Wenger: Mertesacker and Gibbs will be fit for Tottenham clash

Arsene Wenger

Arsene Wenger stated he expects Per Mertesacker and Kieran Gibbs to return for Arsenal in Saturday's north London derby clash with Tottenham, regardless of missing Tuesday's League Cup defeat to Southampton.

Minor difficulties saw Mertesacker and Gibbs miss the cup clash with Saints, forcing Wenger to name an inexperienced defence that included 19-year-olds Hector Bellerin and Isaac Hayden.

Nacho Monreal's continued absence meant Calum Chambers was the only standard starter named by the Frenchman but the youngster had only made seven earlier appearances given that joining from Southampton.

Arsenal's young side were beaten 2-1 by Ronald Koeman's guys but Wenger said he is confident his experienced duo of Mertesacker and Gibbs is going to be fit to face Spurs on Saturday.

"They will likely be alright," Wenger stated of the defensive duo. "We are a little short, yes, as a result of the injuries we have. Gibbs had just a little hamstring dilemma and we couldn't play him.

"Mertesacker can be a bit on the edge, and then we have no decision."

Wenger's selections in defence had been further decreased on Monday when France international Mathieu Debuchy was ruled out for three months following surgery on his left ankle.