Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur both received major injury boosts ahead of their crucial North London derby on Sunday.
Theo Walcott was pictured in full training for Arsenal along with Hector Bellerin and Nacho Monreal, who were still doubts earlier in the week. The Englishman’s fitness comes as a major boost to Arsenal, who are also missing Kieran Gibbs through a shoulder injury.
Arsene Wenger said earlier this week that Santi Cazorla would begin to train and would have a late fitness test ahead of the derby, but the diminutive Spaniard now looks set to remain on the sidelines after having missed the past two weeks with a thigh injury. Lucas Perez and Danny Welbeck also remain long-term absentees.
Theo Walcott has been in fine form this season, scoring 8 goals in 10 appearances across all competitions, and Wenger will be eager to start the winger if he is fit enough.
Tottenham have also been handed a major boost, with striker Harry Kane and Mousa Dembele likely to start. Kane has not featured since September after damaging his ankle ligaments in a 1-0 victory over Sunderland.
Pochettino had claimed earlier in the week that Kane would start on the bench, but has confirmed that Kane is also fit enough to start, according to the Standard.
“I need to decide whether it is starting XI or bench, but it would not be a risk to play him,” said the Argentine. “In football you can’t avoid all risks because it’s a contact sport, but the doctor said he is available to be selected and that is because there is no risk of injury.”
However, Spurs will be without centre-back Toby Alderweireld (knee) and winger Erik Lamela (hip) at the Emirates.