Arsenal predicted XI vs Spurs: Major fitness boosts but Gabriel ruled out

Arsenal enter the North London derby with the chance to move six points clear at the top of the Premier League — and Mikel Arteta may finally be handed the injury relief he has been waiting for. Several key players, including Riccardo Calafiori, Martin Ødegaard, Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli, were all spotted with the squad leaving their team hotel on Sunday morning, raising hopes of a strong bench for the clash with Tottenham. 

This is a game Arteta has been building towards for weeks. With Liverpool and Manchester City dropping points, the derby offers Arsenal a rare chance to create real separation at the top. But the manager’s preparations have been complicated by a cluster of injuries — and one major defensive blow.

Calafiori is the biggest question mark. The Italian was forced out of his national team camp last week with a hip issue, and Arteta confirmed on Friday that he had not trained prior to the weekend. Yet the fact he travelled with the group gives Arsenal unexpected optimism.

“He hasn’t trained yet… tomorrow we have another session, let’s see how he is,” Arteta said. He praised Italy’s medical staff for allowing the defender to withdraw, helping Arsenal manage the injury carefully.

Ødegaard, Madueke and Martinelli also made the trip after knee and muscle problems respectively. Arteta hinted that all could be in contention for roles from the bench, depending on Sunday’s final session.

While Arsenal’s attackers may return, the defence suffers a severe setback. Gabriel Magalhães, the team’s defensive organiser and arguably their most reliable centre-back last season, has suffered a thigh injury expected to rule him out for several weeks — and potentially longer pending a second scan.

“It’s clearly a blow,” Arteta admitted. “He is our leader in the backline… people have to stand up now and do the job.”

The question now is who replaces him. Arsenal have two straightforward options — Piero Hincapié or Cristhian Mosquera — or they can shift Calafiori inside if he passes his late fitness test.

With Kai Havertz and Ødegaard only just returning from knee issues, and with Martin Zubimendi and Declan Rice both in strong form, Arteta must decide whether to push his captain back into the XI or ease him in from the bench.

Arteta emphasised balance over risk: some players are “a bit too close” for comfort, meaning minutes may be controlled even if they are available.

Predicted Arsenal XI (4-3-3):
Raya; Timber, Saliba, Hincapié, Calafiori; Eze, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Merino, Trossard

Doubts:
Calafiori (hip), Gyökeres (hamstring), Havertz (knee), Jesus (knee), Madueke (knee), Martinelli (groin), Ødegaard (knee)

Out:
Gabriel (adductor)

Having followed Arsenal closely this season, what stands out is how Arteta has built a squad capable of absorbing multiple injuries without losing rhythm. In our view, the real advantage for Arsenal today is not just individual quality returning — it’s the flexibility of profiles across the pitch.

Although some fans worry about defensive instability without Gabriel, other indications point differently: Arsenal’s structure has remained robust whenever Saliba is paired with a natural left-sided defender. The system protects centre-backs as much as individual talent does.

From my experience covering Arteta’s tenure, his biggest gamble is usually timing returns — he rarely rushes players back unless the data says they can cope. Expect controlled minutes rather than dramatic starting XI surprises.

If Ødegaard, Martinelli or Havertz return even for 20–30 minutes, Arsenal instantly gain tempo, creativity and control in phases where games often tilt. Tottenham will likely prepare for a physically demanding opening hour — but the final stages may decide the contest if Arsenal can unleash returning firepower from the bench.

Kick-off is at 4.30pm GMT on Sunday 23 November 2025 at the Emirates Stadium. The match will be shown live on Sky Sports, as Arsenal look to strengthen their title push heading into a crucial winter stretch.

👉 Arsenal fans — would you risk starting Calafiori, or play Hincapié/Mosquera for safety?