Jorginho drops early Arsenal team news hint for Tottenham clash amid Thomas Partey dilemma

Mikel Arteta is facing three major Arsenal team selection decisions for Sunday's clash against Tottenham. Throughout the season, Arteta has made limited changes to his starting team with a core of 15 players often used which has resulted in injuries and a number of key players appearing fatigued.

The likes of Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Ben White have all been affected but their importance to Arsenal often requires all four to play every minute of every game. However, no injury problems are currently present for Arteta, with Jurrien Timber on the verge of a senior return, and that has presented the Arsenal boss with quite the dilemma.

"It's a good headache," Arteta said when asked about the problems he faces picking a team now everyone is fit. "You feel for the players because you see how much they want it, how much everyone wants to start and contribute to the team in the right way. It's always difficult, it's part of the job, but as well they're fully ready to come on the pitch however we need them to try to help us to win matches. Their spirit is very good."

Despite the options at his disposal, seven of the 11 places in his starting team to face Tottenham appear nailed down. Joining White, Rice, Saka and Odegaard will almost certainly be Gabriel, William Saliba, Kai Havertz and David Raya, with one spot in attack, midfield and defence up for grabs.

Gabriel Jesus, Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli are all vying to feature alongside Havertz and Saka in the front three. Of the trio, the Belgian international has impressed the most in recent weeks, however Arteta may opt for the speed and movement in behind of either Martinelli or Jesus against a high line.

At the back, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Jakub Kiwior and Oleksandr Zinchenko will all want to start at left-back with the midfield dilemma between Thomas Partey and Jorginho. Earlier this week against Chelsea, Partey started while the Italy international came off the bench and the reverse could happen on Sunday.

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Ahead of the derby, Jorginho has posted a pre-match video promoting the Tottenham clash, an action usually done by a player set for a prominent role, on his Instagram page.

Considering how Arteta has managed the minutes of both Partey and Jorginho, a starting Xi return for the latter appears likely. His involvement will see Havertz deployed in the false 9 role again with Rice given license to get forward and impact the final third when he can.