Arsenal and Tottenham are set to clash in the North London Derby on Sunday amid a severe injury crisis, with a combined 14 players likely unavailable. The match is crucial for both sides, with Arsenal chasing the Premier League title and Tottenham battling relegation concerns.
Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard are likely to return for Arsenal, while Leandro Trossard and Bukayo Saka are fit despite being withdrawn during the midweek draw with Wolves. However, midfielder Mikel Merino remains out after foot surgery, and academy talent Max Dowan is also sidelined with an ankle problem.
Tottenham interim manager Igor Tudor faces an even worse situation, with ten senior players injured. He revealed that training sessions have involved only 13 players. Dominic Solanke is expected to feature despite a throat issue, while Richarlison is back. However, Wilson Odobert, James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, Rodrigo Bentancur, Destiny Udogie, Ben Davies, Kevin Danso, Mohammed Kudus, and Lucas Bergvall are all unavailable. Cristian Romero is suspended.
The injury list for Spurs includes long-term knee problems for Maddison and Kulusevski, a hamstring issue for Bentancur, and an ACL rupture for Odobert. Tudor described the situation as “very rare” and hopes for returns after the international break. With so many absences, both teams will need to dig deep for the derby.
