Latest injury updates ahead of North London derby

Arsenal got a 4-1 win over Rapid Vienna in the Europa League which could be a confidence booster ahead of the crucial derby on Sunday.

The Gunners will travel to Tottenham to play the first North London derby of this season. The good news is the number of injured players has reduced.

Thomas Partey

Partey suffered a thigh injury before the international break against Aston Villa. His injury turned out to be more serious than expected and he has missed Arsenal’s last four matches.

He was ruled out until mid-December however, there has been a positive update from Mikel Arteta.

“Well, he’s putting a lot of pressure on us,” Arteta said when asked about him.

“He’s training tomorrow with us and let’s see how it goes in the next couple of days.”

Arteta highlighted before the Rapid Vienna game that he wants to be cautious with Partey’s situation.

“He’s been been training separately in the last week or so we have to scan him again to see how he’s feeling. He’s a player that’s so willing that he’s pushing us everyday because he wants to do it.

“At the same time we have to protect and make sure that when he gets back into the team he’s ready to do that to whatever extent that we can use him.

“So this week is going to be crucial, the moment he’s going to start to train with the team to see how he’s feeling and how he’s evolving day to day.”

Thomas Partey has a 50% chance of featuring on Sunday.

David Luiz

Luiz was involved in a nasty clash of heads with Wolves striker Raul Jimenez during last Sunday’s game.

During the game, Luiz was forced off at half time due to suffering a head injury, but he had carried on with blood oozing from his head bandage. While Jimenez was rushed to the hospital for surgery on a fractured skull.

“I think he will be fit to play if the scar is healing properly and he is comfortable heading the ball, there shouldn’t be any problems.” Arteta responded when asked about Luiz.

Luiz has a 75% chance of featuring on Sunday.

Gabriel Martinelli

The teenage star’s debut season has cut short after he suffered knee injury in June during a training session.

Martinelli is now involved in squad sessions and is aiming to participate in an under-23s match in the next few weeks.

It is possible we might get to see Martinelli in action before the end of 2020.

Possible return date: December 31

Nicolas Pepe

Not injured but remains suspended in the Premier League and will miss two more games in the League.

Possible return date: December 14