Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger says he has not yet decided whether Alexandre Lacazette will start against Tottenham.
The decision not to start with the striker for the recent defeat at Manchester City attracted criticism and many Gunners fans believe he should have a greater role.
Wenger kept his cards close to his chest when asked whether the summer signing would be selected for this weekend’s north London derby.
Speaking at a media conference on Thursday morning, Wenger said: “The decision is not yet made, but possibly – because he is available.”
But Wenger denied suggestions that he does not trust France international Lacazette to start in big games.
“No. Not at all. I have a big choice to make for every big game and a big decision up front,” Wenger said.
“He has played a lot of games. He didn’t play against City and I think that’s the only game he didn’t play.”
Wenger will assess the fitness of a number of players, including Shkodran Mustafi and Danny Welbeck, on Friday before deciding on his line-up for the Spurs game.
But Olivier Giroud is likely to miss out after picking up an injury.
“Mustafi will have a final check tomorrow, Welbeck as well. We will make decisions on all of them tomorrow,” Wenger explained.
“Giroud did pick up an injury. I don’t think he will be available.”