The first North London derby of the season arrives at a crucial juncture as Arsenal host Tottenham at the Emirates this weekend. With the Gunners sitting comfortably atop the Premier League table and both sides battling significant injury crises, this clash promises to test squad depth like never before.
Table of Contents
Arsenal vs Tottenham Match Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Fixture | Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur |
| Competition | Premier League |
| Venue | Emirates Stadium, London |
| Date | Sunday, November 24, 2025 |
| Arsenal Form | Top of the table, 4 points clear |
| Tottenham Position | 5th place, 8 points behind Arsenal |
| Head-to-Head | Arsenal unbeaten in last 3 meetings |
Arsenal’s Defensive Dilemma
Gabriel Magalhães suffered a muscle injury in his right thigh during Brazil’s international friendly against Senegal, sidelining him for at least a month. This represents a massive blow for Mikel Arteta’s side, who had previously gone eight games without conceding before shipping two goals at Sunderland.
Gabriel’s absence removes not just defensive solidity but also a significant attacking threat from set pieces. The Brazilian has contributed two goals and three assists this season, making his loss felt at both ends of the pitch.
Cristhian Mosquera is expected to deputize for the injured defender. The summer signing from Villarreal has impressed when called upon earlier this campaign, demonstrating his readiness to handle high-pressure situations. Piero Hincapié remains another viable option for Arteta.
Fitness Concerns Mount for the Gunners
Beyond Gabriel, Arsenal face anxieties over several key players. Riccardo Calafiori missed Italy’s fixtures against Moldova and Norway with an injury concern, while Jurrien Timber took a knock playing for the Netherlands.
The striker situation also remains unclear. Viktor Gyökeres suffered a hamstring injury at Burnley on November 1 and missed matches against Slavia Prague and Sunderland. His powerful pressing and direct threat have transformed Arsenal’s attacking structure this season.
Long-Term Absentees Nearing Return
There’s cautious optimism surrounding several players who’ve been sidelined for weeks. Martin Ødegaard, Noni Madueke, and Gabriel Martinelli are all pushing for returns, with Arteta hopeful of having them available for selection. However, Kai Havertz suffered a setback in his recovery from knee surgery, with Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann suggesting a late December return.
Tottenham’s Injury Nightmare
While Arsenal grapple with absences, Tottenham face their own crisis. Spurs could potentially be without 12 players for the North London derby, including key defenders and midfielders.
Dominic Solanke, Randal Kolo Muani, Archie Gray, Radu Dragusin, Dejan Kulusevski, and Yves Bissouma all remain sidelined. James Maddison continues his long-term absence, further depleting Thomas Frank’s options.
Lucas Bergvall, who missed Spurs’ last two games due to concussion protocols, left Sweden’s international camp early, creating fresh concerns. Pape Matar Sarr also picked up a knock while representing Senegal against Brazil.
With Muani unavailable, Richarlison becomes Tottenham’s sole recognized striker until Solanke regains fitness. This places enormous pressure on the Brazilian to deliver in enemy territory.
Predicted Lineups
Arsenal (4-3-3):
Raya; Timber, Saliba, Mosquera, White; Zubimendi, Rice, Eze; Saka, Merino, Trossard
Tottenham (4-2-3-1):
Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Bentancur, Palhinha; Johnson, Simons, Odobert; Richarlison
Match Preview: Can Arsenal Navigate Injury Storm?
Arsenal enter this fixture as favorites despite their defensive concerns. The Gunners boast one of the Premier League’s stingiest defenses, conceding just five goals all season. Conversely, Tottenham have shipped the same number in their last four matches alone.
The home side’s attacking prowess—20 goals from 32 big chances created—suggests they possess enough firepower to overcome Tottenham even without Gabriel. However, derby matches rarely follow the script, and Spurs’ desperation for points could make this a closer contest than the league positions suggest.
For more Arsenal news and match analysis, check out our Premier League coverage at TechnoSports.
FAQs
Q: Will Gabriel Magalhães play against Tottenham?
A: No, Gabriel has been ruled out for at least a month with a thigh muscle injury sustained on international duty with Brazil. Cristhian Mosquera is expected to replace him in Arsenal’s starting XI.
Q: How many players could Tottenham be missing for the North London derby?
A: Tottenham could be without up to 12 players due to various injuries and fitness concerns, including long-term absentees James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski, plus recent injury doubts Pape Matar Sarr and Lucas Bergvall.
