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Arsenal boss Arteta gives four-word answer on Ozil and Guendouzi ahead of Tottenham clash
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was reluctant to speak about Mesut Ozil and Matteo Guendouzi ahead of Sunday's North London Derby showdown with Tottenham.
Arsenal: Arteta says he has been ‘very open’ with Ozil
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta kept his cards close to his chest when asked if Mesut Ozil and Matteo Guendouzi might return to action against Tottenham on Sunday. Arsenal and Tottenham are gearing up for a North London Derby showdown which will have a big impact on the local rivals' respective hopes of securing European qualification for next season.
Arsenal sit eighth in the Premier League ahead of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium encounter, with Jose Mourinho's men a point and a place behind them.
The Europa League is in their sights, though, and both managers will be eager to have their strongest squads available to them during the all-important run-in.
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Playmaker Ozil has endured mixed form over the past couple of years but can still provide moments of magic when called upon.
The former Germany international has, however, been nursing a back problem which has kept him on the sidelines since the Premier League campaign resumed last month.
Guendouzi, meanwhile, has been training on his own after getting on the wrong side of Arteta due to his antics during the Gunners' recent 2-1 defeat to Brighton.
Arteta was asked whether the midfield duo might be involved against Tottenham on Sunday and gave just four words in response.
"No, no updates sorry," said the Spaniard, who replaced his compatriot Unai Emery at the helm last December.
Arsenal and Tottenham played out a thrilling 2-2 draw back in September, with goals from Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang cancelling out Christian Eriksen and Harry Kane's strikes.
Sunday's clash, like the rest of Arsenal and Tottenham's games since the Premier League restarted, will be played behind-closed-doors due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
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Arteta admitted it will be tough not having supporters cheering his side on during what he's described as a "special occasion".
"[Derbies] are all different, it depends a lot whether you win or lose, that's what makes it special," Arteta said.
"Obviously we have had some really nice ones playing them at the Emirates and beating them so I have some really good memories of that. It's such a special occasion.
"Rivalry in football, when you take it in a positive way, and that brings energy, that brings passion, that brings a city together. It's such a beautiful thing.
"We are privileged to have big teams in the city and it's a shame we don't have the fans to enjoy it with us."
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