Gary Neville suggests Arsenal should deploy player yet to play this season in midfield during north London derby amid suspension and injury troubles

Gary Neville has suggested that Jorginho should start for Arsenal in their Premier League clash against Tottenham Hotspur on 15 September. The pundit also lavished praise on the Italian midfielder.

The Gunners locked horns with Brighton & Hove Albion before the international break on 31 August. The north Londoners drew 1-1 against the Seagulls in a match that sparked controversy.

Kai Havertz opened the scoring with an excellent finish in the 38th minute, putting Arsenal 1-0 up at the break. Declan Rice, who picked up a yellow in the first half, was surprisingly sent off in the 49th minute after preventing Joel Veltman's attempted quick free-kick.

Joao Pedro then equalized for Brighton ten minutes later and the points were split between the two sides. Martin Odegaard suffered a blow to the ankle and there have been concerns over his fitness while on international duty with Norway.

Meanwhile, Arsenal summer signing Mikel Merino is also sidelined after he picked up a shoulder injury shortly after arriving in north London. Manchester United legend Gary Neville has offered Gunners boss Mikel Arteta a solution to his suspension and injury problems.

Speaking on the latest episode of Stick to Football, Neville said:

“Where I’ve seen older players work in central midfield is when they’re excellent on the ball and outstanding at controlling the game. Players like Jorginho, Pirlo, Scholes, and Xavi are so exceptional with their passing and their ability to play that they can get through the game by being unbelievable on the ball.”

Jorginho is yet to feature for the Gunners in the Premier League this season.

"I’m afraid that will be miles too many" - Paul Merson highlights concern over Arsenal's fixtures ahead of north London derby

Paul Merson is worried about Arsenal's upcoming list of fixtures ahead of the north London derby. The pundit believes the Gunners could suffer a massive blow in the title race if they drop points in their next two games.

Mikel Arteta's men will face Manchester City on 22 September in the Premier League after their clash against Tottenham. Arsenal are currently fourth in the league standings, two points behind league-leaders City.

Merson insists that the Gunners could fall behind too far on the table and struggle to catch up with Pep Guardiola's side should they drop points this early in the season.

He said on Sky Sports:

“I don’t think fixtures have been kind to Arsenal this season, you don’t want to be playing catch up with Man City. If they don’t win this game then lose to Man City, then they could be seven, eight, nine, points behind and I’m afraid that will be miles too many.”

The Gunners have recorded two wins and one draw so far this season.