Toko Koga and Maika Hamano are back in contention for Saturday’s north London derby after their Asian Cup success with Japan.
The duo played a significant part in their nation’s triumph in the Asian Cup as they defeated host nation Australia 1-0 in the final of the competition last weekend, with forward Maika scoring the winning goal.
Now, after a winners welcome back at Hotspur Way earlier this week, Martin Ho confirmed that the pair are available for selection for this weekend’s clash against Arsenal at Emirates Stadium after a full week of training with the squad.
“They have been really good,” he told the media, speaking in his pre-match press conference. “They came back the other day and trained with the squad, in good spirits. When you come off the back of winning a tournament, it brings back belief, confidence and motivation but also that mentality. We want to make sure we use that energy and that enthusiasm at the weekend.”
He went on to later confirm that defender Ella Morris, who has been out for nearly 10 months with an anterior cruciate ligament injury, could be in contention to be selected in the matchday squad this weekend – but his decision will be made later today.
When asked about Ella’s inclusion, he said: “After today, I will make a decision on the squad for the game, so if everyone’s available after they come out of training then I will make that decision on the squad and the starting eleven and by doing that, Ella puts herself in that contention to be selected in the squad.”