Arsenal star Martin Odegaard issues promising injury update ahead of North London derby

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Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard says that his injury is 'starting to look better' amid hope that he'll be available for this Sunday's North London derby . Odegaard, 26, has been sidelined since the start of October with a knee injury which he suffered in the Gunners' 2-0 win at home to West Ham .

The midfielder was forced to miss Norway's final three World Cup qualifiers and had to watch from the stands as they sealed their place at next summer's tournament on Sunday. Also during the international break, defensive duo Gabriel Magalhaes and Riccardo Calafiori both picked up injuries which have thrown their involvement against Tottenham into doubt.

But Odegaard has provided a positive update, suggesting that he'll be back 'soon'. "It's moving forward," the Norwegian told TV2 .

"The match today came a little too early… But it's starting to look better, so hopefully I'll be back soon."

Odegaard has already missed 12 of Arsenal 's games this season, forcing Mikel Arteta into a midfield reshuffle. The Gunners boss played coy when he was asked if Odegaard, Kai Havertz , Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyokeres and Gabriel Martinelli would be available following the international break.

"Some of them, all of them, I don't know," Arteta said before Arsenal drew 1-1 with Sunderland . "There are a lot of things that have to happen in the next two weeks and everything has to be perfect, but I think we'll be very close with most of them to be in a really strong position."

But Arteta has been given two fresh headaches in defence. Although the Gunners are confident that Calafiori will be available to face Spurs, Gabriel is a major doubt having suffered a thigh injury during Brazil's 2-0 win against Senegal , a friendly which was played at the Emirates.

Should Martin Odegaard start if he's fit? Let us know your XI in the comments section .

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"Gabriel Magalhaes will not travel with the team for the game against Tunisia ," a statement confirmed. "The defender left the field yesterday after feeling pain in the adductor muscle of his right thigh,’ a statement on the Brazilian Football Confederation website read.

"Arsenal player Gabriel Magalhaes was re-evaluated this Sunday (November 16) and underwent imaging tests that revealed a muscle injury in his right thigh. Therefore, the player will not travel with the team to the match against Tunisia in Lille. No other player will be called up to replace him."

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