Thomas Partey, Kieran Tierney – Arsenal squad news and injury updates ahead of the North London Derby

Arsenal will aim to secure their first victory of the campaign in the North London Derby today as they face Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners enter the game after a great week that saw them defeat Burnley 1-0 in the Premier League, as well as beat AFC Wimbledon in Carabao Cup action.

After a victory at Turf Moor, the North Londoners are in 13th place in the table with a mouth-watering derby for the Gunners’ next mission. A win against Tottenham could even see Mikel Arteta’s side overtake their rivals in the table on goal difference.

That being said, here are the latest Arsenal squad news and injury updates ahead of hosting Spurs at Emirates Stadium.

Thomas partey

Thomas partey has struggled with a plethora of injury issues since arriving from Atletico Madrid in October 2020.

The Ghanaian vice-captain missed the first part of the current campaign after injuring his ankle in a pre-season friendly against Chelsea before coming back from the bench in the victory over Norwich earlier this season .

Partey started the game against Burnley before finally being replaced by Ainsley Maitland-Niles in the second half, limping off the pitch. However, Arteta assured fans that it was nothing serious.

In his pre-match press conference, Arteta has assured him that he is in the “best possible condition” that he can be in and that he is available this weekend.

Kieran tierney

Kieran tierney is another key member of the first team who often struggled to stay in shape during their two-year stint in north London.

The Scotland international has started all five of the Gunners’ Premier League appearances so far this season, although he has been substituted in two of them, most notably at Turf Moor.

“Once again he had a problem,” Arteta confirmed after the game. “I think he was having cramps. The ground was quite difficult today, it was quite long.”

The former Celtic defender has also been confirmed as fit to play against Tottenham.

Mohamed elneny

Elneny missed victory over Sean Dyche’s side last weekend with a hamstring problem, after injuring Brentford in a friendly during the international break.

An update on Arsenal.com read: “left hamstrings.” Mo has been working hard with the medical team after suffering hamstring strain and aims to return to full training next week.

That aforementioned period has now passed and Elneny was included on the bench against Wimbledon the last time around.

Granite Xhaka

The Switzerland international is now back after serving a three-match suspension after receiving a consecutive red card for a dangerous challenge in the 5-0 loss to Manchester City last month.

Xhaka then tested positive for Covid-19 during the international break, which caused him to miss Switzerland’s matches as he isolated himself in Basel.

Speaking ahead of Sunday’s clash, Arteta said of Xhaka: “He came back and he was flying because he really takes care of himself. He still trains. Like he always does, he was giving his maximum and the best possible attitude to compete and win matches. “

Rob Holding

Rob Holding missed the trip to Burnley after suffering a contusion to his right knee in training.

He progressed in his rehabilitation in training and came out of the clash with Wimbledon unscathed. He could be another to play against Spurs on Sunday.

Eddie nketiah

Graduated from Hale End Eddie nketiah now appears firmly back after recovering from his troublesome ankle problem.

The forward made his comeback for Arsenal’s Under-23s, while also managing to find the net against Wimbledon with a fantastic finish.