Arsenal are currently waiting to find out the extent of Gabriel Magalhães’ injury, which he sustained in Brazil’s 2-0 win over Senegal, leaving him in doubt for this weekend’s crucial North London derby against Tottenham.
The league leaders go into Sunday’s derby looking to get back to their winning ways after Brian Brobbey’s last-minute equalizer forced Sunderland to a 2-2 draw in their last Premier League game, ending their run of eight games without conceding a single goal.
Arsenal remain unbeaten in all competitions since losing to Liverpool |
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Arsenal 3-0 Nottingham Forest |
Athletic Bilbao 0-2 Arsenal |
Arsenal 1-1 Man City |
Port Vale 0-2 Arsenal |
Newcastle 1-2 Arsenal |
Arsenal 2-0 Olympiacos |
Arsenal 2-0 West Ham |
Fulham 0-1 Arsenal |
Arsenal 4-0 Atletico Madrid |
Arsenal 1-0 Crystal Palace |
Arsenal 2-0 Brighton |
Burnley 0-2 Arsenal |
Slavia Prague 0-3 Arsenal |
Sunderland 2-2 Arsenal |
The Gunners’ record against their arch-rivals is quite readable, and they have never lost a league match against Tottenham at the Emirates in 14 years. However, that being said, Mikel Arteta faces major defensive concerns with Gabriel likely to be sidelined.
Although a detailed prognosis has not yet been announced, Gabriel is suspected of suffering a major injury and it is expected that the centre-back could miss at least a short period of games, including the game against Spurs.
The Brazilian has continued to contribute to Arsenal this season, both defensively and as a set-piece threat, so his absence will be a significant blow.
The injury concerns don’t end there. Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz and Noni Maduke (all knee injuries) are absent but aim to be back in time for Tottenham, while summer signings Victor Goqueres and winger Gabriel Martinelli could also face late fitness tests.
It remains to be seen whether Arteta, who has been one of Arsenal’s best players of the season so far, will start at left-back, with Riccardo Calafioli also suffering a hip problem while on international duty for Italy, and having left Hale End sensation Miles Lewis-Skelly out of the squad.
Now, according to The Independent, an update on Gökeres’ condition has been released.
Arsenal update Victor Goqueres’ injury status ahead of north London derby
According to the same report, the Sweden international could miss this weekend’s important match.
Gökeres is said to be another injury doubt for Arsenal’s match against Tottenham, with Gökeres picking up a muscular injury in the 2-0 win away to Burnley in early November and missing the remaining two matches against Slavia Prague and Sunderland.
After a goalless run, the 27-year-old was just starting to bounce back, scoring three goals in his last three games.
Mikel Merino has once again impressed as a make-shift striker this year, scoring more league goals than any other Arsenal player and scoring twice against Slavia Prague, but Arteta will be hoping to have Gokeres back in Thomas Frank’s side.
Gokeres is the league’s top scorer with four goals so far and six in all competitions, but his influence goes beyond just goals.
According to WhoScored, only Eberechi Eze is averaging more shots per 90 than Gokeres in Arsenal’s squad, and Arteta has praised him for bringing something unique to the team.
“I think we’ve become more and more unpredictable,” Arteta told reporters after Gokeres’ brace against Atletico.
“He’s very physical, he’s open, his face is for everyone. The way he presses the ball, the way he carries the ball, it’s phenomenal. And, on top of that, the biggest thing we discuss about him is the goals. Today he scored two completely different goals. Hopefully he’ll pick up the momentum and start racking up good goals.”
Tottenham are missing a number of players and are facing an injury crisis, and Arsenal know a win would further strengthen their momentum towards the title race.
However, the derby is unlikely to go according to scenario and Arteta will need depth in his squad to make up for the absences if he is to once again claim local bragging rights.
