Arsenal team news: Wenger offers major injury update ahead of Tottenham clash

Arsenal take on Tottenham in the North London derby on Saturday 18 November at the Emirates.

The Gunners will be hoping to close the four point gap with their bitter rivals who are currently third in the Premier League.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger welcomes back several of his players who were on international duty including Mesut Ozil.

The playmaker of Turkish origin has returned to London and is expected to be match fit for the derby.

Nigeria international Alex Iwobi meanwhile will have a medical check to ensure he is available for the clash.

Wenger did also reveal in his pre-match press conference that long-term absentees Shkodran Mustafi and Danny Welbeck have a chance of returning to action.

Mustafi has been sidelined for Arsenal’s last seven games with a hamstring injury, while striker Welbeck has been out for 10 matches this season with hip and groin problems.

See More: ‘Wenger made me a man’ – Former Arsenal star urges fans to have patience for manager described as being more ‘special’ than Pep Guardiola

Wenger stated in his pre-match press conference: “We have some people coming in today like [Alex] Iwobi, we don’t know where they stand.

“We’ll have medical checks today.

“[Shkodran] Mustafi will have a final check tomorrow, [Danny] Welbeck as well. I will make decisions on them tomorrow.”

The Gunners could also be without striker Olivier Giroud who is unlikely to be fit after picking up a thigh injury while on international duty with France.

“Giroud picked up an injury, I don’t think he will be available. It’s short term, we have to assess him on Monday,” Wenger added.

England international Jack Wilshere meanwhile is close to making his first Premier League star of the campaign.

“To keep fit and work hard,” Wenger said.

“He’s on a plan. He’s very close. It’s just a question for me to start him, he’s ready to play.”