Arsenal Could Welcome Back Four Key Stars in Time for Crucial North London Derby Showdown

Arsenal's injury-hit foursome of Martin Ødegaard, Noni Madueke, Riccardo Calafiori and Gabriel Martinelli were allegedly spotted with the team just prior to Sunday's north London clash against Tottenham Hotspur at home.

Should these four stars prove fit for selection, it would provide a significant lift for Mikel Arteta during a period when his squad depth has been severely tested. Key defender Gabriel faces several weeks on the sidelines while Kai Havertz has experienced a setback in his comeback from a knee problem picked up on opening day.

High-profile summer acquisition Viktor Gyökeres is believed to still be unavailable, though several of his colleagues were observed during Arsenal's pre-match stroll on derby day, according to Sky Sports News.

Nevertheless, this information should be treated with considerable caution.

Arteta has a reputation for employing mind games and misdirection regarding his squad's fitness levels. Ex-Arsenal defender Oleksandr Zinchenko disclosed in his memoir Believe: "[Arteta] enjoys psychological warfare with opponents. I've witnessed him instruct injured players to board the team coach and enter the changing room carrying their kit bag, designed to mislead the opposing manager."

Rest well tonight Arsenal fans, It's a big week ahead.

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The Arsenal manager himself confessed last campaign: "I don't want to make things straightforward for opponents.

"The opposition must ensure they complete their research—just as I must. When I'm certain, I won't mislead you, I won't claim 'He's unavailable' then field him—I would never do that—but if I'm unsure or prefer not to reveal details, I'll maintain the mystery."

Arteta, to his credit, didn't categorically dismiss the availability of Ødegaard, Madueke, Calafiori or Martinelli.

Regarding the Italian centre-back who cut short his international commitments, Arteta disclosed on Friday that he hadn't yet been ready for full team training. "We have another session tomorrow and we'll assess his condition."

Similar uncertainty surrounded the other absentees. "We'll evaluate how they're progressing, whether it's premature for this match, or if we believe they can make an impact," Arteta stated. "I remain optimistic we can take another positive step, but I definitely cannot guarantee anything."

Martin Ødegaard Sends Positive Message

Ødegaard has battled multiple fitness issues this campaign. Following recurring shoulder complications, the skipper has been absent for six weeks due to a knee injury. The Norwegian midfielder linked up with his national team during the November international window, leading coach Ståle Solbakken to suggest he remained "considerably away" from match readiness.

Yet the player provided optimism to Arsenal supporters through an encouraging message in his programme column.

"This week I've been putting tremendous effort into my rehabilitation—progress has been excellent," the captain penned. "I sense I'm advancing daily and approaching the concluding phases, which is tremendously exciting.

"I've been completing field-based exercises and training sessions, so I genuinely feel I'm nearly there. That represents the most rewarding aspect of recovery, when you're approaching team integration, you can increase pitch activity and intensify the rehabilitation work.

"I sense myself growing stronger consistently. I'm eager to return now, we're progressing well and the outlook is positive. I'm genuinely thrilled."