Arsenal hope to have Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz available again for their north London showdown with Tottenham this afternoon.
A dismal draw away to Wolves midweek has sparked major concerns over Arsenal’s title charge but a positive result on enemy turf today would go some way in easing them.
Their captain has missed the last two games after picking up a fresh injury issue in the draw with Brentford.
But speaking at a press conference on Friday, Mikel Arteta said it was a ‘big possibility’ Odegaard will be fit to return to the starting XI today.
The same applies to Havertz. The Germany international impressed following his return from a knee injury that saw him miss the first-half of the season having undergone surgery in August.
Havertz picked up a muscle issue earlier this month that was initially expected to rule him out of the derby but Arteta’s comments on Friday suggest he will at least be in contention to make the squad.
Leandro Trossard meanwhile picked up a knock at Molineux that forced him off that night. But the Belgium international is fit and available today.
Max Dowman is Arsenal’s only other absentee.
Arteta once again has a dilemma up front with Viktor Gyokeres enduring another tough evening up front midweek.
Gabriel Jesus replaced the Swede after 65 minutes that night but did little to strengthen his own case for a start.
Tottenham meanwhile will be without their suspended skipper Cristian Romero as a result of the red card he picked up against Manchester United.
Dominic Solanke missed two days of training this week but was back amongst his teammates on Friday.
Arsenal XI to face Tottenham – Metro prediction
Options in midfield for Arsenal have been limited with Mikel Merino possibly out for the rest of the season with a foot injury.
Martin Zubimendi struggled against Wolves and while the manager does have Christian Norgaard waiting in the wings, the Spain international will surely keep his place on a pivotal day at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Eberechi Eze’s woes have also continued – if Odegaard if passed fit, he will surely come in for the former Crystal Palace star.
Tottenham vs Arsenal TV channel, live stream and kick-off time
The north London derby kicks off today (Sunday 22 February) at 4:30pm.
You can watch the match live on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event with streaming also available through the Sky Go app and NOW TV for subscribers.
You can also follow all the action with Metro’s LIVE blog.
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