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Arsenal injury update: Viktor Gyokeres, Martin Zubimendi and Gabriel Martinelli latest news and return dates
Mikel Arteta has new fitness concern ahead of two games before the international break
Gunners: Viktor Gyokeres, Martin Zubimendi and Gabriel Martinelli
Arsenal started November where they left off in October with victory and a clean sheet.
The Gunners beat Burnley 2-0 on Saturday to record their ninth straight win across all competitions, keeping a seventh successive shut-out in the process.
Mikel Arteta’s side continue to lead the way in the Premier League, but attentions shift towards Champions League action on Tuesday evening and a trip to Czechia to face Slavia Prague.
Arsenal have made a perfect start to the league phase of Europe’s premier competition, beating Athletic Club, Olympiacos and Atletico Madrid, and will be out to take a big step towards qualification.
While the Gunners were boosted by the return of William Saliba from injury at the weekend, they have been handed a fresh concern heading into the game against Slavia.
Viktor Gyokeres
After ending his Premier League goal drought by breaking the deadlock in the 14th minute at Turf Moor, Viktor Gyokeres was forced off at half-time and replaced by Mikel Merino.
The Swede was praised for arguably his best performance in an Arsenal shirt to date following a big money summer transfer from Sporting, but Mikel Arteta confirmed the striker was forced of with a “little niggle”.
“I think that was one of the best games he (Gyokeres) has played,” said Arteta. “I think overall his performance was exceptional.
Viktor Gyokeres
After ending his Premier League goal drought by breaking the deadlock in the 14th minute at Turf Moor, Viktor Gyokeres was forced off at half-time and replaced by Mikel Merino.
The Swede was praised for arguably his best performance in an Arsenal shirt to date following a big money summer transfer from Sporting, but Mikel Arteta confirmed the striker was forced of with a “little niggle”.
“I think that was one of the best games he (Gyokeres) has played,” said Arteta. “I think overall his performance was exceptional.
Arsenal are reportedly hopeful that Gyokeres will be back in time to face Tottenham after the international break.
Potential return date: November 23, 2025 vs Tottenham (H)
Martin Zubimendi
Also forced off in the win over Burnley was Martin Zubimendi.
The Spanish midfielder requested to be substituted and was replaced by Christian Norgaard with 12 minutes remaining.
On Zubimendi, Arteta said: “He asked to be subbed, so we’ll have to wait and see.”
Zubimendi trained with the Arsenal squad on Monday, allaying any injury fears.
But he is suspended for the Champions League game against Slavia Prague as a result of picking up three yellow cards in the league phase.
As a result, the Gunners will hope the summer signing will be fit enough for the trip to Sunderland on Saturday.
Potential return date: November 8, 2025 vs Sunderland (A)

Martin Zubimendi was forced off against Burnley
AFP via Getty Images
Gabriel Martinelli
Gabriel Martinelli replaced Bukayo Saka on 66 minutes and saw out the win over Crystal Palace last weekend, but was spotted hobbling down the tunnel after the game.
The Brazilian winger then missed the wins over Brighton and Burnley.
When pressed for an update on Martinelli ahead of the trip to Turf Moor, Arteta said: “We don’t know yet, but I think this game is going to come too early for him.”
Like Gyokeres, Arsenal are said to be hopeful that Martinelli will be back to face Spurs after the international break.
Potential return date: November 23, 2025 vs Tottenham (H)
Martin Odegaard
Martin Odegaard has had no luck with injuries so far this season, but he is one of three Arsenal players hopeful of returning to action after the international break.
After making a full recovery from a troublesome shoulder problem, disaster struck for the Gunners captain against West Ham last month as he suffered a medial collateral ligament injury.
Asked on Friday about his captain, Arteta said he is hopeful the playmaker will be back in time for the north London derby against Tottenham later this month.
Potential return date: November 23, 2025 vs Tottenham (H)
Noni Madueke
The summer signing from Chelsea was enjoying an impressive start to life at Arsenal, but suffered a setback in the draw against Manchester City.
Withdrawn at half-time because of a knee complaint, fortunately scans the next day showed Noni Madueke had not suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
The winger has missed the last nine games in a row across all competitions. That number will increase to 11 following the two fixtures this week, but he could return – alongside Odegaard – for the north London derby.
Potential return date: November 23, 2025 vs Tottenham (H)
Kai Havertz
Kai Havertz has not featured for Arsenal since a second half substitute appearance in the win over Manchester United on the opening weekend of the new season.
After complaining of discomfort in his knee, the German international required minor surgery to correct the issue.
If all goes to plan, Arsenal’s No29 could be available for selection again after the international break to provide even further competition in attack.
On Friday, when asked if he hopes Havertz, Madueke and Odegaard will be back for the Tottenham game, Arteta said: “Yeah.
“And [I am] excited because they are tremendous players. I see them work every single day, how desperate they are to be part of the team.
“[It will be] a huge boost for the squad to have those players available again after such a long, long time. So, really happy that I think it is going to be very soon.”
Potential return date: November 23, 2025 vs Tottenham (H)
Gabriel Jesus
Gabriel Jesus last featured for Arsenal in January’s FA Cup third round loss to Man United on penalties.
The Brazilian has struggled with knee issues throughout his stint in N5, and was forced to undergo yet another surgery on a torn cruciate ligament.
Jesus has regularly been keeping supporters updated regarding his progress, posting footage on social media of himself doing some work on grass and he is targeting a return to full training soon.
He recently said: “Yeah, I’m feeling great, man. My knee’s responding very well. So now I’m looking forward to being around the team again soon, to come back to do what I love to do. It’s been too long.

