Mikel Arteta Confirms Disastrous Arsenal Injury News

The build-up to the North London derby has taken a dramatic turn. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed a wave of damaging injury news that threatens to derail his preparations for one of the Premier League’s most emotionally charged fixtures. While Arsenal’s squad is thinning at the worst possible moment, Tottenham are experiencing the opposite — a surge of positive fitness updates that hands them a powerful advantage as derby day approaches.

The contrast could not be sharper: Arsenal’s problems are mounting, while Spurs are strengthening.

🔴 Gabriel Magalhães Ruled Out for Weeks — Arsenal’s Defensive Crisis Deepens

Arteta confirmed that centre-back Gabriel Magalhães has suffered a thigh injury while on international duty with Brazil. The defender has been sent back to London and is now expected to miss several weeks of action.

Arteta did not hide his disappointment:

Gabriel is a massive player for us — the leader of our backline. Losing him at this moment is a huge blow.

Gabriel’s absence is not just about losing a starter; it affects the entire structure of Arsenal’s defensive setup. He is pivotal in duels, aerial battles, set-piece defending, and his partnership with William Saliba is the foundation of the team’s stability. Without him, the defensive chemistry and rhythm Arsenal rely on will be heavily disrupted.

Arteta added that further scans would be needed to confirm the full extent of the injury, but all indications point to a prolonged spell on the sidelines.

🔴 Calafiori Joins Growing Injury List

To make matters worse, Arteta revealed that Riccardo Calafiori is also a major doubt. The Italian defender returned from international duty carrying a hip issue and has not taken part in training since.

Arteta described the situation as “worrying,” acknowledging that the timing of the injury makes it particularly problematic given Gabriel’s absence.

Calafiori has been a versatile asset for Arsenal, capable of playing centre-back and left-back. His unavailability forces Arsenal into uncomfortable decisions, with limited natural cover and disrupted tactical plans.

🔴 A Pile-Up of Injuries Across the Squad

Arsenal’s injury list now includes — or threatens to include — several key names:

• Martin Ødegaard
• Kai Havertz
• Noni Madueke
• Gabriel Martinelli
• Viktor Gyökeres

Arteta admitted the overall situation “is far from ideal,” especially given the intensity and pressure of the upcoming derby. For a team that relies on rhythm, cohesion, and fluidity, so many simultaneous concerns are deeply destabilising.

🔴 Replacement Options: Hincapié and Mosquera in Line to Step Up

Despite the disappointment, Arteta stressed that Arsenal still have “very good options” and named Piero Hincapié and Cristhian Mosquera as the players who may be asked to step into the spotlight.

Both are young, talented and highly regarded — but the North London derby is one of the most unforgiving stages in English football. Whichever defender is chosen will face immense pressure, particularly against a Spurs attack regaining strength at the perfect moment.

🟢 Tottenham Receive Quadruple Boost Ahead of Derby Day

While Arsenal are suffering, Tottenham are enjoying a wave of good news. In what feels like the ultimate shift in derby-week fortune, Spurs have welcomed back several key players who had been doubts in recent weeks.

Tottenham’s medical team has confirmed that four major players are expected to be available:

1. Pape Matar Sarr — Midfield Engine Returns

The young midfielder is back in training, giving Tottenham renewed dynamism and aggression in the centre of the pitch. His energy, pressing, and ball-carrying ability are vital to Spurs’ system.

2. Lucas Bergvall — Another Midfield Boost

Bergvall has also resumed full training, providing further depth and tactical flexibility in a game where midfield control is often decisive.

3. Randal Kolo Muani — Masked and Ready

Kolo Muani has recovered from his jaw injury and will play with a protective mask. His pace, movement, and unpredictability could be crucial in stretching Arsenal’s weakened defence.

4. Mohammed Kudus — Creative Spark Reignited

Kudus is back in contention and adds both creativity and goal threat from wide areas. His return significantly strengthens Spurs’ attacking options.

Spurs have also welcomed back additional squad players to training, creating a sense of momentum and confidence within the camp.

⚔️ Derby Momentum Shifts — Advantage Spurs?

With Arsenal losing defensive linchpins and Spurs receiving wave after wave of positive fitness news, the balance heading into the derby has undeniably shifted.

Arsenal’s Challenges

• A destabilised backline
• Loss of leadership without Gabriel
• Tactical limitations due to multiple injuries
• Reduced physical and creative options

Tottenham’s Advantages

• Midfield fully reloaded
• Attack close to full strength
• Higher squad confidence
• Stronger preparation in training

Derbies often defy logic, but in this case, the momentum and clarity lie significantly on Tottenham’s side.

🔮 What Comes Next?

Arteta faces one of the toughest preparation weeks of his Arsenal career. He must reshape his backline, protect vulnerable areas, and hope injured stars return sooner rather than later.

Tottenham, meanwhile, will head into the derby sensing opportunity — perhaps their best in several seasons to assert dominance in North London.

One team is bruised and scrambling.
The other is refreshed and ready.

The stakes are enormous — and the storyline is already explosive.