Latest injury news on Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, and Martin Odegaard as Arsenal take on Tottenham in the Premier League looking to get their title challenge back on track
It's North London Derby day and Mikel Arteta will hope to guide the Gunners back to winning ways with as many healthy players as possible. After giving up leads to record draws in two consecutive matches, the Spaniard might even be more desperate than usual to get one over Tottenham.
Manchester City sit just two points behind following their win over Newcastle on Saturday, and anything but a win will allow Pep Guardiola's side a significant opportunity to leapfrog Arsenal with their game in hand. Tense times.
Arteta has uncertainty over a number of his stars heading into the clash against the Lilywhites. football.london takes a look at the Spaniard's injury situation going into this afternoon.
Mikel Merino
Spain midfielder Mikel Merino is a long-term absentee and is likely ruled out for the season. The ex-Borussia Dortmund ace is recovering from an ankle injury and has undergone surgery.
"Well, I think the doctors were really happy the way it went," Arteta said earlier this month. "Yeah, now it starts.
"Obviously, it's a long process. You're talking about bone healing, so you need to be patient. You respect the timings, and I'm sure Mikel is going to do everything that he possibly can to speed up the process. We're talking about months, whether it's three, four or five, we don't know."
Return date: 01/06/2026
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Martin Odegaard
Arsenal's captain has been out with a knee injury but could return in time for this afternoon. The ex-Real Madrid ace has a 'big possibility' of being available to face Spurs, according to Arteta.
Return date: 22/02/26
Kai H avertz
Like Odegaard, Havertz is in contention to make his return this afternoon. The German star has only recently returned from a serious knee injury and missed much of the month due to a hamstring injury.
Return date: 22/02/26
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Max Dowman
The youngster is getting closer to a return from the ankle injury that has kept him out for two months.
"He's doing very well," said Arteta. "I think he will be with us in a week or so, and then he just needs to pick up the rhythm and be available for us. He's doing very well. I think he will be with us in a week or so, and then he just needs to pick up the rhythm and be available for us."
Return date: 01/03/2026
Bukayo Saka
Arsenal's talismanic figure came off the field during Arsenal's draw with Wolves but appears to be fine to return. Saka limped off with what appeared to be an issue with his knee but conducted post-match media duties and has been pictured in training.