Arsenal’s 3-1 win over Bayern Munich on Wednesday reasserted their status as one of Europe’s most in-form sides, but Mikel Arteta’s focus quickly shifted from the Champions League to the Premier League.
Sunday brings a top-of-the-table meeting with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, and with several key attackers returning and others edging closer, Arteta spent much of his pre-match press conference outlining the condition of his squad.
Jurrien Timber, Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli shaped the victory over Bayern, while Martin Odegaard’s return from a seven-week knee layoff offered a late-game boost. Yet the night carried its own concern, as Leandro Trossard was forced off before half-time. With Gabriel Jesus, Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and defender Gabriel Magalhaes still dealing with injuries, the state of Arsenal’s squad has become a decisive sub-plot ahead of Sunday.
Arteta avoided exaggeration. He spoke with clarity, cautious optimism and a consistent reminder that decisions will come down to the final 24 hours.
Gyokeres and Havertz: “Closer and closer”
Arsenal have now played four straight matches without a recognised centre-forward, relying instead on Mikel Merino’s adaptability. Merino has performed well, scoring twice at Slavia Prague and offering structure in the press, but with fixtures piling up, Arteta wants his forwards back.
On Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz, he offered encouraging signs without committing to a verdict.
“We have another day tomorrow, so let’s see how everybody has come on,” he said. “Clear, not yet, but they are getting closer and closer. We are very positive with both of them – and let’s see.”
Havertz has not featured since suffering a knee injury on the opening weekend of the season, later requiring surgery. Gyokeres strained his hamstring at Burnley earlier this month and has missed four games.
Both have been pencilled in for late-November returns, but the final decision hinges on Saturday’s assessment. Arteta’s phrasing suggested hope, but not certainty.
Trossard concern softened by early signs
Trossard’s injury against Bayern was the one sour note of a dominant night. The Belgian required treatment before being substituted and went straight down the tunnel. Arteta, however, provided a more positive outlook than first feared.
“With Leo, there’s another test today. We have to see how he is feeling. It doesn’t look much,” he said. “So we still have a few hours and we have to wait and see.”
The winger has been crucial in Arteta’s rotation, often used as the flexible option who connects midfield and attack. His availability against Chelsea would strengthen the bench at a time when matches hinge heavily on substitutions.
Madueke and Martinelli’s returns, both capped with goals, give Arsenal options if Trossard is not ready.
Gabriel Jesus: “Very, very close”
The clearest sign of progress came from Gabriel Jesus, who has been absent since January with a serious knee injury. Arsenal have been careful with his timeline, aware of the need to manage both intensity and confidence.
Jesus took part in a behind-closed-doors friendly on Thursday, a key step in his transition back to competitive work.
“It did happen,” Arteta confirmed. “Gabi participated, Ethan [Nwaneri] as well because he wanted some minutes. It was very positive.”
Arteta stressed the need to watch how Jesus responds physically. “You need that progression. You need to see how his body, that knee reacts and what else he needs. It has to make sense to have the right balance in the squad.”
The tone was measured, but the conclusion was clear: “He is very, very close.”
Even if Sunday comes too soon, the return of Arsenal’s No.9 is no longer speculative. December appears realistic.
Odegaard and Madueke back in rhythm
One reason for optimism is that midfield stability has returned. Odegaard played the final ten minutes against Bayern, his first appearance since early October.
Arteta had hinted pre-match that the captain was ready, saying Arsenal “were hopeful he could be in the squad”. He has now moved back into full availability.
Madueke’s recent injury problems are also behind him, and Wednesday’s goal underlined his impact. His re-introduction alongside Martinelli offers Arsenal renewed sharpness in wide areas ahead of what could be an open game at Stamford Bridge.
Gabriel Magalhaes: improving, but not yet close
The longest-term concern remains Gabriel Magalhaes. The Brazilian defender suffered a thigh problem on international duty and is still some distance from returning.
“Yeah, not yet, I think he’s evolving really, really well,” Arteta said. “We have to wait for that scan a little bit longer to be more precise in terms of timings.”
Asked whether Gabriel might return before the end of the year, Arteta stayed measured. “I don’t know. We have to wait and see.”
Gabriel’s absence means Arsenal will continue relying on William Saliba, Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié. Mosquera’s performance against Bayern reinforced Arteta’s belief in depth, but Gabriel’s physicality and leadership remain hard to replicate.
A squad piecing itself back together for a decisive month
Arsenal’s form and resilience have carried them through a period defined by adaptation. Merino up front, Odegaard missing, Jesus recovering, Havertz and Gyokeres sidelined. Yet they arrive at Stamford Bridge on the back of a commanding European win and with several players close to rejoining the squad.
Arteta’s updates painted a picture of a team emerging from its injury congestion at the right moment. Some may return on Sunday, others shortly after, but the trend is upward.
Chelsea will provide one of the toughest domestic tests of the season. Arsenal will need clarity, continuity and the same control they displayed against Bayern. With players returning and momentum building, the squad appears ready for the challenge.