Arsenal vs Tottenham injury news as nine ruled out and one doubt for North London derby

Arsenal and Tottenham are now putting the final touches on their preparations for the North London derby.

Both sides have enjoyed fine starts to the new season, each winning all-but one of their games so far and drawing the other. Though, while both teams have beaten Manchester United, there is a feeling that a real litmus test is required, and Spurs and the Gunners will offer that test to each other at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

Ahead of the clash, both teams have injury issues, and Arsenal have their fair share.

The Gunners will be without Thomas Partey, who remains out for the time being. “Thomas for sure is out and the rest are hopefully available,” said Mikel Arteta in his pre-match press conference. Meanwhile, Mohamed Elneny is still recovering from a long-term injury, while Jurrien Timber is out until the spring at the earliest.

The big concern is Gabriel Martinelli, who picked up a muscular concern last time out. Asked about the forward’s fitness, Arteta said: “With Gabi we are still assessing him so let’s see if he can make the game or not.”

As for Tottenham, Ivan Perisic is out long-term after suffering an ACL injury, leading to surgery. Bryan Gil is out with a hamstring injury, and he joins Rodrigo Bentancur (knee), Ryan Sessegnon (hamstring), Alfie Whiteman (ankle) and Giovani Lo Celso (thigh) on the injury list.

Issuing an update, Ange Postecoglou said: “Everyone from last week is in a good space. In terms of longer ones, two or three weeks away. Bryan Gil, Lo Celso, Bentancur, hopefully over the next few weeks they will slowly get involved in training.”

On Perasic, he added: “Yeah, disappointing, first of all for Ivan more than anything else. Just one of those innocuous things that can happen in training. I’ve only worked with him for a while but you can see why he’s been at the top for so many years.

“It’s been really disappointing for us as well as because he’s been great for us and we don’t have a lot of experience in the group and he’s a real level head. He’s very strong-willed and I have no doubt that he’ll be back for club and country and stronger than ever.”