Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has provided the latest fitness update on his first-team squad ahead of the North London Derby against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

The Gunners are hopeful that key midfielders Martin Ødegaard and Kai Havertz could return to action after missing the last two matches, raportos alldaysport.net

“Well, we have to wait until tomorrow, but there is a big possibility that they are available for the game.”

Positive news also surrounds winger Leandro Trossard, who is expected to be fit for the derby despite being forced off during the 2-2 draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Like Trossard, Bukayo Saka also left the pitch early at Molineux, but he is set to make his first appearance since signing a new contract when Arsenal face Spurs.

“Bukayo’s news, obviously, is great, he’s one of our own. We are very happy that the players are feeling in such a strong way about the club. We’ve got him here since he was very, very little. For him to make that decision and the club to be so aligned with him, I think that’s a really positive thing.”

With both Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz potentially available, Arteta was asked about the possibility of deploying both in the number 10 role.

While the manager is open to the idea, he stressed the importance of managing player minutes carefully after injury layoffs.

“We can; it depends as well on the availability of the players in terms of the load we can absorb. Bukayo was okay to start the game (against Wolves) but we knew that he could not finish the game so we had to get him out. He was going to start to cramp or take a risk with the previous injury and we didn’t want to do that. So, depending on the state of the players, how much we can use them.”

With key players potentially returning, Arsenal will hope to field a strong squad as they look to claim bragging rights in the North London Derby./ALLDAYSPORT/