Sports Mole

Arsenal expert Charles Watts has exclusively told Sports Mole the latest on Viktor Gyokeres's injury as the Sweden striker continues his rehabilitation from a hamstring problem.

Gyokeres went off at half time in the Gunners' 2-0 win over Burnley at the start of November - a withdrawal that sparked immediate concern - and Mikel Arteta confirmed afterwards that the striker had damaged a muscle.

Gyokeres missed subsequent clashes with Slavia Prague and Sunderland as a result of his injury, joining fellow strikers Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus on the sidelines, but it has been reported that he is bidding to come back for the North London derby on November 23.

Now, Watts has confirmed that Arsenal are 'hopeful' of having the 27-year-old involved against Tottenham Hotspur, and if Gyokeres does pass a fitness test, the journalist expects him to be thrown straight back into the starting lineup.

“I can’t say for certain that is definitely going to happen," Watts said. "There’s a lot of checks and tests to go through. It's going to be close - that Tottenham game will be three weeks from Burnley, and best case scenario, a hamstring is three weeks if it's the very lowest grade.

“So it's going to be touch and go, but the hope is that he could well be involved. And you think if he is involved, unlike a lot of the others, he's been playing fairly regularly until recently. He's not going to take as much time to get up to speed.

Viktor Gyokeres prediction made for Arsenal vs. Tottenham

“If he's fit and he's ready, you think he starts. If Havertz is fit and ready, he's not going to start. He’s been out for so long, but Gyokeres doesn't have that issue. I don't think Gabriel Martinelli has that issue either. Although the way Leandro Trossard's playing, I'd be very surprised if Gabriel Martinelli started against Tottenham.

“Gyokeres is the one when you look at the group, you'd think he would go straight into the starting lineup if he's fit. Martin Odegaard would be an interesting one as well if he makes it. Mikel has not been scared to throw Martin Odegaard straight back into a lineup. We've seen it before when he's been out for a long, long time. He's a player who Arteta clearly believes can handle it.

“And [Noni] Madueke was close to Sunderland. I'm sure he will be back for this first game. That Sunderland game, the changes that Mikel could have made off the bench had some of these players been involved, absolutely fantastic. I don't see any way that equaliser is coming. It’s going to be massive to have them back. Arsenal have done brilliantly to get to where they are without this lot.”

Gyokeres produced arguably his best 45 minutes of football in an Arsenal shirt at Turf Moor, nodding home the opening goal from close range following a corner, before spraying a wonderful long pass out to Trossard in the build-up to Declan Rice's goal.

The Sweden international's header against Burnley represented his sixth goal of the season for Arsenal in all competitions, before his replacement Merino netted a brace in the Champions League triumph over Slavia Prague last week.

The Spaniard also claimed an assist for Bukayo Saka in that 2-2 draw with Sunderland last weekend, but he failed to trouble the Black Cats' backline as a centre-forward, continuing his mixed fortunes in that role after last season.

Why Viktor Gyokeres's return is most important for Arsenal

While Noni Madueke, Odegaard, Martinelli and Havertz may also be back for the derby, Watts has affirmed that Gyokeres getting back up to speed might be the most crucial boost Arteta can receive.

Asked if Gyokeres's return was the most important, Watts replied: "In terms of the Tottenham game, you would say so. He’s up to speed, despite the fact he's missed a couple of weeks, he'll be ready to go. He is in a good run of form, playing well, the players have adjusted to playing with him. And it will just cause Tottenham an awful lot more problems.

“If you're asking [Micky] Van de Ven and [Cristian] Romero who do you want to play against, Mikel Merino or Viktor Gyokeres, I know which answer they're going to give every day of the week.

"It's going to be a much more comfortable game for them when they're just having to look in front of them, because that's where Merino is going to be all the time. He's not going to be running, turning them around and pulling them apart."

Watts also discussed Jesus's return to training after an ACL injury and delivered his verdict on whether he would sell the Brazilian striker when he returns to full fitness in January.

Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly suffered a blow in the race to sign West Ham United attacker Jarrod Bowen.Â

Bowen joined the Hammers in the January transfer window of 2020 and has become one of their key players, making 250 appearances and scoring 77 goals.Â

West Ham have struggled badly in the Premier League in 2025-26, currently sitting 18th in the table, but Bowen has been one of their most consistent performers, contributing four goals.Â

Bowen has been heavily linked with a move to Liverpool in recent years, but it appears that the Hammers have no intention of selling their prized asset.Â

Liverpool and Tottenham suffer blow in Bowen chase?Â

The Reds have explored the 28-year-old as a potential replacement for Mohamed Salah, but the deal is unlikely to materialise.Â

Likewise, Spurs are also keen to land the former Hull City winger after signing Mohammed Kudus, Bowen's former teammate, in the summer, but any move is unlikely.Â

According to a report from Football Insider, West Ham will only part ways with Bowen if they receive an irresistible offer for their talismanic forward.Â

As of now, the Hammers have received no bids for their left-footed winger, who could certainly be tempted by the proposition of playing Champions League football, something West Ham cannot provide at the moment.Â

Bowen has a contract at the London Stadium until 2030, and Liverpool and Spurs will have to pay a hefty transfer fee to lure him away from West Ham.Â

Liverpool and Tottenham have other targetsÂ

The Premier League champions spent heavily on bolstering their forward department in the summer, but they still need another winger at some point, either in the January window or next summer.Â

In recent months, the Reds have been heavily linked with a move for AFC Bournemouth attacker Antoine Semenyo, while Bayern Munich's Michael Olise is also someone they reportedly admire.Â

Tottenham have reportedly shown interest in Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers, but in recent weeks, the north London outfit has also been linked with Everton winger Iliman Ndiaye.Â

Bowen would be a terrific signing for both clubs, but it appears that even if they do not get him, they have other options lined up.Â

Tottenham Hotspur winger Manor Solomon could reportedly be offered an escape route to return to the Premier League in the January transfer window.Â

Solomon joined Spurs in the summer transfer of 2023 from Shakhtar Donetsk and made six appearances in his first season, with injury restricting his contributions.Â

The Israel attacker was sent on loan to Leeds United last summer, and he played a big role in taking the Whites to the Premier League, scoring 10 goals and providing 13 assists in 41 games.Â

Thomas Frank did not consider him a part of his plans, and Spurs decided to send him on loan during the summer transfer window.Â

A move to Crystal Palace fell through on deadline day, and he eventually ended up joining La Liga club Villarreal on loan.Â

Can Solomon return to the Premier League?Â

Solomon has scored one goal and provided four assists for the Yellow Submarine, but he has still failed to impress Villarreal boss Marcelino Garcia Toral.

The former Shakhtar attacker was not included in the matchday squad for the 2-0 win at Espanyol due to a back problem, and doubts have surfaced whether he will get enough game time he needs once he returns after the international break.Â

According to a report from El Periodico Mediterraneo, the winger's loan spell in Spain could be cut short in January, and London rivals West Ham could be interested in taking him on board.Â

Nuno Espirito Santo is keen to add extra attacking quality to his attacking ranks, and has earmarked Solomon, who can provide competition to Crysencio Summerville for the starting role.Â

A move to the Premier League would be perfect for SolomonÂ

Before moving to Spain, the Spurs attacker suggested that he wanted to stay in England and could be tempted to return to the Premier League if an offer were to be made.Â

Known for his directness, pace, and dribbling skills, Solomon can provide a much-needed spark to the West Ham side, which has looked blunt and one-dimensional in attack.Â

Tottenham Hotspur defender Radu Dragusin has provided a positive update on his recovery from an ACL injury that has kept him sidelined for over nine months.

The 23-year-old is yet to feature under new head coach Thomas Frank and has not made a first-team appearance for Spurs sine sustaining his injury in a Europa League win over Elfsborg at the end of January.

In recent weeks, Dragusin has taken part in first-team training on the grass, but Tottenham have understandably taken caution with his recovery due to the severity of his knee injury.

The Romania international is now edging closer to making his first-team comeback after he was given the green light to feature for Tottenham Under-21s in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Leyton Orient on Wednesday.

Dragusin has since opened up on his lengthy spell on the sidelines, expressing how grateful he was for the opportunity and explaining why game time is an important step in his recovery.

Dragusin “really close” to making first-team Spurs return

"I learned to be patient and to never take anything for granted," the centre-back told Tottenham’s official website.

"Because one day you are on the top of the mountain, next second you are with this kind of injury. This is life, it's only to make me stronger, make me more resilient. I've never given up and things are really close to being back as normal."

"Honestly, it felt really good,” Dragusin added. "Getting back out there with the boys, with the Under-21s, they've been great, they've been helping me, so I'm really grateful for this moment.

"It’s different, you can train how much you want, but once you are there in 11 vs. 11 on a big pitch, it's different, you can't really replicate it in the training. It’s the details like the sprints back, the adversity, the exposure that you get as a defender, it was a good day.

"It felt good, first minutes in 10 months out, finally minutes in the legs and I just have to build on this."

