Arsenal have confirmed their starting XI for this Sunday's crucial North London derby, with Gabriel replaced by summer signing Piero Hincapie. The Gunners welcome fierce rivals Tottenham Hotspur to the Emirates Stadium this weekend.
Heading into the game, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta had a growing injury list to contend with - Gabriel Magalhaes the latest to have been sidelined. And the Spaniard has opted to replace him with summer arrival Hincapie. The on-loan Bayer Leverusen man has made just two Premier League appearances so far.
Martin Odegaard remains out as he continues his recovery. Speaking on his fitness, the Arsenal captain said: "This week I’ve been working really hard on my rehab – it’s going very well. I can feel I’m getting closer every day and getting towards the final stages where it's a lot more exciting.
"I’ve been doing some pitch work and training, so I really feel like I'm getting there. That's the best part of the rehab, when you're getting closer to joining the team, you can do a lot more on the pitch and you can be more aggressive in the rehab.
"I feel like I'm getting stronger and stronger. I can't wait to be back now, we're on a good path and it's looking good. I'm really excited. I guess that's one of the good things about being injured. You get hungrier and more excited to play football again. That's the good part of it, I’m desperate to get going again."
Riccardo Calafiori, Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli are all included in the squad having been spotted on the team's pre-match walk - the latter drafted into the starting XI.
Meanwhile, Arteta has made a bold decision when it comes to attack. Leandro Trossard, Eberechi Eze and Bukayo Saka support Mikel Merino - who leads the line for the Gunners.
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From the Tottenham perspective, Thomas Frank starts with a back five, with Joao Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur at the heart of midfield. Mohammed Kudus and Wilson Odobert are selected on either flank, with Richarlison starting centrally as Dominic Solanke continues to struggle with his injury issues.
Arsenal could extend their lead at the top of the Premier League with victory against Spurs. They currently sit three points clear of nearest challengers Chelsea. Spurs in the meantime would move up to third with victory at the Emirates.
Arsenal XI: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Hincapie, Calafiori, Zubimendi, Rice, Eze, Trossard, Saka, Merino.
Tottenham XI: Vicario, Spence, Danso, Van de Ven, Romero, Udogie, Palhinha, Bentancur, Richarlison, Kudus, Odobert.