Arsenal and Tottenham contest the North London Derby on Sunday with 14 players expected to be absent as two stars face late fitness tests
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 Leandro Trossard and Bukayo Saka were both withdrawn after treatment from physios during that encounter.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."
As Arteta indicates, either participating in training on Saturday will probably dictate their availability with late fitness assessments potentially necessary for the pair. That won't be required for Mikel Merino, however, with the Spaniard a prolonged injury casualty following surgery on his foot.
Max Dowman is also anticipated to be unavailable despite Arteta revealing earlier this month that he is scheduled to rejoin training imminently. The Arsenal academy talent has been sidelined for the past two months with an ankle problem, though has been spotted back in training ahead of the clash.
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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."
Pedro Porro and Richarlison could potentially return soon, with the latter seen back training at Hotspur Way earlier this week, though Tudor's comments suggest neither are quite ready yet.
Spurs desperately need Solanke fit for Sunday's clash, particularly after losing another forward to a serious injury last week when Wilson Odobert ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament. He becomes the latest player to join James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski in facing an extended spell out with knee problems.
Neither of that pair have featured in competitive action this campaign, though both hope to be back before May concludes. Rodrigo Bentancur faces a similar timeframe, with the midfielder currently recovering from a hamstring problem.
However, the exact timing of his return remains uncertain. What Tudor does know is when Cristian Romero will be back in contention.
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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.
Spurs are facing a defensive personnel crisis, with both Destiny Udogie and Ben Davies unavailable. Kevin Danso is working towards recovering from an unusual toe injury before the upcoming international break, which begins late next month.