21-Nov-2025

Injury 🤕! Gabriel's out and Arteta gives nothing away on who we can expect in the squad. The North London Derby looms in which the team and manager have a good record. Plus, the Rwanda deal will not be renewed #Arsenal ⚽️

International Break Blues: Gabriel's Injury and the Cost of Duty

Alright, Gunners, let's be honest, the international break always fills me with a mix of excitement and dread. Seeing our lads represent their countries is great, but it often comes at a cost. This time, it's our rock at the back, Gabriel, who's picked up an injury playing for Brazil and is expected to be out for a while, which is a massive blow.

The articles breaks down the minutes played by our players during the break and it's a mixed bag. Some got valuable game time, while others, thankfully, were managed carefully. There is also a discussion on if Arsenal can manage the players that get sent to participate in international games.

Related reads:

Arsenal November Interlull round-up – 17 players, 1,789 minutes

The final Interlull of the year is done, and it’s cost Arsenal dearly with Big Gabi picking up an injury. Of the 16 other players called up, 15 saw some action, although mercifully, most national coaches managed their minutes. Only Piero Hincapie and back-up keeper Tommy Setford racked up the full 180, while Max Dowman […]

Are Arsenal too passive with National Teams?

Some fans say Arsenal management need to make a stand against sending players out

Arsenal's record thankfully after international breaks has been a real source of comfort, we usually seem to hit the ground running. Looking at the stats, we've been seriously strong at home, winning seven of our last eight matches at the Emirates after these breaks. And guess who's up next? You guessed it, Tottenham! We've got a great record against them in recent seasons, and with the form we're in, I'm feeling confident we can continue that trend. Let's get behind the team and make sure we're loud and proud at the Emirates!

Related reads:

Stats: How do we fare after international breaks?

Find out about our record after international breaks as we get set to play Fulham on Saturday

Gabriel's Injury: A Derby Day Dilemma for Arteta

Losing Big Gabi at the back for weeks is far from ideal. Arteta confirmed the bad news, and it's a real blow to our defensive solidity. The stats don't lie – our win percentage drops significantly without him in the lineup. He's been a leader at the back, and his aerial presence is crucial on both sides of the pitch.

With Gabriel out, Arteta's got a real selection headache for the Spurs clash. The good news? We've got options! The article highlights the versatility of our squad, which is a welcome change from seasons past. We're looking at potential partnerships of Saliba and Mosquera, or maybe Calafiori steps in alongside Saliba. Hincapie's name is also in the mix, and the article suggests he might be more of a left-back solution. Whatever Arteta decides, I'm confident we'll see a solid defensive performance.

On the attacking side, it sounds like Odegaard might be back, which is a massive boost. But with Martinelli, Gyokeres, and Madueke still doubtful, it's a bit of a selection headache for the gaffer. Let's hope the lads step up and show what they're made of!

Related reads:

Arsenal: Gabriel injury blow eased by Odegaard return, but captain can't start vs Spurs

Gabriel is out for a month, but Martin Odegaard could return for the North London Derby. Timely. But the Arsenal captain shouldn't start against Spurs.

Arsenal vs Tottenham: Six Key Subplots That Could Decide North London Derby | Opta Analyst

The first north London derby of the season takes place on Sunday, but where will the game be won and lost? We take a look at how Arsenal vs Tottenham could be decided.

Arteta provides fitness update ahead of North London derby

Mikel Arteta is keeping his cards close to his chest on the team-news front, hinting that Arsenal could welcome back a few injured players for Sunday’s clash with Sp*rs, while confirming Riccardo Calafiori hasn’t trained since returning prematurely from Italy duty. The hope was that the Interlull would clear the decks, but a setback for […]

The End of another questionable call: Arsenal and Visit Rwanda to Part Ways

Finally some news that I am hoping will give Arsenal some positive vibes going forward: Arsenal and Visit Rwanda are ending their sleeve partnership at the end of next season. While the official line is a "mutual agreement," it's no secret this deal has been a point of contention for many of us.

For those who might not know, the partnership started back in 2018 and has been worth a reported £10 million a year. The main criticism? Concerns about Rwanda's human rights record and its alleged involvement in conflicts in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

I'm sure many of you, like me, have mixed feelings. On one hand, it's great to see the club expanding its global reach, supporting tourism and improving its revenue stream. But on the other, it's hard to ignore the ethical questions raised by the deal. We can hope that they make better choices next time around before taking a call to fill the sleeve sponsorship void.

Related reads:

Arsenal’s controversial sponsorship deal with Visit Rwanda to end next year

Backlash came amid Rwanda’s support for the M23 militia that is embroiled in conflicts in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Calls for Arsenal, PSG and Bayern Munich to end Visit Rwanda deals

DR Congo calls on Arsenal, PSG and Bayern Munich to end their “blood stained” sponsorship deals with Visit Rwanda amid a worsening humanitarian crisis in the country.

Visit Rwanda update

Arsenal and Visit Rwanda will conclude their landmark eight-season partnership in June 2026