Viktor Gyokeres could feature in Arsenal friendly against Spurs; Gabriel, Riccardo Calafiori out

Arsenal fans are buzzing with a mix of anticipation and concern ahead of their pre-season clash against North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur. The fixture, while a friendly, always carries an extra edge, and this encounter is set to be particularly intriguing with the potential debut of Viktor Gyokeres for the Gunners, even as key defensive figures Gabriel and Riccardo Calafiori are confirmed absentees. The prospect of seeing a new face in attack, especially one as highly-regarded as Gyokeres, offers a tantalizing glimpse into Mikel Arteta's offensive strategies for the upcoming campaign.

The inclusion of Viktor Gyokeres in the matchday squad, even for a pre-season trial, would undoubtedly be the headline act. Speculation has been rife regarding Arsenal's pursuit of a prolific striker to bolster their attacking options, and Gyokeres' presence suggests he could be a player under serious consideration. Known for his physical prowess, intelligent movement, and clinical finishing, the forward's potential integration would offer Arteta a different dimension up front. His performance against a familiar rival, even in a non-competitive setting, would be closely scrutinized by both the coaching staff and the Gunners faithful, eager to see how he links up with Arsenal's existing creative talents and whether he possesses the attributes to thrive in the Premier League.

However, the excitement surrounding Gyokeres is tempered by significant defensive worries. Arsenal fans have yet to see first-choice centre-back Gabriel in action this pre-season, with the reliable defender having picked up an injury earlier this month. His continued absence is a considerable blow, denying him crucial minutes to regain match sharpness and integrate into any new tactical tweaks Arteta might be implementing. Adding to the defensive headaches is the unavailability of Riccardo Calafiori, whose presence could have offered valuable depth and an alternative option at the back. These injuries force Arteta to shuffle his defensive pack, potentially relying on younger players or those still finding their rhythm, which could expose vulnerabilities against a strong Spurs attack.

The defensive absences highlight a critical area for Arsenal to address before the competitive season kicks off. While pre-season matches are primarily about fitness and tactical experimentation, the North London Derby provides a stern test. Arteta will need to assess his remaining defensive options carefully, perhaps giving extended minutes to William Saliba or Ben White at centre-back, or even trialling a youth prospect. The focus will be on building cohesion and resilience at the back, particularly without the familiar presence of Gabriel. This friendly offers a vital opportunity to test combinations and ensure the squad is robust enough to withstand the rigours of a demanding Premier League season, underlining the importance of these early fixtures in shaping the team's readiness.