Mikel Arteta has admitted that he expects Ben White to be fit for the all-important north London derby on Thursday.
The match on Thursday is arguably one of the biggest north London derbies in decades, with the two sides going head-to-head for the final Champions League qualification spot.
With Arsenal beating Leeds on Sunday following Tottenham’s draw at Anfield on Saturday, the Gunners now sit four points above their rivals going into the clash.
That means that a win for Arsenal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium would see them seal Champions League qualification and would ensure they finish above Spurs for the first time since 2016.
On the other hand, a win for Antonio Conte’s men will see them close the gap to just two points, leaving it with all to play for in the final two matches of the season.
Arteta has now revealed that he expects White, who missed Arsenal’s last two matches against West Ham and Leeds with an injury, to be fit for the clash at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
When asked about the centre-back’s fitness, the Gunners boss told Football.London: “I think so [he’ll be available against Tottenham]. He’s starting to do a little bit of work on the pitch. We want everyone available.”
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Spurs Web Opinion
The one big advantage that Arsenal have heading into the derby is the fact that they do not have to come out and attack us since a draw will be a fantastic result for them.
That means that they can afford to sit deep and the onus will be on Spurs to play on the front foot. Under Conte, we have tended to struggle against teams who do not commit bodies forward.
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