Arsenal’s injury crisis is easing with several key players nearing a return ahead of massive clashes against Bayern Munich and Chelsea in the coming week.
Arsenal is receiving a significant injury boost with key players Martin Ødegaard and Viktor Gyokeres nearing a return for the crucial fixtures against Bayern Munich and Chelsea, although the status of defender Gabriel remains uncertain pending further scans.
According to a report from The Standard, Arsenal’s long list of injuries is finally beginning to clear up, offering a much-needed boost ahead of demanding clashes against Bayern Munich in the Champions League and a subsequent trip to face Chelsea in the Premier League.
The Gunners’ dominant start to the season has been maintained despite the fitness setbacks, showcasing their newly found squad depth.
The north London derby victory over Tottenham on Sunday saw Riccardo Calafiori shake off a hip issue to start, while Noni Madueke made his first appearance since September following a knee injury. However, key figures like Martin Ødegaard, Viktor Gyokeres, and Kai Havertz were still absent.
Manager Mikel Arteta indicated that both Ødegaard and Gyokeres were “very close” to a return before the Spurs game, suggesting they could make their comeback against either Bayern or Chelsea.
Gyokeres has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since the 2-0 win at Burnley, while captain Ødegaard has endured an injury-plagued season, most recently damaging the medial collateral ligament (MCL) in his left knee on his return against West Ham on October 4. Both are potentially targeting a return on Wednesday, November 26, against Bayern Munich.
The most concerning recent setback involves defender Gabriel Magalhaes, who suffered an adductor injury while playing in Brazil’s friendly win over Senegal.
Selecao boss Carlo Ancelotti confirmed the injury. Arteta stated that the centre-back would be sidelined for a period of “weeks,” adding he would not be able to offer an exact time frame until the club received the results of another scan scheduled for Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Gabriel Jesus’ return from an anterior cruciate ligament rupture suffered in January is also imminent, with Arteta confirming the striker has been training fully for almost two weeks.
Kai Havertz is also expected back, potentially against his former club, Chelsea, on Sunday, November 30.