Four injured Arsenal stars in line to return to squad for Saturday’s north London derby

Arsenal are hopeful that four of their injured stars will be back and available to face Tottenham in Saturday’s north London derby – though Cedric Soares has now picked up a knock.

Arsenal news, exclusives and analysis

The Gunners have a number of fitness issues going into the weekend, with Kieran Tierney and Thomas Partey both forced to withdraw from international duty in the past week.

Takehiro Tomiyasu also returned to London Colney early after playing for Japan against the USA, while Oleksandr Zinchenko was not even able to link up with Ukraine after sustaining a calf problem.

But, according to Football London, all four players are close to returning and could be involved against Spurs in Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off.

Tierney was only released by Scotland as a precautionary measure after suffering concussion against Ireland and Arsenal have received positive news that he should be fine to play.

The other trio of Tomiyasu, Zinchenko and Partey are still being assessed by Arsenal’s medical team but they remain hopeful they will be passed fit to make Saturday’s matchday squad.

Despite being called up by Ghana and travelling, Partey did not play a minute for his nation after picking up a knee injury.

Speaking after Partey left the squad prior to last week’s clash with Brazil, Ghana boss Otto Addo said: ‘Hopefully Thomas will be healthy very, very soon.

‘We didn’t want to take that risk in a friendly game to play him against Brazil, but surely playing a player like him against a squad like Brazil would have been helpful.’

William Gallas reveals 'problem' for William Saliba at Arsenal

Mikael Silvestre explains why Arsenal could be in 'trouble' for north London derby

Jamie Carragher tips Arsenal to challenge Man City for title ahead