This season’s first North London derby is just around the corner as Arsenal and Tottenham are launched straight back into action following the international break.
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta will be enthused by the news that injuries picked up on international duty by Kieran Tierney (head), Thomas Partey (knee) and Takehiro Tomiyasu (unknown) are only deemed to be minor, while Oleksandr Zinchenko could return to the side after a niggling calf problem.
While it remains to be seen whether the four main injury concerns are deemed fit enough to play in such a high-octane affair, the news is promising after what looked to be a selection headache for Arteta.
The Spaniard’s influence over his players seems to be a strong one, having opened a dialogue with Norway coach over proceeding with caution in regards to Martin Odegaard, while Tomiyasu and Tierney returned early from international duty.
𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐝𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬. 🔴⚪️
📺 Arsenal host Tottenham this Saturday live on BT Sport! pic.twitter.com/Pyq8LivF38
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) September 28, 2022
Meanwhile, key summer signing Zinchenko was unavailable for his native Ukraine, but Arsenal are reportedly hopeful that the left-back will be fit for this weekend’s clash, and Ben White’s absence from the England squad has allowed him to return to full fitness.
Elsewhere, Arteta will have to make do without Emile Smith-Rowe, who remains sidelined with another flare up of a persistent groin problem. However, fans will take comfort in captain Martin Odegaard’s return to the side, while £40m summer acquisition Fabio Vieira deputised with aplomb in the 3-0 drubbing of Brentford a fortnight ago.
Mohammed Elneny, Reiss Nelson and Cedric are also all still nursing injuries.
On the other side of North London, Tottenham manager Antonio Conte’s only real injury concerns are skipper Hugo Lloris, who pulled out of international duty with a thigh problem, while Ivan Perisic picked up a knock against Denmark after a heavy challenge with Spurs teammate Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, and faces a race against time to be fit.
Predicted Line-Ups
Arsenal: Ramsdale; White, Gabriel, Saliba, Zinchenko; Xhaka, Lokonga, Odegaard; Martinelli, Jesus, Saka.
Tottenham: Forster; Emerson, Romero, Dier, Sanchez, Sessegnon; Hojbjerg, Bentancur; Kulusevski, Son, Kane.
Get ready for what should be a fascinating North London Derby by taking a look at our guide to the best football betting sites.
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