Mikel Arteta provides positive injury updates on three crucial Arsenal players

Speaking ahead of Arsenal's Champions League clash with Bayern Munich, Mikel Arteta offered positive updates on three crucial players from his squad.

After Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli returned to the matchday side against Tottenham and Martin Ødegaard made his comeback to training this week, the Spaniard revealed that another three are nearing their own returns.

The Gunners boss confirmed that the feeling around Viktor Gyökeres and Kai Havertz is good while Gabriel Jesus is quite close to bouncing back from his lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Mikel Arteta provides positive updates on Gyökeres, Havertz and Jesus

When asked about how Gyökeres and Havertz are progressing, Arteta said: "Really good, both of them. In the next few days, they're going to have a repeat scan to see how everything is and where we can push them for the weekend."

The Gunners boss revealed that the attacking duo could both return from their respective setbacks in this weekend's London derby against second-placed Chelsea.

Gyökeres has been unavailable after suffering a hamstring injury in Arsenal's 2-0 win at Burnley earlier this month and was forced to miss his side's last three games, as well as withdrawing from the Sweden national team for the November international break.

His injury came at a frustrating time as he was hitting a good run of form, but the issue prevented him from continuing his progression in north London. However, it looks like he could be returning to the team soon and he will be hoping he can continue the run.

Havertz last featured for the Gunners in their season-opening victory at Manchester United and has missed the entirety of the campaign so far after undergoing surgery due to a knee problem.

His return will be welcomed by many as, like Mikel Merino, he can provide cover in two crucial areas with the ability to stand in for Gyökeres up front and a number of players in midfield.

Arteta was also asked on Jesus' progress and said: "Yeah, he's quite close to be fair, and it's earlier than we expected, in the next few days he's going to have another step to make, with a game that we're going to organise for him, and after that he's just going to be knocking on the door, because he's Gabriel, a winner, that's how it's happened."

He will be another positive return as he would provide cover while also being provided game time to increase his match fitness as the club looks to eventually move him on in the January transfer window or next summer.

Squad depth is going to be absolutely crucial for Arsenal if they are to maintain their title charge throughout the entire campaign and the impending returns of Gyökeres, Havertz and Jesus will ensure that important areas are covered by multiple players.