Arsenal are optimistic that Viktor Gyökeres and Gabriel Martinelli will return to action after the November international break, according to The Athletic.
The pair have recently been sidelined, adding to Mikel Arteta’s growing list of absentees. Despite the injury setbacks, the Gunners have continued their strong form and remain at the top of the Premier League table.
Gyökeres, who joined Arsenal in the summer, has quickly settled into life in north London. The Swedish striker has already become a key figure in Arteta’s attack.
However, he was forced off at half-time in the 2-0 win over Burnley after scoring in the first half. The club later confirmed that the issue was muscular.
Arteta is cautious but confident ahead of north London derby
Gyokeres has not made the trip to the Czech Republic for Arsenal’s Champions League meeting with Slavia Prague.
The 27-year-old is also expected to sit out the upcoming Premier League match against Sunderland on Saturday. Arsenal’s medical team is now aiming to have him back immediately after the international break.
Arteta expressed concerns about Gyökeres’ fitness during his pre-match conferencenoting that he has rarely suffered muscle injuries in his career and that the staff are being cautious with his recovery.
Martinelli, meanwhile, has been unavailable since picking up a muscle problem in Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Crystal Palace on October 26.
The Brazilian winger, aged 24, missed the Carabao Cup victory against Brighton & Hove Albion and the subsequent win against Burnley.
Arsenal are also hopeful that a number of long-term absentees could make their comebacks soon. Noni Madueke, Kai Havertz and Martin Ødegaard are all progressing well and could be in contention after the break.
Gabriel Jesus is another player nearing a return as he continues individual training sessions at London Colney.
His recovery has been positive, raising hopes that he will be ready for selection in the coming weeks. Arteta will be eager to have as many of his key players fit as possible for the north London derby.
