Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed a double fitness boost ahead of the Premier League derby against Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday.
The Gunners are presently six points behind leaders Liverpool, who have a game in hand. They need to beat Spurs tomorrow to stay in the pursuit of the top-flight title.
Ahead of the game, Arteta has provided positive news on the fitness front. Jorginho and Jurrien Timber were substituted with potential injury scares against Manchester United.
However, the manager has clarified that the duo were only cramping and should be fine for the north London derby, he told Arsenal.com: “He was cramping when we were playing extra-time.
“Jurrien [Timber] was exactly the same, so we had a few players struggling to finish the game. He’s fine.”
The Spaniard added that Riccardo Calafiori has a minor injury concern and needs to be assessed after missing the FA Cup third round tie against the Red Devils over the weekend.
He added: “His thing is not much, but again, we need another day or two.
“We’ve been playing every three days and 24 hours becomes really important because they are not long-term injuries, in that case for example.
“We will have more understanding this afternoon.”
There is, however, disappointing news with Gabriel Jesus set to be ruled out for the remainder of the campaign after picking up an anterior cruciate knee ligament injury against United.
Arsenal have had a mini-slump with three winless games in all competitions, but they still have plenty to play for. They must beat their arch-rivals to stay in the league title hunt.
Spurs’ attacking brand of football should provide scoring opportunities for the Gunners, but the big question remains whether they can capitalise and find the back of the net.
Arsenal have scored just one goal from their last 8.23 xG, and must be more clinical with their chances in the derby.
Kai Havertz is expected to lead the line and has the opportunity to redeem himself after a tough FA Cup third round tie. He missed two golden chances and a penalty in the shoot-out.
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