Dragusin has 'motivated' Maddison during his own recovery

James Maddison, who is also recovering from a long-term ACL injury, was in attendance to show his support for Dragusin during his Under-21s outing.

It remains to be seen when the Spurs playmaker will make his long-awaited comeback, but he has paid tribute to teammate Dragusin as an inspiration in his recovery.

"Day off for me today, but couldn't miss Radu's first minutes back after nine months,” said Maddison. “I've seen firsthand how hard this man has worked to be in that position ready to play again. His attitude, honest to God, keeps me so motivated every day. Proud of ya, mush."

In response to Maddison’s kind words, Dragusin said: "Honestly everybody, but especially Madders, he was there when I got injured, he always was next to me to give me a laugh in a difficult day.

"For him to be here next to me, it really meant a lot, because you know, this is how we are here, we are a family, we don't let anyone down in the hard moments, so I'm really grateful to be part of this group."

Dragusin is now set to train with Romania during the international break, but he will not be involved in either of their final two 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Bosnia-Herzegovina and San Marino.

Arsenal have received a positive update on the fitness of Italy international defender Riccardo Calafiori.

Reports in Italy recently claimed that the 23-year-old has been dealing with pain in his hip and was an injury doubt for Italy’s 2026 World Cup qualifier against Moldova.

A separate report from BBC Sport claimed that Calafiori has been following an individual training programme with the national team, with the defender’s training and game load being managed, but his issue is merely being treated with precaution.

Calafiori has established himself as an important first-team player for Arsenal this season, starting every Premier League game for the current league leaders, and new surrounding his fitness will have come as a concern for Mikel Arteta and co.

However, the Gunners have been boosted by a fresh update conforming that Calafiori has been named in Italy’s travelling Italy squad for their penultimate Group I fixture against in Moldova.

It remains to be seen whether Calafiori will feature in some capacity against Moldova, and head coach Gennaro Gattuso may prefer to hold back the Arsenal star until the Azzurri lock horns with group leaders Norway in a potentially-pivotal qualifier on Sunday.

Calafiori injury fears eased as Arsenal handed major boost before Spurs showdown

“I have to thank the likes of [Nicolo] Barella, Calafiori and [Alessandro] Bastoni for being here, as it was by no means to be taken for granted,” Gattuso told reporters when issuing a squad update.

“I congratulate the lads for their professionalism and hunger, which they show every day.”

Gattuso has also confirmed that he plans to rotate his team on Thursday, adding: “I can confirm that there will be many changes, but without any problems or fears.

“I have great faith in my players; they all deserve a night like [on Thursday]. I want to thank the group because I thought certain things could happen.

“I have to thank them for how they’ve handled these first few days, and for me that means a lot. The train has left and is moving, and tomorrow I definitely expect us to continue to grow strongly in what we’re doing.”

The latest update on Calafiori comes as a huge boost for Arsenal, who will hope that the defender returns from international duty unscathed ahead of their next Premier League fixture against North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates Stadium on November 23.

The Gunners will conclude the month of November with two more high-profile fixtures against Bayern Munich in the Champions League and against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the top fight.

Tottenham Hotspur are unlikely to move for Ivan Toney in the January transfer window as the forward's salary demands would almost certainly prove prohibitively expensive, the latest reported has claimed.

Spurs somehow failed to take three points when they faced Manchester United last Saturday in the Premier League, drawing 2-2 at home despite taking the lead in second-half stoppage time.

Head coach Thomas Frank has faced criticism in recent weeks for his side's displays in the final third, with the likes of Randal Kolo Muani struggling to make an impact.

Spurs have been linked to a number of forwards ahead of the January transfer window, including Al-Ahli striker Ivan Toney.

The Daily Mail report that a summer move for the Englishman would be far more likely given he would face tax penalties if he returned to the UK in the winter, and Spurs would have to pay him in the region of £900,000-a-week to match the £400,000-£500,000-a-week salary he currently earns after tax in Saudi Arabia.

Do Tottenham Hotspur need to sign Ivan Toney in the January transfer window?

The benefit of signing Toney in January or the summer would be his familiarity with Frank's system given the two worked together at Brentford, with the forward scoring 36 goals in 85 Premier League games for the Bees.

Toney also demonstrated that he was able to compete physically with the best centre-backs in the division, though it remains to be seen whether he can reach the same heights having left England in 2024.

Tottenham have failed to score in three of their last six in all competitions, and they only managed to produce three shots against Chelsea, when they lost 1-0 against the Blues on November 1.

Spurs must improve their displays in attack if they are to claim a Champions League spot, but considering Toney will be 30 in March, it may be wiser for the Londoners to look for younger alternatives.

