Mikel Arteta confirms huge injury boost with key defender returning ahead of Tottenham game

Mikel Arteta has revealed first choice defender Ben White, who has missed the last two games due to injury, is back in training and could make the squad for their North London derby on Thursday.

The Gunners are cruising towards Champions League football after another win against Leeds put them a step closer, while Spurs, their main contenders for fourth spot, could only manage a point against Liverpool.

The North London clubs have been going at it for that prestigious Champions League spot and it now looks increasingly likely that the Gunners will get it, after they opened a four-point gap on Spurs over the weekend.

The defensive pair of Rob Holding and Gabriel got the job done with summer signing Ben White absent.

This was the second straight game White has had to miss after sitting out the win against West Ham last week.

Arsenal are already without the influential duo Kieran Tierney and Thomas Partey, with both not expected to play a part again this season.

But Arteta, who was excited after seeing his side hold out for another important win at home, said his impressive defender was back in training and has a decent chance of being a part against Spurs on Thursday night.

The Arsenal boss commented: “‘I think so. He’s been starting to do a little bit of work now on the training pitch.

“We want everybody available because we know that game is so important”.

Arsenal now know even a defeat against Spurs won’t be that devastating as they will still be a point up but they will like to make things comfortable knowing that a win will seal it for them.