Gunners wait on key men

Arsenal will assess the fitness of several first-team players ahead of tomorrow’s north London derby against Tottenham.

They include striker Olivier Giroud (hamstring/calf) and winger Theo Walcott (buttock muscle). Midfielder Mikel Arteta (hip) is another causing concern, along with full-back Bacary Sagna (leg), but goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny is close to a comeback from his ankle problem and could be included in the team for the first time since September.

Midfielder Jack Wilshere will be available again after suspension.

Winger Gervinho (ankle), defender Kieran Gibbs (thigh), midfielder Abou Diaby (thigh) and Czech midfielder Tomas Rosicky (hamstring) all continue rehabilitation.

Provisional squad: Szczesny, Sagna, Vermaelen, Mertesacker, Santos, Wilshere, Cazorla, Arteta, Coquelin, Podolski, Walcott, Giroud, Mannone, Djourou, Jenkinson, Chamakh, Arshavin, Koscielny, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Ramsey.