Martin Odegaard's return provides Arsenal boost ahead of North London derby

The Norwegian playmaker has missed the Gunners' last seven games after suffering a knee injury in the match on October 4 against West Ham.

Multiple reports now confirm he has returned to full training and could be in contention for the matchday squad against Tottenham at Emirates Stadium, though a final decision will be made late and any involvement is likely to be limited to a cameo as he rebuilds sharpness.

His comeback arrives at a perfect moment for Mikel Arteta's table-toppers, who sit four points clear of Manchester City after 11 Premier League games and are unbeaten in their last 14 matches across all competitions.

Odegaard's availability, even off the bench, represents a huge psychological and tactical lift. His vision, creativity and ability to find those decisive passes, particularly the link-up play that brings out the very best in Bukayo Saka, has been sorely missed, and his return gives Arteta genuine world-class options in midfield for the first time in weeks.

Arsenal are also carefully managing Gabriel Jesus' reintegration; the Brazilian is back in full training after an ACL rupture in January that has kept him out for almost eleven months. The club are taking no risks with him and he is unlikely to be ready for the intensity of the derby just yet.

With the team top of the league and looking to protect both their four-point lead and a strong recent record against their rivals, Odegaard's potential involvement could prove decisive in what is already shaping up to be one of the most eagerly anticipated north London derbies in years.

READ MORE: Ruben Amorim: Debut season with Man Utd was overwhelming