Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal side will have to go again in their attempt to keep pushing the Premier League title race down the wire as they travel to fierce rivals Tottenham in one of the most anticipated North London Derbies in recent time. The Gunners head to Spurs top of the table.
Gunners will be facing a fresh Ange Postecoglou squad. Tottenham haven’t played since their 4-0 defeat to Newcastle 10 days ago.
Arsenal are now recovering from their fourth game in 10 days, each carrying extreme weight and importance. The fitness of the squad is a huge boost currently though with no fresh problems for Arteta to worry about.
Gabriel Magalhaes
In the final quarter of Tuesday’s clash against Chelsea, Gabriel signalled to the Arsenal bench that he needed some treatment before going down clutching his ankle. He completed the match despite it appearing that Jakub Kiwior was set to replace him.
Injury: Ankle.
Potential return date: Tottenham (A) – Sunday, April 28.
Jurrien Timber
The 22-year-old started his first game for eight months in a 2-2 draw for the Under-21 side away to Blackburn Rovers in the Premier League 2 on Monday night. He announced his return to the field with a stunning goal after just eight minutes.
Timber has been out of the team since August after picking up a damaging Anterior Cruciate Ligament injury on the opening day of the season against Nottingham Forest. Arteta has described playing with the academy as the ‘final step’ in his recovery.
What Arteta has said: “That’s a quick step! [playing against Tottenham next weekend] Let’s see how he feels today [Monday]. He has been training really good, he looks ready.
“He needs that exposure and after that we will assess whether that game comes at the right time or too fast. We will try to get him with us for the final games.”
Injury: Knee.
Potential return date: May 2024.
Takehiro Tomiyasu
After starting against Bayern Munich in the week, Tomiyasu was left out of the squad to face Wolves. Upon announcing the starting XI, Arsenal wrote: “Takehiro Tomiyasu has been left out as a precaution after picking up a knock on Wednesday.” The Japan international returned to the starting XI against Chelsea and played 72 minutes in a 5-0 win.
Potential return date: Returned.
