaard
Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard remains on the sidelines but is edging closer to a comeback. After returning from a shoulder problem, he suffered an MCL injury against West Ham in October. Arteta is hopeful the playmaker could be back for the north London derby.
Potential return date: November 23, 2025 vs Tottenham (H)
Noni Madueke
Summer signing Noni Madueke’s bright start to life at Arsenal was halted by a knee issue sustained against Manchester City. Scans confirmed no ACL damage, but the winger has now missed nine straight games.
Arteta expects him to return alongside Ødegaard for Tottenham later this month.
Potential return date: November 23, 2025 vs Tottenham (H)
Kai Havertz
Kai Havertz has not played since the opening-day win over Manchester United after undergoing minor knee surgery. The German is back in light training and could return after the international break.
Arteta said:
“Yeah, I’m excited because they are tremendous players… it’s going to be a huge boost for the squad to have them available again after such a long time.” — Mikel Arteta on Havertz, Madueke and Ødegaard
Potential return date: November 23, 2025 vs Tottenham (H)
Gabriel Jesus
Forward Gabriel Jesus continues his long recovery from cruciate ligament surgery. The Brazilian hasn’t featured since January’s FA Cup defeat to Manchester United but is making steady progress, sharing training clips on social media.
“My knee’s responding very well. I need to hold myself back a little bit because I’m doing great work outside on the pitches… when the time comes, I’ll be ready.” — Gabriel Jesus
Potential return date: Late 2025
Our View: Arsenal’s Depth Will Be Tested Before Break
In our view, Arteta’s handling of player workloads will be crucial heading into the international break. With Gyökeresand Zubimendi nursing knocks, and Martinelli still unavailable, rotation will be vital to maintain Arsenal’s balance in attack.
However, the expected return of Ødegaard, Madueke, and Havertz for the derby could hand Arsenal a major boost for the title race — especially with Gabriel Jesus targeting a comeback before 2026.
Key Insights
- Gyökeres scare: Striker withdrawn with minor muscle issue vs Burnley.
- Zubimendi knock: Subbed off late; suspended midweek but likely fit for Sunderland.
- Martinelli absence: Still no timeline for return.
- Triple boost incoming: Ødegaard, Madueke, and Havertz could return post-break.
- Long-term: Gabriel Jesus progressing after knee surgery.
What’s Next
Arsenal travel to Slavia Prague on Tuesday in the Champions League before facing Sunderland away on Saturday. Arteta is expected to rotate his side slightly to protect key players before the international break.
👉 Arsenal fans — which returning player will make the biggest difference for the Gunners after the break: Ødegaard’s creativity, Havertz’s versatility, or Madueke’s pace?
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