Huge Arsenal injury boost as Mikel Arteta hoping for six stars to return with Tottenham up next

Gabriel Jesus tops the list of high-profile players set to bolster Arsenal's title fight ahead of a challenging period.

Gunners forward Viktor Gyokeres and England winger Noni Madueke are also aiming to be match-fit for the North London Derby against Tottenham, Arsenal's first match following the international break on Sunday, November 23.

The squad is also hopeful that captain Martin Odegaard and forwards Kai Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli will return in time for the hectic fixture schedule, with eight matches lined up for December.

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This will push Mikel Arteta's team to their limits as they face pivotal matches in the Premier League, Champions League and a Carabao Cup quarter-final before the year ends.

Brazil international Jesus has resumed full training and Arsenal are planning to arrange a match for him during the international break.

This would be a significant boost as Jesus has been sidelined since January due to a cruciate knee ligament injury but has made considerable progress in his recovery in recent weeks.

Jesus is eager to return to first-team action as swiftly as possible and is intensifying his training and ball work to prepare for one of the toughest periods of the season.

Asked before the Sunderland clash when Jesus might return to competitive action, Arteta responded: "I don't know, now it's about making the steps day by day in a different surrounding.

"Obviously, he's been doing everything on his own; now he's got players around him, very competitive players around him, and see how he copes with that. But he's full of energy; I love the reaction of all his teammates when he first joined us, and yeah, great to have him back."

The Gunners also face a hectic schedule following the international break with the North London Derby against Tottenham on November 23 before travelling to Stamford Bridge the subsequent Sunday.

Gyokeres is anticipated to be available for the clash with Spurs after being withdrawn at Burnley with a muscular problem - understood to be a hamstring concern - whilst Madueke remains optimistic about his fitness.

Brazilian winger Martinelli is also nearing a comeback having sat out the previous two fixtures - the stalemate at Sunderland and victory over Slavia Prague - due to injury.

Captain Odegaard is likewise targeting a return as he recovers from a knee problem, with the Norwegian midfielder set to play a pivotal role as Arteta's side navigate twice-weekly fixtures throughout December.

Havertz has been sidelined since August following a knee setback but is progressing well in his rehabilitation and anticipates being available again within the coming month. Arsenal's winning run came to a halt with a draw at Sunderland on Saturday, as they lacked attacking options from the bench.

However, the Gunners are now on the verge of welcoming back their star players to full fitness.