Mikel Arteta confirms huge Arsenal injury news ahead of north London derby against Tottenham

Arsenal could be boosted by the return of defender Jurrien Timber from a long-term injury for the Premier League meeting with Tottenham Hotspur this weekend.

The Gunners look to continue their title push with another three points in the north London derby with a rampant Manchester City still favourites to claim yet another Premier League trophy under Pep Guardiola. An attacking-minded Spurs side won't be an easy task for Arsenal, who put five past Chelsea on Tuesday, but the team could be bolstered at the back.

Timber, who joined Arsenal from Ajax last summer, made his Premier League debut on the opening day against Nottingham Forest, but lasted just 50 minutes before limping off with a serious ACL injury. He hasn't played for the first team since.

However, the 22-year-old is now on the verge of a return having picked up minutes with the under-21 side this week - scoring a stunning goal on his return. In his press conference on Friday, Arteta was asked if the Netherlands star might make the first team squad for Sunday.

The Spaniard said: “We are going to have to make that decision tomorrow after the training session. It’s very close. I don’t know if it is going to come a bit too early this one, but is very close, I’d say.”

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Sunday's meeting will be the second time that Arteta comes face-to-face with Ange Postecoglou since the Australian took over at Tottenham Hotspur. The two sides shared a point when meeting at the Emirates Stadium in September.

Speaking on his opposite number, the Arsenal boss said: "Really impressive with what he has done. It's not a surprise, I know it from when he was in the Australian national team, when he was in Japan, I followed Celtic and he has always been super clear with the direction and identity of how his team plays. I love the way his teams play so I think he's been very good."