Mikel Arteta has provided an injury update ahead of Arsenal's clash against Tottenham Hotspur. The Gunners could be without a couple of big names when they lock horns with Igor Tudor's side on Sunday afternoon.
Martin Odegaard suffered a knee injury during the 1-1 draw to Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium last week. The midfielder subsequently missed the 4-0 home win over Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup and the trip to Molineux on Wednesday night.
Meanwhile, Kai Havertz has been nursing a muscle problem. The forward, who has only recently returned from a lengthy spell on the sidelines, suffered a hamstring injury during the 3-0 victory against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light at the start of February.
Speaking to reporters at the Sobha Realty Training Centre on Friday afternoon, Arteta claimed the duo will undergo a late fitness test. The Arsenal boss said: "We have to wait till tomorrow, there is a big possibility that they are available."
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Arteta also provided an update on Leandro Trossard, who appeared to suffer a head injury towards the end of the Wolves clash. The winger was forced to come off in stoppage time, and his replacement, Riccardo Calafiori, scored the own goal that levelled proceedings.
"Yes, he is fine," said the Spaniard. The Gunners will, of course, however, be without Mikel Merino, who recently underwent surgery on a foot injury, which could keep him out of action for the remainder of the season.
Earlier this month, Arteta confirmed that the midfielder will be unavailable for 'an extended period' and could return to full training before the end of the campaign. Nevertheless, Arsenal will plan to return to winning ways this weekend after a disappointing draw to Wolves.
Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal looks on after the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Arsenal at Molineux on February 18, 2026 in Wolverhampton, England
Arsenal squandered the chance to extend their lead in the title race on Wednesday night (Image: Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Manchester City could slash the Gunners' lead in the title race to just two points ahead of the North London Derby. On how his side have reacted to the setback, Arteta said: "What I have seen is a tremendous reaction and no surprise at all.
"When you lose points in a very unpredictable manner, is no one can really understand that. That was a chapter, chapter 27 says we draw against Wolves in this manner, what I am interested in is the next one. Writing our own destiny, life moves on."
The Arsenal boss added: "Not enough to the standards that we required. It's a shock to the system. We wanted to get the victory, we couldn't but we have to move on."
Arsenal were held to a 2-2 draw at Wolves on Wednesday
Arsenal were held to a 2-2 draw at Wolves on Wednesday (Image: Getty Images)
On the North London Derby, Arteta said: "It's the one we have after, but it's the one we cannot wait to play. If we could play today we would. But we will have to show on Sunday."
And on Igor Tudor, who was appointed interim Tottenham head coach ahead of the tie, Arteta said: "I think it has happened to us seven times to us this season. We will analyse what he's done in his career. But the main focus is on what we have to do to win the game."
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