Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Jurrien Timber is closing in on a return to the Arsenal first team ahead of their clash with Spurs in the North London Derby.

The Dutch international has been out since the opening weekend of the Premier League season with an ACL injury. He has been in training with the first team for a few months now though and made a huge step up in his recovery by featuring for the Under-21s against Blackburn on Monday night. The game went superbly for Timber who scored within 10 minutes of coming.

"It felt amazing, it felt like everything we worked for in the eight months out," the 22-year-old said after the game at Ewood Park. "It’s been eight months, you know. To be honest, I still don’t really know how to feel, but just being out there feels amazing. Even now, it feels strange for me as well. It's amazing, it's been eight months. I feel happy, feel blessed to be out there and it was nice scoring a goal as well."

There is now a hope that he could be involved for Sunday's clash at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Speaking ahead of the game, Arteta refused to rule it out.

"We are going to have to make that decision tomorrow after the training session," the Spaniard said. "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."

Timber is the only player who is a doubt for Arsenal heading into the game. Gabriel appeared to struggle with an injury towards the end of Tuesday's 5-0 win over Chelsea, but should be fine.

Spurs, however, are set to be without Destiny Udogie, Fraser Forster, Oliver Skipp, Ryan Sessegnon and Manor Solomon. Pedro Porro and Richarlison are set to be available for Ange Postecoglou's side.

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