Key Takeaways:
- Viktor Gyokeres and Gabriel Martinelli have both been ruled out of Arsenal’s matches against Slavia Prague and Sunderland this week
- The Gunners are hoping the duo will return for the North London derby with Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates Stadium on 23 November
- Arsenal are currently contending with seven injuries, leaving them without a recognised No 9 for upcoming fixtures
Team News: Major Absentees for Key Fixtures
Arsenal are set to continue without Viktor Gyokeres until after the November international break, after the forward was forced off in the recent win over Burnley due to a minor muscle complaint. Gabriel Martinelli, missing since he suffered a muscular problem during the 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace, also remains sidelined. Both will be absent for Tuesday’s Champions League tie away to Slavia Prague, as well as Saturday’s Premier League meeting with Sunderland.
🚨Arsenal are hoping to have Viktor Gyokeres, Gabriel Martinelli, Martin Ødegaard, Noni Madueke and Kai Havertz all back after the international break.
Gabriel Martinelli and Viktor Gyokeres are both out tonight, as per @gunnerblog.
Arsenal could have a a huge boost for the… pic.twitter.com/1jEwARpIjA
— now.arsenal (@now_arsenaI) November 4, 2025
The Gunners are optimistic that Gyokeres and Martinelli could return for the North London derby against Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates Stadium, scheduled for 23 November. Meanwhile, Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz, and Noni Madueke may also be available by then, although Mikel Arteta emphasised last week the difficulty of setting definitive return dates with the international break approaching.
Manager’s Perspective: Arteta Discusses Injury Setbacks
Addressing the media ahead of the Champions League outing, Arteta confirmed that Gyokeres, Arsenal’s £55m summer acquisition from Sporting, has not made the trip to Prague.
“He’s definitely not available,” said Arteta. “He hasn’t trained today and we need to do some more tests and scans over the next few days to understand the full extent of the injury. This game, he’s not available.”
When questioned about his concerns and the possible timeframe for Gyokeres’ absence, Arteta responded: “I am concerned. Because he hasn’t had many muscular issues, and he needed to leave the pitch and he was feeling something.
“It’s never a good sign for a player who is explosive. We are digging in a little bit more to understand the extent and where we are in terms of the injury.”
Arsenal’s Attacking Options: Depth Put to the Test
With seven current injuries in the squad and the majority of them in attacking areas, Arsenal’s forward line has been stretched. Both Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus are unavailable, leaving the club without a recognised No 9 for the immediate future. As a result, Mikel Merino and Leandro Trossard are being considered as makeshift options up front. The only other specialist forward available is 17-year-old Andre Harriman-Annous, who made his first-team debut during the Carabao Cup fourth round win over Brighton.
| Player | Injury | Expected Return |
|---|---|---|
| Viktor Gyokeres | Muscle issue | Post-international break (targeting 23 November v Tottenham Hotspur) |
| Gabriel Martinelli | Muscular problem | Post-international break (targeting 23 November v Tottenham Hotspur) |
| Kai Havertz | Injury (unspecified) | Uncertain (possibly after the break) |
| Gabriel Jesus | Long-term absentee | Unknown |
| Martin Odegaard | Injury (unspecified) | Potentially after international break |
| Noni Madueke | Injury (unspecified) | Potentially after international break |
| Martin Zubimendi | Suspended (Slavia Prague match) | Following match |
Player Perspective: Trossard Embraces Versatility but Prefers the Flank
Leandro Trossard has emerged as a possible solution at centre-forward, but the Belgian international, who has notched three goals and three assists this season and recently marked his 100th Premier League appearance for Arsenal with an assist against Burnley, maintains his preference for the left wing.
“I think at the moment it’s the left-wing position,” said Trossard when asked about his preferred role. “At least I have some consistency there now. I think I have shown that as well on the pitch.
“But I’m always able to play in any kind of position in the front positions. So if the manager wants me to play there, I will try to do my best.”
