We are now into the final two weeks of the Premier League season and Arsenal are edging closer to a top-four finish for the first time in six years as Mikel Arteta's side are desperate to secure a place in next season's UEFA Champions League.
However, the Gunners haven't secured a spot in Europe's elite competition just yet, with Tottenham Hotspur sitting just four points behind their local rivals. To make matters more interesting, the two north London sides will face each other in N17 on Thursday night for one of the most highly-anticipated north London derbies in recent memory.
Ahead of Thursday's clash, football.london takes a look at the latest fitness problems facing Arsenal for the match.
Read more: Arsenal's final three Premier League fixtures compared to top-four rivals Tottenham and Chelsea
Ben White
White missed out on the 2-1 win at West Ham earlier this month, with Rob Holding replacing the England defender for the clash at London Stadium. The 24-year-old sustained an injury during the 3-1 win over Manchester United but was expected to be fit enough to feature against the Hammers.
He also missed the match against Leeds on Sunday afternoon before Arteta confirmed that he is hopeful the talented defender will be back to face Spurs.
What Arteta said when asked if he would be available for Thursday: "I think so, he’s been starting to do a little bit of work now on the pitch and we want everybody available because we know that game is so important"
Possible return date: Tottenham (a), May 12
Thomas Partey
The Ghana international has been sidelined with a thigh injury sustained during last month's 3-0 defeat at Crystal Palace. Arteta recently revealed that Partey’s situation is "progressing" but has refused to rule out that a return could be on the cards before the season ends.
football.london understands that Partey is taking part in individual training sessions each day with the target of being back in the first team squad within the "next few weeks".
A source told football.london that the current best case scenario for Partey would be the 28-year-old returning for the final game of the season against Everton on May 22. However, Arsenal’s medical staff are keen not to rush the midfielder back and complicate his recovery.
Possible return date: Everton (h), May 22
Kieran Tierney
The Scottish left-back will not feature again this season having undergone knee surgery.
Possible return date: Summer 2022
