Arsenal’s injury nightmare has gone from bad to worse during the November 2025 international break, just days before their massive North London Derby clash with Tottenham.
Arteta’s squad was already creaking. As the club admitted, “Several key players who were unavailable before the break including Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and long-term absentee Gabriel Jesus remain sidelined.” Add to that “Martin Odegaard, Noni Madueke, and Gabriel Martinelli are also still managing ongoing issues,” and the Gunners were already bracing for trouble.
But the break delivered two fresh blows, and one terrifying moment in Amsterdam.
First, a huge setback from Brazil: “Gabriel Magalhaes sustained a confirmed thigh muscle tear during Brazil’s camp,” ruling him out of their games and making him a major doubt for the derby. Another defensive worry came from Italy, where “Riccardo Calafiori was also forced to withdraw from Italy’s squad after suffering a hip knock.” Early reports suggest it’s minor, but his fitness remains touch-and-go.
Then came the scare that sent Arsenal fans into meltdown.
During the Netherlands’ 4-0 win over Lithuania, Jurrien Timber suddenly pulled up in pain. As described, “The defender pulled up after a forceful challenge… receiving treatment while grimacing in discomfort.” He somehow played on for over an hour, but the alarm bells were deafening.
Fortunately, by Tuesday came the sigh of relief Arsenal desperately needed. The club confirmed “Timber had only taken a hard knock, with no structural damage detected,” though his derby involvement still depends on further checks.
The same cannot be said for Gabriel. After scans showed “a right-thigh muscle problem picked up in training,” he was released from Brazil duty and is now “a significant doubt for the Tottenham clash.”
Calafiori’s issue appears the least severe, with Arsenal sources “optimistic about his availability for the derby.”
Still, the timing is brutal. Arsenal sit top of the Premier League, but with the derby looming, Champions League commitments ahead, and a packed festive schedule around the corner, Arteta’s title hopes are suddenly under pressure.
The injury storm couldn’t have hit at a worse moment, and every Arsenal fan knows it.
