Mikel Arteta gets huge injury boost over six Arsenal stars ahead of crucial run

The November international break has come at the perfect moment for Arsenal, with Mikel Arteta’s Premier League title-chasing squad set for timely reinforcements

Gabriel Jesus is heading a list of big-name stars ready to give Arsenal’s title push a huge boost ahead of a testing period.

Gunners striker Viktor Gyokeres and England winger Noni Madueke are also hoping to be fit for the north London derby with Tottenham in Arsenal’s first game back after the international break on November 23. They are also hoping to have captain Martin Odegaard and forwards Kai Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli back for the frantic fixture list as they have EIGHT games in December.

That will test Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta’s squad to the limit as they have crunch games in the Premier League, Champions League and a Carabao Cup quarter final ahead before the turn of the year. Brazil star Jesus has returned to full training and Arsenal are looking to schedule a game for him during the international break.

That would be a huge boost because Jesus has been out since January with a cruciate knee ligament injury but has made great strides in recent weeks in his recovery. Jesus is determined to get back into first team action as quickly as possible and is stepping up his training and ball work to be ready for one of the hardest periods of the season.

READ MORE: Bukayo Saka issues honest response to Arsenal setback as Man City stun LiverpoolREAD MORE: Arsene Wenger fires warning to Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta over ‘dangerous’ use of AI

Asked before the Sunderland game when Jesus might be available for competitive action, Arteta said: “I don’t know, now it’s about making the steps day by day in a different surrounding. Obviously, he’s been doing everything on his own; now he’s got players around him, very competitive players around him, and see how he copes with that. But he’s full of energy; I love the reaction of all his teammates when he first joined us, and yeah, great to have him back.”

Arsenal also have a busy week after the international break as they face Tottenham on November 23 and a trip to Chelsea the following Sunday.

Gyokeres is expected to be fit for the north London derby after coming off at Burnley with a muscle tweak – believed to be a hamstring issue – while Madueke is also confident of being ready. Brazil star Martinelli is also close to being back after missing the last two games – the draw at Sunderland and win at Slavia Prague – through injury.

Odegaard is also hoping to return as he comes back from a knee injury and the Arsenal captain will be crucial with Arteta’s men facing two games a week throughout December. Havertz has been out since August after suffering a knee issue but he is also stepping up his recovery and expects to be back within the next month.

Arsenal saw their winning streak ended with the draw at Sunderland on Saturday when there was a lack of attacking options to change the game from the bench. But Arsenal are now close to seeing their big-name stars coming back to full fitness.

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.

Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more

£49

£35

Sky

Get the deal here

Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.

Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.