Arsenal confirm Oleksandr Zinchenko, Thomas Partey and Kieran Tierney are back for Tottenham Hotspur clash
Oleksandr Zinchenko, Thomas Partey, and Kieran Tierney are back in the Arsenal team for the Tottenham Hotspur clash on Saturday at the Emirates.
Mikel Arteta confirmed the return of three of his starts from injury in his latest pre-match press conference (h/t Football.London). He was asked specifically if the trio is back in contention to feature in the north London derby, to which the Spaniard replied:
“They are part of the team.”
The Ukraine international has missed three out of Arsenal’s last four Premier League games due to fitness issues. Partey picked up a fresh problem during the international break after returning from an earlier injury and featuring in the 3-0 win against Brentford away from home.
However, it seems that the Ghana international is back in the squad to take on Spurs this weekend. This would be undoubtedly a boost for Arteta as he recognises the task that he faces tomorrow.
Tottenham are unbeaten in the league with 17 points from seven league games- the same as Manchester City and one less than the Gunners. When asked about Spurs’ start to the season, the former Man City assistant manager replied:
“Not only the start, the journey they’ve had since Antonio joined and how things have changed and the team that he’s building, and the very clear identity they have in their way of playing. Obviously we know that both teams expect a tough match tomorrow.”
Being part of the team doesn’t necessarily mean that the trio is match-fit to be named in the starting XI. Zinchenko arrived from the Etihad to the Emirates this summer and is seen as their first-choice left-back.
Partey, meanwhile, is their destroyer in midfield and there is no doubt that Arteta would feel more secure when the former Atletico Madrid man is playing in the centre of the park at full fitness.
More Tottenham News:
- Tottenham and Arsenal targeted striker Jonathan David before Richarlison and Gabriel Jesus transfers
- Tottenham Hotspur winger Dejan Kulusevski could miss Arsenal clash due to muscle injury
- Arsenal icon Martin Keown lavishes praise on Richarlison and Spurs frontline, makes Brazil comparison
Win tomorrow and Spurs can go top of the table if City drop points against Manchester United on Sunday.
