Mikel Arteta is hoping for a double Arsenal injury boost in what is a pivotal Premier League title race clash against bitter riv
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: Getty Images)
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Arsenal and Tottenham head into the North London Derby with starkly different injury situations. The two bitter rivals are set to clash on Sunday afternoon, with three points crucial for both given their respective title ambitions and relegation fears. Mikel Arteta's side have been hampered from significantly less preparation time following their concerning 2-2 draw with Wolves on Wednesday evening.
Leandro Trossard and Bukayo Saka both required attention from medical staff during that fixture before being substituted. The Gunners boss has however confirmed both are available whilst also disclosing that Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard have a chance of returning.
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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."
As Arteta suggests, their involvement in Saturday's training session will likely determine their readiness with final fitness evaluations possibly needed for the duo. That won't be necessary for Mikel Merino, however, with the Spaniard a long-term absentee following an operation on his foot.
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Max Dowman is also expected to remain unavailable, despite Arteta confirming earlier this month that he would return to training shortly. The Arsenal youngster has been out of action for the previous two months with an ankle injury.
On the other side of north London, Igor Tudor is dealing with a squad almost as depleted by injuries as it is populated for training sessions. The club's new interim manager confirmed this worrying situation whilst also disclosing an additional fitness concern.
He said: "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."
Pedro Porro and Richarlison could potentially be back soon, with the latter spotted training at Hotspur Way earlier this week, although Tudor's remarks suggest they're not quite ready yet.
Dominic Solanke.
Dominic Solanke has struggled with his fitness this season. (Image: Getty)
Spurs will be desperate for Solanke to be fit for Sunday's match, especially after losing another striker to a severe injury last week when Wilson Odobert tore his anterior cruciate ligament. He joins James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski on the sidelines for an extended period due to knee issues.
Neither of these two have seen any competitive action this season, though both are hopeful of returning in May. Rodrigo Bentancur is looking at a similar recovery timeline, as the midfielder is currently rehabilitating from a hamstring injury.
However, the precise timing of his comeback remains unclear. What Tudor does know is when Cristian Romero will be available again.
The club captain is presently serving a four-match ban after receiving his second red card of the season against Manchester United, and is expected to be ready for the Liverpool away fixture in mid-March, assuming he suffers no fitness issues before then.
Tottenham are grappling with a defensive shortage, with both Destiny Udogie and Ben Davies sidelined. Kevin Danso is progressing towards full fitness from a toe problem ahead of the international break late next month.
Mohammed Kudus and Lucas Bergvall are expected to return at the same time.
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