Arsenal have received a significant injury boost ahead of Sunday’s north London derby against Tottenham Hotspur. Captain Martin Odegaard has returned to full team training after almost seven weeks on the sidelines with a medial collateral ligament knee injury. The Norwegian midfielder has not featured for the Gunners since the first week of October when he suffered the injury against West Ham United.
Odegaard’s return comes at a crucial time for Arsenal. The Gunners are unbeaten in their last 11 games across all competitions and will look to extend that run against their fierce rivals at the Emirates Stadium. The 26-year-old is expected to be included in the matchday squad, though a starting role appears unlikely given his extended absence.
Gabriel Jesus has also returned to full training with the squad. However, the Brazilian forward remains doubtful for the derby after 11 months out with a serious knee injury. Arsenal may adopt a cautious approach with him, potentially delaying his return until December.
Martin Odegaard back in full training for Arsenal
Odegaard picked up the knee problem during a clash with West Ham in early October. The injury came after he had already suffered two separate shoulder issues earlier in the campaign. Those freak accidents have disrupted his season and limited his influence on Arsenal’s push for silverware.
The £30 million signing has finally completed his recovery. Reports from The Sun confirm he has rejoined full team training and is available for selection against Tottenham. His natural fitness levels work in his favour, suggesting he could handle a brief appearance despite the layoff.
Mikel Arteta faces a decision over how to reintegrate his captain. Rushing Odegaard back into the starting lineup carries risk after such a lengthy absence. But keeping him on the bench for the entire match wastes an opportunity to boost the squad during a fierce rivalry encounter.
🚨BREAKING @CharlieWyett:
Martin Odegaard has returned to full training and is ready to be part of the squad against Tottenham on Sunday. 🇳🇴✅🔴⚪️ #AFC pic.twitter.com/XQtPSsXzjd
— David (@DTalkingArsenal) November 20, 2025
Odegaard likely to make cameo appearance vs Tottenham
Eberechi Eze is expected to retain his place in the number 10 role for the derby. The midfielder has performed well during Odegaard’s absence and deserves to start the match. That leaves Odegaard facing a cameo role of around 20 minutes at best, given he may not be up to full match speed.
His return still represents a major boost for Arsenal. Odegaard has a knack for creating key chances in tight matches. His link-up play with Bukayo Saka on the right flank brings out the best in the England winger. That chemistry could prove vital if Arsenal need a goal late in the game.
The captain provides leadership and composure that Arsenal have missed. His ability to control tempo and find passes between the lines adds a dimension the Gunners have lacked in recent weeks. Even a brief appearance would signal his availability for the busy December schedule ahead.
Gabriel Jesus return delayed despite training return
Jesus has been out of action for 11 months following his serious knee injury. The Brazilian has now returned to full training alongside Odegaard, but his path back to competitive action appears longer. Arsenal are handling him with extreme caution given the severity of the problem.
The forward is unlikely to feature against Tottenham. Arsenal may wait until December before risking him in match situations. That conservative approach protects their investment and ensures Jesus does not suffer any setbacks during his rehabilitation.
His eventual return will provide Arteta with another attacking option. Arsenal have coped without him, but his movement and pressing could add variety to their forward play. For now, the focus remains on ensuring he completes his recovery without complications.
Derby clash could mark Odegaard comeback
Arsenal enter the north London derby in excellent form. Their 11-game unbeaten run has kept them in contention across multiple competitions. Adding Odegaard back into the squad strengthens their options for the run-in.
Tottenham will provide a stern test. The rivalry adds extra intensity and both sides need points to maintain their respective ambitions. Odegaard’s presence on the bench gives Arteta a proven match-winner to call upon if needed.
The Norwegian’s return marks the beginning of Arsenal getting key players back from injury. His availability for the busy winter period could prove decisive in their title challenge. Sunday’s derby offers the perfect stage for him to announce his comeback, even if only for a brief cameo. Arsenal fans will be relieved to see their captain back in the squad after his frustrating spell on the sidelines.