January transfer window: What type of player should Thomas Frank sign in the winter?

One of the biggest reasons for Tottenham's concerning performances in attack has been the fact James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski are dealing with long-term injuries.

The two are arguably the most creative players at the club, and both are well adjusted to the intensity and physicality of the Premier League, unlike Dutchman Xavi Simons.

If Spurs are to delve into the January market, they should focus on adding creative talents, especially as striker Dominic Solanke is expected to make his return from an ankle injury sometime after the November international break and his return may make a move for Toney obsolete.

It should also be noted that Kulusevski could also make his return before the end of this year, so there is a chance that Frank could find internal solutions to his side's problems.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is reportedly hoping to have two of his stricken stars back in action for the North London derby with Tottenham Hotspur on November 23.

The Gunners are expected to receive a plethora of injury boosts over the international break and have already welcomed the news that Gabriel Jesus has returned to team training after an ACL tear.

The Brazil international has been sidelined for 10 months after rupturing his cruciate ligament in January's FA Cup loss to Manchester United, but he is now on course to return before the end of the calendar year.

However, Jesus is still expected to be the last cab off the rank in terms of Arsenal's injured stars, a list that also includes Martin Odegaard, Viktor Gyokeres, Noni Madueke, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli.

None of the quintet is expected to be sidelined for much longer after the international window, though, and according to The Mirror, two are bidding to return in time for Tottenham straight after the hiatus.

Arsenal to welcome two injured stars back for Tottenham clash?

The report states that attacking duo Gyokeres and Madueke are both pushing to return for the North London derby as they step up their recoveries from respective hamstring and knee complaints.

Gyokeres suffered a muscular blow during Arsenal's 2-0 win over Burnley two Saturdays ago, although reports at the time stated that the Sweden international had avoided a serious issue, and he is expected to be back in full training imminently.

Meanwhile, Madueke has been missing since hurting his knee in September's 1-1 draw with Manchester City - the winger was originally said to have faced up to eight weeks in the treatment room.

Without Gyokeres, Havertz or Jesus up front, Arteta was forced to shoe-horn Mikel Merino into a central striking role once again in games against Slavia Prague and Sunderland, but the Spaniard endured mixed fortunes over those two games.

Meanwhile, Madueke's absence has not been so damaging to Arsenal thanks to Bukayo Saka's presence, although the ex-Chelsea winger made an effervescent start to his Gunners career before entering the infirmary.

When could Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz return?

Martinelli, Odegaard and Havertz do not appear to be so close to comebacks, but the report adds that Arteta is still banking on the trio returning for the unrelenting festive fixture schedule.

The Gunners' North London derby precedes a daunting Champions League barttle with Bayern Munich on November 26, as well other all-capital clashes with Chelsea on November 30 and Brentford on December 3.

Odegaard and Havertz (both knee) may still make their returns before the end of the month, while Martinelli's recent muscular problem should not take too much longer to heal either.

Meanwhile, Arsenal are supposedly hoping to schedule a behind-closed-doors friendly game for Jesus during the international break, as the striker builds up towards a competitive return in either late December or early January.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly looking to offload a midfielder on a free transfer to free up space in Thomas Frank’s squad.

The North London club’s midfield currently includes Pape Sarr, Rodrigo Bentancur, Lucas Bergvall, Yves Bissouma and on-loan Portugal international Joao Palhinha.

However, Spurs are said to be aiming to move Bissouma, who has yet to feature for them this season after being dropped for disciplinary reasons.

Frank omitted the Mali international ahead of the European Super Cup against Paris Saint-Germain due to ongoing lateness issues, though an ankle injury has kept him out since.

Nevertheless, Spurs are reportedly settled on the future of the former Brighton & Hove Albion player, with a Turkish heavyweight linked.

Yves Bissouma transfer news: Turkish giant reportedly still want Spurs midfielder

According to SunSport, Galatasaray are still interested in signing Bissouma, having failed to do so during the summer transfer window.

The Super Lig champions showed interest in the summer and were keen to compete with rivals Fenerbahce for his signature, but the deal ultimately fell through.

Although no official details were provided, it is understood that a complex knee issue prevented the transfer; however, Gala remain interested, according to the source mentioned above.

The report indicates that Galatasaray aim to sign the 29-year-old when his Spurs contract expires in summer 2026, with plans to offer him a three-year deal.

Bissouma’s reported Spurs wish before 2026 departure

Frank admitted in October that Bissouma could be sidelined for several weeks following his return from national team duty with an ankle injury, and a November comeback is expected.

Still, it remains uncertain whether he would have played for the club anyway, especially since he was dropped from the squad and was not close to featuring before his layoff.

