Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori faces a late fitness test ahead of Sunday’s north derby against Tottenham.
Calafiori missed Italy’s two games during the recent international break and has not trained with Arsenal this week.
“He has been carrying a few things and we had to bring him back,” said Gunners boss Mikel Arteta on Friday. “He hasn’t trained yet.
“Tomorrow we have another training session, let’s see how he is. When he got into the last game, and had to travel with the national team, they were very understanding of that issue. That’s when they allowed him to come back.”
Arteta will be hoping that Calafiori is fit as Arsenal will definitely be without Gabriel for Sunday’s game at the Emirates Stadium.
The Brazilian has injured his thigh and will be out for weeks, although that could yet prove to be longer and he is due to have another scan to confirm the timeline.
“It is clearly a blow because it is our leader in our backline, and it is never a positive thing,” said Arteta.
“The good thing, as you mentioned, is that we have very good options and people have to stand up now and do the job.”
Either Cristhian Mosquera or Piero Hincapie are likely to replace Gabriel against Spurs, or Calafiori could shift across from left-back if he’s fit.
Arsenal have been suffering from a lack of forwards in recent weeks due to injury, but some may return this weekend.
Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, Martin Odegaard and Noni Madueke have all been out with knee injuries, while Gabriel Martinelli and Viktor Gyokeres have both been dealing with muscular issues.
“We put a lot of energy during the international break, with all the medical staff as well, to try to bring them [back] as quick as possible,” said Arteta.
“So, tomorrow we have another training session, see how some of them are feeling, whether it is a bit too close to bring them into this game or we feel they can have a contribution in the game.”
Predicted Arsenal XI (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Hincapie, Calafiori; Eze, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Merino, Trossard
Doubts: Calafiori (hip), Gyokeres (hamstring), Havertz (knee), Jesus (knee), Madueke (knee), Martinelli (groin), Odegaard (knee)
Injured: Gabriel (adductor)
Time and date: 4.30pm GMT on Sunday November 23, 2025
Venue: Emirates Stadium, London
How to watch: Sky Sports
