Arteta Reveals Viktor Gyokeres Could Return for Arsenal in Crucial North London Derby

Viktor Gyokeres return give Arsenal huge boosts ahead of high-stakes clash with Tottenham.

Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Viktor Gyokeres is in contention after missing two games due to injury, making his potential return a major boost for Arsenal heading into the North London Derby. The news arrives at a vital moment for the Gunners as they battle through a growing list of fitness concerns across the squad.

Arsenal enter one of their most important fixtures of the season with significant injury problems affecting the spine of the team. Gyokeres has been unavailable since suffering a hamstring issue earlier in the month against Burnley, forcing him to watch from the sidelines during Arsenal’s Champions League meeting with Slavia Prague and their league draw with Sunderland.

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Arteta expressed hope that the striker could return in time for Sunday’s derby, though he avoided giving any guarantee about his match readiness.

The squad has also been hit by fresh setbacks elsewhere. Kai Havertz has suffered a complication in his recovery from a knee problem, reducing Arsenal’s attacking options even further. Martin Ødegaard, Gabriel Martinelli, and Noni Madueke continue their respective rehabilitation programmes, while Gabriel Jesus is still regaining sharpness following a lengthy recovery from his own injury.

Defensive stability has also been disrupted after Gabriel Magalhães picked up a muscular problem while away on international duty with Brazil.

Why Gyokeres Returning Is Crucial for Arteta’s Tactical Plans

Arsenal signed Gyokeres in the summer for around £64 million, viewing him as the physical, mobile striker capable of transforming their attacking structure. His ability to hold up play, run in behind, and contribute goals has quickly made him a central figure in Arteta’s system, especially with Jesus and Havertz unavailable.

Without the Swede leading the line, Arteta has relied on Mikel Merino in an improvised forward role, a solution that has reduced Arsenal’s fluidity and limited their threat in the final third.

The derby against Tottenham at the Emirates Stadium on November 23, 2025, arrives at a pivotal moment in Arsenal’s Premier League campaign. The Gunners remain four points clear of Manchester City at the top of the table, but recent draws have allowed their rivals to edge closer.

Victory over Spurs would strengthen Arsenal’s title challenge and reinforce their authority in North London, making Gyokeres’ potential return even more significant.

Arteta remains cautiously optimistic about Gyokeres’ involvement, but the striker’s fitness will be evaluated closely up to matchday. With key players still sidelined and attacking options limited, Gyokeres’ availability could determine the balance of the match. His presence offers structure, physicality, and leadership in the final third—qualities Arsenal have lacked during his brief absence.

Arsenal supporters will welcome the encouraging signs regarding Gyokeres’ recovery, even though his starting place is not yet assured. His potential return comes at a defining moment in the season, and his influence could be decisive in a derby that may shape the trajectory of the Premier League title race.

While Arsenal continue to navigate a difficult injury period, the return of their marquee striker offers renewed optimism ahead of one of their biggest fixtures of the campaign.

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