Mikel Arteta provides Viktor Gyokeres debut latest as Arsenal boss delivers injury update on defensive duo ahead of North London derby

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has revealed that it is "possible" that Viktor Gyokeres could make his debut in Thursday's North London derby against Tottenham Hotspur. 

The Gunners are preparing for the final game of their pre-season tour of Asia, having already recorded narrow victories over AC Milan and Newcastle United.

Arsenal will be looking for another positive result in the first-ever North London derby to take place outside the UK.

They could mark the occasion by handing a debut to their star signing Gyokeres, who recently completed a £63.5m move from Sporting Lisbon.

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Arteta hints at Gyokeres debut

Gyokeres has only had a short time to prepare for the game after linking up with his new teammates on Sunday.

Arteta has revealed that Gyokeres could make his Arsenal bow on Thursday, although he insisted that a final decision had not been made over the player's availability. 

"He has only done today's session and yesterday very little," Arteta told reporters in Wednesday's pre-match press conference.

"We're going to assess tonight how he is. If the medical staff are pleased with his conditions, it is possible."

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Arteta delivers Calafiori, Gabriel injury update

The Arsenal manager also provided an injury update on Riccardo Calafiori and Gabriel Magalhaes, as he revealed the pair are both expected to sit out the derby clash.

Arteta said: "Everybody is going to be ok apart from big Gabi who is still out, and probably Riccy, it's probably going to be a bit too early,"

Calafiori picked up an issue in the 3-2 win over Newcastle in Singapore, while Gabriel has not played since he featured in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Watford earlier this month.

Once they have faced Tottenham, Arsenal will return home for their final two friendlies of pre-season against Villarreal and Athletic Bilbao.

The Gunners will kick off the new Premier League campaign with a game against Manchester United at Old Trafford on August 17.