Ghana and Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey is set to undergo another scan this week ahead of Sunday’s North London derby.
Partey has missed the Gunners' last two games due to a thigh injury he sustained during the first half of last month’s 3-0 home defeat by Aston Villa.
The 27-year-old has yet to be given the green light to return to full training by the medical staff, but Mikel Arteta has revealed the midfielder is desperate to return to action.
'He has been training separately in the last week or so," said Arteta.
“We have to scan him again to see how he is feeling. He is a player that is so willing, that is pushing us every day because he wants to do it.
“At the same time, we have to protect and make sure that when he gets back in the team he is ready to do that and whatever extent of minutes we can use him.
“So this week is going to be crucial, the moment he starts to train in parts with the team. See how he is feeling and how he is evolving day to day.”
On Partey potentially facing Tottenham, Arteta added: "We don’t know.
"Again, he is really pushing. Every day he is trying to get around the doctor and the physios. He hasn’t trained with the team yet. So this week let’s see if he can get a session or two.
"We need to scan him again to see the extent of the injury and how it has healed. I know if it is, Thomas wants to play tomorrow! Then we have to see medically that he is safe to participate this week at all."