Mikel Arteta gives positive Thomas Partey update ahead of North London derby

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has announced that midfielder Thomas Partey is in contention to play in the North London derby this Sunday.

Thomas, who joined the Gunners from Atletico Madrid in the summer, has not played in Arsenal's previous three matches because of injury.

Arteta had seemingly ruled the midfielder out of the match with rivals Tottenham Hotspur last week but the Arsenal boss has now confirmed that the Ghanaian could feature this weekend.

"He's been training separately in the last week or so and we have to scan him again to see how he's feeling," Arteta told reporters.

"He's a player that is so willing, that is pushing us every day and he wants to do it.

"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."

Thomas has played five times for the Gunners since his £45m transfer and last featured in the 3-0 loss to Aston Villa, although he was taken off at half time at the Emirates.