Gyokeres Decision Looms as Arteta Weighs Lineup for North London Derby
Mikel Arteta has urged calm after a stuttering run of results, but the selection call over gyokeres has become the standout issue ahead of the North London Derby. With Kai Havertz and Martin Ødegaard moving back toward contention and questions lingering over recent form, the manager must choose a front line capable of silencing growing unrest among supporters.
Gyokeres selection dilemma
The most immediate tactical choice is whether to persist with Viktor Gyökeres following a poor outing against Wolves or to restore Gabriel Jesus to the front line. The recent match highlighted a lack of cutting edge, and the decision over Gyökeres is being framed as a must-get-right call for the manager. Arteta faces the classic trade-off between continuity and a swift shake-up, with the forward’s place under scrutiny ahead of a high-pressure derby on Seven Sisters Road.
Injury picture and fitness updates
Arsenal have been handed a timely double boost as Kai Havertz and Martin Ødegaard are back in contention after concerns they might miss the derby. Arteta has not confirmed whether either will make the matchday squad, but both are trending in the right direction and the final call is expected close to kickoff.
There are still absences to manage. Mikel Merino is unavailable due to a foot injury. Leandro Trossard, who was withdrawn late from the recent match, should be okay, and concussion assessments have not forced him into protocol. The situation around Max Dowman includes conflicting updates: one listing has him unavailable, while training imagery captured the youngster participating in drills as he works his way back from an ankle issue that kept him out for months. Arteta has indicated that the pair edging toward fitness could be viable for selection, with the final decision likely to be confirmed on the eve of the fixture.
Derby stakes and squad dynamics
The derby carries heightened significance after back-to-back dropped points left fans voicing fears about momentum. The team surrendered a two-goal lead against one of the competition’s poorer-performing sides, prompting calls for a response. The fixture represents a chance to restore confidence and push a fierce rival further into difficulty, but it also amplifies the consequences of any further missteps.
Defensive questions have joined the attacking selection headache. The goalkeeper who started the Wolves match came under scrutiny for his part in the comeback and will be looking to respond with a stronger display. At right-back, recent attacking contributions have dipped, and that form issue is another area the manager must consider when finalizing the XI.
- Key selection dilemma: Gyokeres versus Gabriel Jesus up front.
- Fitness positives: Havertz and Ødegaard back in contention, decision to be finalised close to kickoff.
- Confirmed absences: Mikel Merino sidelined with a foot injury; other squad members monitored.
How Arteta resolves the gyokeres question will signal his approach to a fixture with both tactical and psychological weight. A decision to persist with the forward implies trust in a turnaround of form; a switch would be an explicit move to alter momentum. Either way, the manager’s choice will shape expectations for a derby that has rapidly taken on outsized importance for supporters and the squad alike.
Updates remain subject to late changes as fitness assessments conclude, and the final squad is expected to be clarified shortly before the match.