SunSport, however, indicate that the Mali international still hopes to play for the North London club once more before ultimately leaving.Â

Whether the midfielder gets his wish is another matter entirely, though the club’s involvement in multiple competitions could mean some participation before the end of the season.

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly received a mixed update on the jaw injury that Randal Kolo Muani sustained in Saturday's 2-2 Premier League draw with Manchester United.

The Paris Saint-Germain loanee was taken off at half time in that four-goal stalemate at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, which Thomas Frank confirmed was due to injury.

The Dane cut a relatively relaxed figure about the striker's condition at full time, although he subsequently withdrew from the France squad with what was rumoured to be a jaw fracture.

Previous reports claimed that Kolo Muani could have missed at least six and up to eight weeks of action with such a serious injury, potentially ruling the 26-year-old out of contention until 2026.

According to a report from football.london, Kolo Muani has indeed suffered a fractured jaw, a diagnosis that was confirmed by a specialist that the attacker visited on Monday.

Tottenham receive Randal Kolo Muani injury boost despite jaw fracture?

However, the report adds that the former Juventus man will not have to undergo surgery and is therefore not expected to spend up to two months on the sidelines in a reassuring boost for Frank.

It is still unclear how long Kolo Muani will be sidelined for, but the 26-year-old will surely miss the North London derby with Arsenal on November 23, as well as the Champions League clash with parent club PSG on November 26.

Unlike in the Premier League, loan players can play against their parent clubs in the Champions League, but Kolo Muani is anticipated to miss out on a reunion with the European champions.

The striker has played just eight times for Spurs during a disrupted start to the 2025-26 campaign, registering one assist in their 4-0 Champions League victory over Copenhagen earlier this month.

Kolo Muani missed five games between September 20 and October 4 due to a dead leg, but he was making his third consecutive Premier League start in the visit of Man United.

How can Spurs replace Randal Kolo Muani up front?

Kolo Muani's jaw problem complicates matters for Spurs up front given that fellow striker Dominic Solanke - whom Frank has supposedly been left unimpressed by - is on the mend from an ankle operation.

There is also no knowing when the England international might be back in contention, so for the time being, Richarlison and Mathys Tel are Tottenham's only senior options in the number nine position.

The former's fitness record since joining Tottenham has left a lot to be desired, though, while Tel is still just 20 years old and has also been used on the left frequently during his time in North London.

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly been dealt a fresh fitness blow, as the injury that Randal Kolo Muani suffered against Manchester United is more serious than first feared.

The France international had to be substituted at half time in that 2-2 draw with the Red Devils, having sustained a facial problem before being replaced by Wilson Odobert.

The latter then set up what many expected to be the winner from Richarlison in added time, but Matthijs de Ligt came up with an incredible leveller for Ruben Amoirm's men just five minutes later.

Asked about Kolo Muani's injury at full time, Frank stated that the Paris Saint-Germain loanee was "struggling a bit", but he did not appear overly concerned by the issue.

However, according to journalist Fabrice Hawkins, Kolo Muani's issue is a serious one, as examinations have revealed that the striker has fractured his jaw.

Tottenham's Randal Kolo Muani suffers 'fractured jaw' in Man Utd draw

Kolo Muani has therefore been forced to pull out of the France squad for November's World Cup 2026 qualifiers against France and Azerbaijan, and he has been replaced by Lens winger Florian Thauvin.

Kolo Muani will remain at Hotspur Way for further treatment, and it is not clear at this stage how long the former Nantes and Eintracht Frankfurt forward might be sidelined for.

However, the 26-year-old's jaw problem is yet another setback as he attempts to kickstart a stuttering Spurs career, which has never really got going since his late loan arrival in the summer window.

Kolo Muani has only made eight appearances in all competitions in 2025-26 and is still waiting for his first goal for Thomas Frank's side, whom he has registered one assist for.

The attacker was making his third straight Premier League start in the stalemate with Man United, although he had previously missed five games in all tournaments with a muscle problem.

When will Tottenham's other injured players return?

While there is an argument that Frank should be getting more out of the players on the pitch, the Dane has not been helped by a crippling injury crisis during the early stages of the 2025-26 season.

Kolo Muani's problem means that Spurs currently have 11 players on the sidelines, although Mohammed Kudus should recover from his knock imminently - he was touch and go for the United clash but ultimately failed to make it.

Lucas Bergvall is also expected to return from his concussion straight after the international break, when Archie Gray (calf), Kota Takai (thigh), Ben Davies (thigh) and Dominic Solanke (ankle) could also be back.