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Just what you need ahead of what is the most important North London Derby for many years is doubts over the first XI, isn’t it? I was sure that the nerves ahead of tomorrow wouldn’t grow anymore, however, the pre-match press conference has somehow added to the stress of it all.
There was hope that Ben White would be fit and ready for the derby, but Mikel Arteta was unable to give assurances that Arsenal’s most expensive summer signing would indeed make it. He instead described the defender as a 'doubt' and also mentioned Bukayo Saka in his injury summary; likening his situation to White’s.
”Ben [White] he is still a doubt, we have to assess him and see how he is feeling, which is much better. With Bukayo [Saka] the same,” said Arteta. Adding, "Very difficult to rate with injuries. It's just how they feel today, that's the last day that we can assess them and try to get the feeling, basically."
Not what I needed, Mikel. However, in all seriousness, the Spaniard has been coping with numerous issues in the final run-in towards the end of the season.
Arsenal have had to contend with Thomas Partey, Kieran Tierney and Takehiro Tomiyasu all being out with the latter making his first start against West Ham United just over a week ago. This has cost the Gunners points yet Arteta’s team selection in their stead has turned the form and now the club finds itself four points