Gabriel Jesus is on the comeback trail
Arsenal FC via Getty Images
“An injury like this, one that is so long, you split up the recovery periods into smaller timings. So now I’m at the stage where I need to hold myself back a little bit, because I’m doing great work outside on the pitches, but it’s tricky because I need to not rush myself too hard over the line.
“When you can see the end, it’s important you don’t push too hard, keep my feet on the floor, and then as soon as the time comes, I will be ready.”
Potential return date: Late 2025
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Arsenal injury, suspension list and return dates vs. Portsmouth: Piero Hincapie, Riccardo Calafiori, Cristhian Mosquera latest
Arsenal will begin their bid to win the FA Cup for the 15th time in their history when they travel to Fratton Park for Sunday’s meeting with Championship strugglers Portsmouth.
The Gunners missed the chance to further extend their six-point lead at the top of the Premier League table in Thursday’s underwhelming goalless draw against Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium.
While their five-game winning league run came to an end, Mikel Arteta will be pleased with the fact that his side are now unbeaten in seven competitive matches ahead of Sunday’s cup tie and Wednesday’s EFL Cup semi-final first leg against Chelsea.
Here, Sports Mole rounds up all of Arsenal’s latest injury and suspension news ahead of the clash with Portsmouth, who are languishing in 21st spot in the Championship standings.
Piero Hincapie
Status: Major doubt
Type of injury: Muscle
Possible return date: January 11 (vs. Portsmouth)
Hincapie was forced off with what appeared to be a muscle problem in the 57th minute of Thursday’s draw with Liverpool. Arteta now faces a nervous wait to discover the full extent of the defender’s injury.
Kai Havertz
Status: Minor doubt
Type of injury: Match fitness
Possible return date: January 11 (vs. Portsmouth)
Havertz has recovered from the knee injury that kept him out of action for months. However, he has been left out of Arsenal’s last two matchday squads as he continues to build up his fitness. There is a possibility that the forward could make his first appearance since August in Sunday’s FA Cup clash.
Riccardo Calafiori
Status: Out
Type of injury: Muscle
Possible return date: January 14 (vs. Chelsea)
Calafiori has sat out Arsenal’s last four matches with a muscle injury. The defender is making progress in his recovery, but he is not expected to be ready for the upcoming trip to the south coast.
Cristhian Mosquera
Status: Out
Type of injury: Ankle
Possible return date: January 14 (vs. Chelsea)
Like Calafiori, Mosquera is closing in on a return to action after missing over a month of action due to an ankle injury. However, the former Valencia defender will not be available for selection this weekend.
Max Dowman
Status: Out
Type of injury: Ankle
Possible return date: Unknown
Max Dowman is likely to be out until February after sustaining an ankle problem while playing for Arsenal Under-21s in last month’s behind-closed-doors friendly against Manchester United.
ARSENAL’S SUSPENSION LIST
Arsenal have no players suspended for the third-round tie.
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Whether or not the right players are out there remains to be seen, but with Arteta enduring several injury blows already this season – particularly in defence – the manager will be keeping a close eye on potential targets.
The Gunners splashed the cash in the summer, bringing in the likes of Viktor Gyokeres, Eberechi Eze, Martin Zubimendi, Noni Madueke, Piero Hincapie and Cristhian Mosquera to the Emirates Stadium – so a loan deal might favour the club
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There could also be high-profile exits, both loans and permanent deals, with young midfield talent Ethan Nwaneri linked with an exit. Other youngsters could also make loan moves to get a taste of first-team football.
With that said, football.london takes a closer look at all the moves completed by Arsenal so far this January.
Read the latest information on injuries, suspensions and availability in the Liverpool men’s squad.
Injuries
Hugo Ekitike
Ekitike was unavailable for the clash with Fulham because of DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness). Arne Slot was asked whether he will be fit for the game at Arsenal on January 8.
Slot on January 7: “He has not trained with us until now and let’s see if he can today.
“I’ve said, I think, two or three days ago when we played Fulham that he is not going to be out for long but because games come so fast he is in between maybe training with the team or it would take him one or two days extra.”
Wataru Endo
The midfielder has been out of action with an ankle injury since appearing in the 3-3 draw at Leeds United on December 6.
Alexander Isak
Isak is facing a spell on the sidelines after undergoing surgery on an ankle injury that included a fibula fracture on December 22.
He sustained the issue while scoring against Tottenham Hotspur two days prior.
Slot on December 23: “It’s going to be a long injury. For a couple of months. That’s a big, big, big disappointment for him and as a result of that of course also for us.”
Slot did also confirm he is confident Isak will be able to play again during the 2025-26 season.
Giovanni Leoni
The defender is amid a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury at the end of his debut against Southampton in the Carabao Cup.
Slot on September 26: “He is not in a good place, of course, because he tore his ACL and it means he will be out for a year. Being so young and coming to a new country and playing so well in your first game… it’s very hard to take the positive side.
“There’s never a positive side – but you always try to look at a positive side and that is that he is still so young, so he has so many years still to go after he recovers from a terrible injury like that.”
Availability
Mohamed Salah
After featuring off the bench versus Brighton on December 13, the forward is now with Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Salah scored in the group games against Zimbabwe and South Africa to help his country reach the last 16. They are next in action on January 5.
Suspensions
Conor Bradley
Bradley is one yellow card away from receiving a one-match suspension in the Champions League.
The Reds travel to Marseille on January 21 for matchday seven of the league phase and then host Qarabag a week later.
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