The squad from North London will aim to deliver another significant message regarding their championship aspirations when they clash with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge this coming Sunday.
The Gunners currently possess a six-point advantage at the summit of the Premier League standings and exhibit a high level of self-assurance following substantial victories against Tottenham and Bayern Munich.
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A triumph against Chelsea, who hold the second spot, would represent another noteworthy stride toward securing the championship.
Martin Odegaard made his comeback from an injury during Wednesday’s 3-1 triumph over Bayern in the Champions League, however, Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz were still absent, while Leandro Trossard was substituted during the second half.
Considering the current scenario, here’s the most recent information on Arsenal’s injury situation and anticipated return dates…
Viktor Gyokeres
Gyokeres is nearing his return to action following a four-week absence due to a hamstring problem.
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The £64 million acquisition from the summer transfer window has been sidelined since being taken off during the match against Burnley on November 1, but Mikel Arteta provided a hopeful update regarding his fitness progression this week.
Viktor Gyokeres is closing in on a return (Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Gyokeres was not involved in the training sessions with the Arsenal team leading up to the Bayern Munich game, however, Arteta has indicated that the forward’s return is not distant.
When questioned about Gyokeres and Havertz, Arteta responded on Tuesday: “They’re both in a very good condition.”
“They are scheduled for a repeat scan within the coming days to evaluate their progress and determine when we can push them harder for the weekend.”
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Possible Return Date: Sunday, November 30, against Chelsea (Away)
Leandro Trossard
Trossard created a concern regarding a potential injury for Arsenal when he was forced to leave the field during the Bayern match.
The in-form attacker, who was responsible for scoring the opening goal in the previous weekend’s 4-1 victory over Tottenham, had to be replaced after 38 minutes due to what appeared to be a calf issue.
Leandro Trossard was forced off against Bayern Munich (Getty Images)
Trossard proceeded directly into the tunnel after limping off the field and was substituted by Noni Madueke, who then achieved his first goal for Arsenal.
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Arteta commented after the game, stating, “Regarding Leo, we are uncertain about [the extent of the injury]. He mentioned feeling something. We opted not to assume any unnecessary risks, clearly.”
Possible Return Date: Unclear
Kai Havertz
Havertz is also on the verge of returning to the squad, having been out of action since the opening weekend of the season following a minor procedure to address a knee problem.
Germany’s head coach, Julian Nagelsmann, mentioned during the recent international break that Havertz had encountered a “minor setback” in his recovery process, but Arteta has diminished concerns regarding any significant delay.
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Kai Havertz has been sidelined since the opening weekend of the season (Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Similar to Gyokeres, Havertz did not take part in the training sessions with the Arsenal team at the beginning of the week.
Nevertheless, he is actively aiming to be available for selection against his former team, Chelsea, in Sunday’s highly anticipated top-of-the-table showdown at Stamford Bridge.
Possible Return Date: Sunday, November 30, against Chelsea (Away)
Gabriel
Arsenal has been anxiously awaiting updates on Gabriel’s fitness status after he sustained an adductor injury while representing Brazil at the Emirates Stadium during the international break.
Gabriel suffered an adductor injury playing for Brazil (Getty Images)
There have been reports circulating that Gabriel might be unavailable until January, but Arteta verified this week that the central defender was scheduled for another scan on Wednesday, following which Arsenal would possess a more precise understanding of the expected timeline.
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Arteta is expected to provide an update on Gabriel’s situation on Friday when he conducts his press conference in advance of the Chelsea match.
Possible Return Date: Uncertain
Gabriel Jesus
Gabriel Jesus is progressing towards a comeback after being sidelined for nearly a year due to a serious knee injury.
Jesus has not participated in any matches since rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament in January, but he has resumed full training and is anticipated to return to action soon.
The striker might participate in a friendly match held behind closed doors as he intensifies his recovery efforts, and Arteta remarked last week, “[He is progressing] exceptionally well.”
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“He is currently involved in all team activities, which has been the case for almost two weeks.
“We intend to provide him with some exposure internally through a few matches, to enable him to regain his fitness. However, he is demonstrating excellent form during training sessions, and his addition to the team will be significant.”
Possible Return Date: Early December
