Arsenal took another major step towards a first Premier League title in 22 years as local rivals Tottenham Hotspur were put to the sword in a 4-1 victory at the Emirates.
Eberechi Eze was the star of the show as the boyhood Gunner scored an outstanding derby day hat-trick to secure victory. Having nearly joined Spurs in the summer before a late transfer hijack, the 27-year-old could hardly contain his excitement as he single-handedly won the North London Derby for his new side, to send them six points clear at the top.
Eberechi Eze was the star of the show as the boyhood Gunner scored an outstanding derby day hat-trick to secure victory. Having nearly joined Spurs in the summer before a late transfer hijack, the 27-year-old could hardly contain his excitement as he single-handedly won the North London Derby for his new side, to send them six points clear at the top.
The Gunners welcomed back Noni Madueke as a second-half substitute, while Gabriel Martinelli was fit enough for the bench and Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber both shook off knocks to start. Several first-team regulars remain on the sidelines, though, with return dates nearing for several of Mikel Arteta’s most important players.
With another defining week on the horizon, huge clashes against Bayern Munich and Chelsea lie in wait for the league leaders and they will hope to have as close to a full bill of health as possible.
Arsenal latest injury news and return dates ahead of important week
Viktor Gyokeres: The Swedish striker has been out since suffering a hamstring injury in the victory at Burnley before the international break. He was reportedly “very close” to being ready to face Spurs, report The Standard, and so the Gunners’ new striker will hope to be back on the field in midweek when Bayern visit north London in the Champions League.
Potential return date: Bayern Munich (H) – November 26
Martin Odegaard: Similarly to Gyokeres, Arsenal captain Odegaard was close to being in contention for the derby at the weekend. He has not played since early October against West Ham United after suffering an MCL injury. Arteta will hope to see the Norwegian back in action on Wednesday when Harry Kane and co. visit the Emirates.
Potential return date: Bayern Munich (H) – November 26
Arsenal saw five players sit out against Spurs
Kai Havertz: The German has been out since August and had been touted for a return after the international break, but was not quite ready to make the squad to face Spurs. The 26-year-old was not stated by Arteta to be as close to returning as Gyokeres and Odegaard, so midweek could come too soon for him. But the forward could aim to be back in action against former club Chelsea at Stamford Bridge next weekend.
Potential return date: Chelsea (A), November 30
Gabriel: The Brazilian defender picked up a worrying thigh injury while on international duty with Brazil, and is expected to spend a number of weeks on the sidelines. While further assessment is needed to confirm an expected return date, Arsenal will expect to be without Gabriel for the time being amidst fears he could be out until January.
Potential return date: Unknown
Gabriel Jesus: Having been out since January 2025 after a ruptured ACL, Jesus is back in training and is ever-closer to returning to first-team action. He will, understandably, be eased back into action, and Gunners fans can expect to see the striker back in the squad in early December.
Potential return date: December