Mikel Merino looking the likeliest starter for Arsenal in the centre-forward role against Tottenham Hotspur as Viktor Gyokeres question mark remains after international break
Mikel Merino is becoming the likeliest candidate to start up front for Arsenal in the North London Derby. Tottenham Hotspur arrive at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday with injury concerns of their own to deal with.
Yet the Gunners have been experiencing something of a crisis while still sitting clear at the top of the Premier League table as they enter a defining week of their season. Spurs lead a three-game gauntlet, which includes Bayern Munich in midweek, before a trip to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea.
Having lost Viktor Gyokeres to injury at Burnley, the Swede continues his recovery after missing the international break with Sweden. However, football.london understands that optimism over a start against Tottenham has not grown over the break, and he remains a considerable question mark for the match.
Arsenal are inclined not to rush back any of their players, and were reminded of the caution that is needed during recovery after German boss Julian Nagelsmann revealed he was made aware Kai Havertz had suffered a setback in his own rehabilitation from knee surgery.
“Kai Havertz had [a] minor relapse on his injury, but overall he’s doing well,” he said. “He is expected to return towards the end of the year.” Now, November is of course at the end of the year too, although a December return could indeed look more likely at this stage.
Gabriel Jesus is back in training, but with such a shortage of options, Arsenal are keen to give the Brazilian maximum chances of returning to full fitness. Despite being shown clinically finishing chances in training sessions, an injury of his seriousness needs to be allowed the best chances to heal before being thrown into senior action.
Jurrien Timber, on his recovery, featured for the under-21s on a number of occasions before his return. Jesus did not play in their last game before the winter break last week, which could indicate how far he remains from making it back into the squad. This therefore leaves on more option, Merino.
Having come through both of Spain’s final World Cup qualifiers, without impressing in the same way as he had in October and September, Merino could be again, for the third straight match, the option at centre-forward. Andre Harriman-Annous is the youth starlet who is another option, but for the derby, Arteta is most likely to call on his experienced figurehead once again.
Fans should remember that Merino led the line at the end of the last season, including scoring against the then European champions Real Madrid in the 3-0 home victory. Merino cannot offer everything the typical striker can, but he remains a clinical finisher, and if Arsenal can get the ball to the Spaniard in a dangerous area, he could be the difference in the derby.
