Arsenal fans have reason to be optimistic as several key players are nearing their return from injury, potentially providing a significant boost to the squad in the coming weeks. The Gunners have been navigating a congested fixture list with a depleted squad, but the injury situation is finally showing signs of easing.
Martin Odegaard, the influential Arsenal captain, is close to making his comeback after being sidelined with a knee injury since early October. He has returned to training and is aiming to feature in the crucial Champions League clash against Bayern Munich. Manager Mikel Arteta had previously mentioned that Odegaard was "very close" to being 100% fit, and his return would provide a significant lift to the team's creativity and attacking impetus.
Gabriel Jesus is also on the verge of a return after recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament rupture sustained in January. He has been training fully with his teammates for almost two weeks, and Arteta has been impressed with his progress. While a specific return date hasn't been set, Arteta suggested that the club might arrange behind-closed-doors friendlies to gradually increase his workload before reintegrating him into the first team. Jesus' return would provide much-needed firepower to the Arsenal attack, especially with Mikel Merino leading the line in recent games.
Another positive update concerns Viktor Gyokeres, who has been out of action since suffering a hamstring injury against Burnley on November 1. While he hasn't returned to training yet, there are hopes that he will be "with us soon" according to Arteta. His return would further strengthen Arsenal's attacking options.
In addition to these potential returns, Gabriel Martinelli is available for selection after recovering from his injury. He was on the bench for the recent 4-1 victory over Tottenham. Noni Madueke also made his return in the same match, coming off the bench for the final 12 minutes.
However, not all the news is positive. Gabriel Magalhães sustained a calf injury while on international duty with Brazil and is expected to be out for a few weeks. The club is awaiting the results of a scan to determine the exact timeline for his recovery. Kai Havertz is also set for a longer spell on the sidelines, with Arteta suggesting he might only return "towards the end of the year" due to a minor relapse in his knee injury recovery.
Overall, the injury situation at Arsenal is improving, with the potential return of Odegaard, Jesus, and Gyokeres offering a significant boost to the squad. The return of Martinelli and Madueke further strengthens Arteta's options. While the absence of Gabriel and Havertz is a setback, the Gunners can look forward to a stronger squad as they navigate a crucial period in the season.
