Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta faces a crucial team selection dilemma as several key players race to be fit for the first North London derby of the season against Tottenham Hotspur.
The Gunners enter the final international break of 2025 sitting top of the Premier League table and four points clear, but could emerge even stronger with the potential return of injured stars.
Key Players Facing Fitness Race
The international pause provides a vital window for Arsenal's medical staff, with Arteta hopeful that several first-team players will be available for selection when club football resumes.
Viktor Gyokeres remains the biggest concern after missing the last two matches against Sunderland and Slavia Prague with a hamstring injury. The £64million summer signing has been absent for almost two weeks, with the club yet to provide a clear timeline for his return.
Kai Havertz is closing in on a comeback after missing all but the opening game of the season following knee surgery. The Germany international's versatility makes him particularly valuable, especially with Gyokeres sidelined.
Arteta recently expressed his excitement about Havertz's impending return, stating: "It will be a huge boost for the squad to have those players available again after such a long, long time. Really happy that I think it is going to be very soon."
Potential Returns for Tottenham Clash
Several players could make their comeback when Spurs visit the Emirates on 23rd November.
Martin Odegaard has benefited from not being called up for international duty, giving him two extra weeks to work on his fitness at London Colney.
Noni Madueke, who made an electrifying start to his Arsenal career after signing from Chelsea, has been missing for more than six weeks but is now nearing a return.
Gabriel Martinelli picked up a minor knock at the end of October, which was enough to keep him out of the Brazil squad but not considered serious.
Longer-Term Absentee
Gabriel Jesus has returned to full training with the first team, though he still has some way to go before being match-ready. How his knee reacts to higher intensity sessions will determine his comeback date, with December 2025 looking more likely for his return.
Arteta emphasised the importance of getting players back, noting: "We need to get players back because we are missing seven players in the front line for the last two months."
The potential returns could provide a significant boost for Arsenal's title challenge as they prepare for the crucial derby against their North London rivals.
