Arsenal have been rocked by injuries all season, but just days before the North London Derby, the Gunners have been handed a massive, unexpected boost.
A report from HandofArsenal on X claims that “captain Martin Odegaard could yet be involved against Tottenham, though it is expected to be a late decision.”
A sensational twist, considering the Norwegian has missed weeks with a medial collateral ligament injury. His return, even from the bench, would be a huge psychological lift as Arsenal head into one of their biggest games of the campaign.
But the drama doesn’t stop there.
Arteta’s squad has been battered on all fronts. Defensive rock Gabriel Magalhaes is out after scans confirmed a right thigh injury suffered with Brazil, ruling him out “for several weeks.” Brutal timing.
Meanwhile, Riccardo Calafiori returned early from Italy duty with a hip issue, but early signs suggest he might still make it. Arsenal will push his fitness right to the wire.
Up front, Viktor Gyökeres remains sidelined with a hamstring injury from the Burnley match. No return date. No guarantees.
But there’s hope elsewhere.
Noni Madueke is closing in on a long-awaited comeback after encouraging scan results showed no ACL damage. If he passes final checks, he could make the squad.
Gabriel Martinelli, who limped off against Crystal Palace, is also pushing to return after intensive rehab and could feature if he gets through training pain-free.
Midfield bruiser Kai Havertz, however, is still a long-term concern after knee surgery and a recent setback. He won’t make it for Spurs.
All eyes, though, remain on the captain.
Odegaard signalled this week that he was “moving forward” in his recovery, and Arteta hinted that he, Madueke, and Havertz would all be assessed ahead of the derby.
HandofArsenal doubled down, insisting “there is a possibility Odegaard could feature, though the final decision will be taken very close to kick off.”
It’s a full-blown derby injury race, and Arsenal are clinging to every shred of good news they can get.
If Odegaard returns, even briefly, it could change everything.
