Arsenal's Depth Tested as Gabriel's Injury Looms Over North London Derby
21 November 2025
Injury updates and squad readiness
Mikel Arteta, Arsenal's manager, updated reporters on injuries from the international window, confirming Brazilian defender Gabriel Magalhaes has sustained an injury and that the full timeline will depend on results from further tests.
The press conference took place on Friday evening ahead of the North London Derby against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, a high stakes test in matchweek 12 of the Premier League.
Arteta began by detailing Gabriel's setback with Brazil and explained that another scan on Wednesday would provide a clearer timetable for his return. The absence is a blow because he is a leader at the back, but the manager stressed there are capable options and that some players must step up.
Gabriel has long been a cornerstone of Arteta's defensive organization, so losing him ahead of a tense derby against Spurs represents a significant challenge for the London club.
He also noted other injury updates, including Riccardo Calafiori returning to London early from Italy due to fatigue and not yet training since his return.
Calafiori has previously faced issues that ruled him out of the Italy camp, and for now his availability remains uncertain as medical staff assess his condition.
The medical team is working hard to have players ready for Sunday, with an extra training session planned to gauge who might be fit. Some players could be ready while for others the timing may be too tight for matchday selection.
When asked about naming potential fit players, Arteta smiled and brushed off specifics, saying it would reveal too much ahead of a crucial fixture the club hopes to win.
Derby context and aspirations
Arteta spoke with evident passion about the North London Derby, underscoring its uniqueness and the expectations of fans and the squad alike. He described the clash as a special fixture in a big city where both teams fight to control a critical slice of London.
Playing at the Emirates in these matches is a privilege, he noted, with energy from the home crowd and the commitment of players every time they step onto the pitch. He called the derby an honor for any player and said Arsenal cannot wait for Sunday.
On the mental side, Arteta stressed that such games demand elevated focus and discipline. Players must show extra energy and passion but maintain balance, treating each ball as decisive while keeping composure throughout the 90 minutes.
He added that Arsenal has performed well in recent derbies, though some wins have been aided by luck. The message was simple: play solid, play bold, and let the performance do the talking on matchday.
Arteta also reflected on Wayne Rooney’s praise for Viktor Gyokeres, expressing happiness that a legend of the game recognizes the striker’s qualities. He highlighted Gyokeres not only for goals but for his work rate, space creation, and overall influence on the team’s attacking play.
With the top of the table in sight and a congested schedule, Arsenal will need to navigate defensive gaps while maintaining intensity. Arteta closed by reaffirming faith in his squad and stressing the commitment and energy his players bring to a fixture that fans and players alike regard as a highlight of the season.
Punchlines for the end of the piece: 1) If defense is a puzzle, Arsenal just misplaced a few pieces and hopes the substitutes come with extra glue. 2) In football, timing is everything; let’s hope Arteta’s timing on lineup leaks stays perfectly on mute for Sunday—it's a suspense thriller, and the plot twist is on the pitch.
