Jorginho start hint, Timber return - spotted in Arsenal training ahead of Tottenham clash

Arsenal are preparing for a crucial North London Derby on Sunday. The Gunners will travel to Tottenham Hotspur and will hope to come away with more than just bragging rights as they face a test of their title credentials.

Mikel Arteta’s side sit in first place by one point after Manchester City, who have a game in hand, narrowed the gap with their convincing win over Brighton on Thursday. That puts pressure on Arsenal to earn a victory to maintain their lead, not that the Gunners should need extra motivation to get the better of their local rivals, following on from Arsenal’s 5-0 demolition of Chelsea.

The squad have been put through their paces at London Colney before the clash at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Here’s a closer look at what could be spotted in Friday’s training session.

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The defender has been sidelined since the first game of the season with an ACL injury but is getting closer to making a return. Timber was pictured taking part in full training and has seemingly progressed since Arteta suggested that the Dutchman would get up to speed by playing for the club’s U21 side.

On Friday, the Arsenal boss said: «Apart from Jurrien it's going to be very close that we have everybody available.» When pressed about Timber, Arteta added: «We’re going to have to make that decision tomorrow after a training session. It’s very close, I don’t know if this is going to come too soon for him, but he’s very close.»

As Timber nears a return, it is another illustration that the Gunners have resolved all other injury problems that have