Mikel Arteta expects Ben White to be fit and available for Thursday's crunch north London derby in a huge boost for Arsenal.
The Gunners gave themselves a four-point lead over rivals Tottenham Hotspur by beating Leeds United 2-1 on Sunday, and head into the hotly-anticipated grudge match with the chance to secure Champions League football next season. On a less positive note, there were doubts that White would be involved after missing their last two matches with a hamstring injury.
But Arteta has now provided a promising update, having been asked whether the Arsenal defender will be in contention for their mouthwatering trip to Spurs. "I think so," the Gunners boss replied post-match. "He's starting to do a little bit of work on the pitch. We want everyone available."
As White watched on from the stands, Arsenal dispatched his former team - having spent the 2019-20 season there on loan - thanks to two goals from Eddie Nketiah in the first 10 minutes. The Gunners conceded late on to 10-man Leeds but held on at a nervy Emirates Stadium to make it four successive wins.
"We started extremely well. We were determined and created chance after chance. And then playing against 10 men it is always more complicated," Arteta told Match of the Day. "We controlled the game really well. It became nervy and you start to defend that result."
With the all-important Champions League qualification up for grabs, Arteta is well aware of the derby's magnitude in both camps. "We know that and we have earned the right to play that game in that context," the Spaniard affirmed.
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"We started the season with nine or 10 players out and playing the best two teams in Europe. Winning any match is extremely difficult. We are going to prepare for the game as best as can."
Two-goal hero Nketiah was also delighted with the result and his personal contribution, adding to Sky Sports: "It's always nice to score but it was a big three points. We've been working hard and want to get it for the fans. It's amazing to get the three points, it moves us closer to our objectives.
"We had a few chances in the first half to kill the game but we obviously didn't take them. They are a good side, they are fighting for their lives down there and we knew that they were going to push. They troubled us in the second half but showed good resilience to stay with it and get the three points which is most important."
