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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Jurrien Timber progress

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."

Arsenal at full strength

As Timber nears a return, it is another illustration that the Gunners have resolved all other injury problems that have plagued the squad throughout the season. Thomas Partey made his fifth league start of the season against Chelsea after getting back to full fitness, while Oleksandr Zinchenko also featured off the bench.

Both Partey and Zinchenko were pictured at London Colney and Arteta will be glad to have almost every option at his disposal as Arsenal navigate their final four games in the title run-in.

Jorginho and Mikel Arteta

Jorginho was pictured in conversation with Mikel Arteta during Friday’s training session. The Italy international often helps the Gunners dictate the tempo of a game from midfield.

As one of the most experienced players in the Arsenal squad, it is clear that Jorginho understands what Arteta demands of his team and carries out the manager’s instructions on the pitch.

All smiles ahead of North London Derby

A lot has been said about how Arsenal will cope with the pressure of a title race, this time around. Heading to Spurs, at a pivotal time in the season for both clubs, could be seen as a prime opportunity for Arsenal to falter.

However, as shown by their emphatic win over Chelsea, the squad are embracing the situation. This was demonstrated in the training session as a team of Jurrien Timber, Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Jesus, Emile Smith Rowe, Reiss Nelson, Declan Rice and Jakub Kiwior were all smiles after winning a small-sided game.