Arsenal have been hit by a significant fitness concern as they prepare to host Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates Stadium on 23 November 2025. According to a report from EPL Index, several key players remain unavailable, casting doubt on the Gunners’ ability to field a fully fit side for the high-stakes North London derby.
Since suffering a hamstring injury in Arsenal’s 2-0 win at Burnley on 1 November, summer signing Viktor Gyökeres has not featured in any matches — he missed both the Champions League win over Slavia Prague and the 1-1 draw at Sunderland. Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta admitted that there is still “no news” on his return as the club continues to assess the extent of the injury.
Meanwhile, defensive option Riccardo Calafiori was seen training apart from the Italy squad with a hip concern but has since resumed international duties, offering a glimmer of hope that he might be available for the Spurs clash.
Up front, both Kai Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli are edging closer to full fitness. Havertz, who has missed nearly three months following knee surgery, has been touted by Arteta as a “huge boost” should he return in time. Martinelli has been sidelined since the win over Crystal Palace and though his presence is expected, no exact return date has been confirmed.
Captain Martin Ødegaard and winger Noni Madueke have also been working through injury issues — Ødegaard with a knee problem and Madueke following a knee scare ruled out as an ACL tear. Arteta remains cautiously optimistic that most of these key players could be available ahead of the derby.
