Arsenal Discover When Viktor Gyokeres Will Return from Injury—Exclusive Timeline Exposed

Arsenal are reportedly targeting Viktor Gyökeres's return from injury in time for the north London derby following the November international break.

The forward was withdrawn at half-time during the Gunners' 2–0 win against Burnley over the weekend and was subsequently ruled out of the journey to the Czech Republic, where Arsenal will face Sparta Prague in Champions League action on Tuesday night.

Mikel Arteta provided a concerning update on Gyökeres's fitness situation before the European match: "I am worried because he hasn't experienced many muscle problems and he had to come off the field. He was experiencing discomfort and that's clearly never a positive indication."

According to The Athletic, the Swedish striker is expected to undergo additional examinations and will remain sidelined until after the November international period. Arsenal are "optimistic" that Gyökeres will be available and prepared to feature against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, Nov. 23.

In Gyökeres's absence, Arteta will need to return to previous season's approach and utilize natural midfielder Mikel Merino in the forward position against Sparta Prague and potentially against Sunderland on Saturday, Nov. 8 too.

The muscle problem arrives at an especially unfortunate moment for Gyökeres, who was beginning to establish himself in Arsenal colors. Following just three goals in his opening 11 outings for the Gunners, the 27-year-old has scored three times in his most recent three fixtures.

Gabriel Martinelli Also 'Targeting' a North London Derby Comeback

Gyökeres becomes part of the injury list alongside Noni Madueke, Martin Ødegaard, Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli. However, the Brazilian is also aiming to return in time for Spurs' visit to the Emirates.

The Athletic indicates that Martinelli is "aiming for a quick comeback" following the November international break. The winger has been unavailable since picking up a muscle problem in Arsenal's 1–0 victory over Crystal Palace on Sunday, Oct. 26.

Martinelli was omitted from Carlo Ancelotti's Brazil selection for forthcoming fixtures against Senegal and Tunisia, providing the attacker with essential recovery time before a busy festive fixture schedule approaches.

Should Gyökeres or Martinelli experience complications, they could miss not just the north London derby, but also encounters with Bayern Munich and Chelsea to conclude November.