Mikel Arteta has made a U-turn over whether Thomas Partey can play in the north London derby, saying the Arsenal star is now in contention.
Partey, who joined the Gunners in the summer from Atletico Madrid, has not played in Arsenal's past three matches because of injury.
Arsenal have missed the £45million signing dearly, and fans were keen to get Partey back in the middle of the park for their clash with bitter rivals Tottenham.
But Arteta seemingly ruled the midfielder out for the foreseeable on the weekend, saying: "I don't think he will be with us in the next few games."
Partey still appears unlikely to start for the Gunners, but Arteta has now confirmed the summer signing is back in contention, revealing Partey wants to play.
"He's been training separately in the last week or so and we have to scan him again to see how he's feeling," said Arteta.
"He's a player that is so willing, that is pushing us every day and he wants to do it."
Whether Arsenal manager Arteta will pick Partey just because he's keen to get back on the pitch remains to be seen.
When asked if he will feature against Spurs, Arteta added: "We don't know.
"He is really pushing every day and he's trying to get around the doctor and the physios but he hasn't trained with the team yet so let's see this week if he can get a session or two and then assess him."
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