Arsenal and Tottenham contest the North London Derby on Sunday with 14 players expected to be absent as two stars face late fitness tests
Mikel Arteta is hoping for a double Arsenal injury boost in what is a pivotal Premier League title race clash against bitter rivals Tottenham
Mikel Arteta is hoping for a double Arsenal injury boost in what is a pivotal Premier League title race clash against bitter rivals Tottenham(Image: (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images))
View 2 Images
Arsenal and Tottenham approach the North London Derby facing vastly contrasting injury concerns. The two fierce adversaries are poised to meet on Sunday afternoon, with three points essential for both considering their respective title aspirations and relegation concerns.
Mikel Arteta's squad have enjoyed considerably less recovery time having battled to a 2-2 stalemate with Wolves on Wednesday evening. Leandro Trossard and Bukayo Saka were both withdrawn after treatment from physios during that encounter.
The Gunners manager has nevertheless confirmed both are fit whilst also revealing that Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard stand a strong chance of making comebacks. He said: "Well, we have to wait until tomorrow, but there is a big possibility that they [Havertz and Odegaard] are available for the game."
Across north London, Igor Tudor has almost as many senior players sidelined through injury as he has available for training sessions. The club's new interim boss confirmed this concerning situation whilst also revealing a fresh fitness worry.
He stated: "Very particular moment as you know this very rare situation that you find with 10 players injured, with big injuries also. We made training with 13 players. Probably no [for injury returns vs Arsenal]. Solanke, Dominic, had some problems with his throat, but he made today some training. So, all others, probably someone next week."
Dominic Solanke of Tottenham
Dominic Solanke is expected to feature for Tottenham against Arsenal despite dealing with an issue this week(Image: Joe Toth/Shutterstock)
View 2 Images
The club captain is currently completing a four-match suspension following his second red card of the campaign against Manchester United, and is set to be available for the Liverpool away fixture in mid-March, provided he avoids any fitness setbacks in the meantime.