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Mikel Arteta will once more have to leave out several senior players in his Arsenal squad for the short trip across north London to Tottenham on Sunday. The Gunners are close to having a fully fit group available.

Outside of Jurrien Timber — who is yet to make a return to first-team action following his knee injury on the opening day — there are no fresh worries for Arteta to deal with. «Yeah, availability we mentioned before, that it was something key,» he said ahead of the match.

«Apart from Jurrien it's going to be very close that we have everybody available. That's a huge boost that elevates the training sessions, the competition, between the players and the alternatives to pick the right lineups to change the game. It’s going to be something very important.»

He added:«We are going to have to make that decision tomorrow after the training session [on Timber] It's very close. I don't know if it is going to come a bit too early this one, but is very close, I'd say.»

It leaves Arsenal in perfect condition to head into their toughest remaining league game. They have the chance to move five points clear of Liverpool with just three games left to go, and would extend the gap to Manchester City to four with a win, even if that is only temporary.

Tottenham will pose a defiant obstacle though as they seek to keep up the pressure on Aston Villa in fourth place in the hunt to secure Champions League qualification. Ange Postecolgou's side are able to welcome back some key players for the game as well in what is likely to be an eclectic atmosphere.

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Mikel Arteta Arsenal