Arsenal are likely to have Granit Xhaka available for selection against Tottenham, with the midfielder set to complete the last of his three-match suspension next week.
The Swiss international was handed a straight red card during The Gunners’ 5-0 thrashing at the hands of Manchester City, meaning Mikel Arteta would be without the midfielder for the next three games.
Xhaka completed the first of the three on Saturday, missing Arsenal’s first win of the season at home to Norwich City.
The 28-year-old will also miss the trip to Burnley this weekend, and will complete the final game of his suspension next week when Arsenal host Wimbledon in the Carabao Cup.
As such, the conclusion of Xhaka’s suspension will arrive just in time for the North London derby at the Emirates Stadium on September 26.
According to the FA, the rules state that suspensions from a red card will carry over across both the league and cup competitions, hence why he will become available to face Spurs.
Spurs Web Opinion
This will be news that shouldn’t unsettle Spurs really, who will likely be focusing on preparing for the big clash in their own way and not around Arsenal’s plans.
His incident against City will probably play in the mind of Arteta, who won’t have forgotten about it which contributed to the thrashing at the Etihad Stadium.