Mikel Arteta receives a boost as an Arsenal star is cleared to face Tottenham following an injury scare.
Arsenal and Tottenham will meet in a North London derby on November 23, with the Gunners looking to protect their position at the top of the Premier League table.
Mikel Arteta’s side entered the international break four points ahead of Manchester City after a 2-2 draw with Sunderland, in which David Raya conceded for the first time since September 28.
Arteta is set to welcome back several key players for the upcoming fixtures, including captain Martin Ødegaard, as well as Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke, Gabriel Martinelli, Viktor Gyökeres and Gabriel Jesus. During the break, Arsenal also received encouraging news about a player who suffered a minor injury concern.
Riccardo Calafiori has been cleared to face Tottenham. While centre-back Gabriel Magalhães was withdrawn with a muscle issue during Brazil’s match against Senegal, Calafiori picked up a hip problem that ruled him out of Italy’s clash with Moldova on November 13.
His absence sparked concern among Arsenal fans, raising the possibility of Myles Lewis-Skelly having to start in the derby. However, an update from Fabrizio Romano on X confirmed that Calafiori is expected to be available. Arteta has regularly chosen Calafiori over Lewis-Skelly at left-back this season, valuing his physical presence and impact on set-pieces.
The defender’s return is crucial as he will be tasked with stopping one of Tottenham’s major threats.
Calafiori’s role will be vital against Mohammed Kudus. Arsenal have conceded just five goals in 11 league matches, setting a club record for consecutive clean sheets, and Calafiori has been central to that defensive strength.
When Arsenal meet Spurs, he will come up against Kudus, who has completed more dribbles than any player in Europe this season, level only with Yann Gboho and ahead of Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal.
Most completed dribbles in Europe, 2025/26: • Mohammed Kudus – 34
• Yann Gboho – 34
• Jeremy Doku – 33
• Lamine Yamal – 31
• Vinicius Junior – 30
(Statmuse)
Signed by Tottenham from West Ham in the summer, Kudus has been one of Thomas Frank’s standout performers, contributing five goal involvements in 10 league games.
Calafiori’s availability gives Arsenal a major defensive boost as he aims to contain Kudus once again and reinforce his status as one of the Premier League’s top defenders.
