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Ange Postecoglou could be without another senior Tottenham star for this weekend's North London Derby against Arsenal. Richarlison, Dominic Solanke and Micky van de Ven all missed the 2-1 defeat to Newcastle before the international break but there is significant hope the latter duo will return on Sunday.

Solanke suffered an ankle injury on his debut against Leicester with Van de Ven picking up a freak knee injury the following week against Everton. Postecoglou described the issues for both as not serious with the two-week break allowing them further time to recover.

As for Richarlison, a return for the clash against Spurs' bitter rivals seems unlikely going off Postecoglou's admission. When delivering the latest team news before Newcastle, he told SPURSPLAY. "The only other one we got midweek is Richarlison, who unfortunately picked up an injury in training, so he'll probably miss the next few weeks."

Alongside those three recent absences, Postecoglou could be without a key midfielder. While in action for Mali, Yves Bissouma was subbed off in the 65th minute of the AFCON qualifier against Eswatini, though his early goal sealed a needed victory for his nation.

Since missing the first game of the season because of an internal suspension, Bissouma has started the following two games which included a stunning goal in the 4-0 win over Everton. In terms of potential replacements, Rodrigo Bentancur seems the most natural option to fill in at the base of midfield.

While Bissouma could yet feature, Arsenal seemingly know that three of their midfielders will miss the game. Summer signing Mikel Merino is injured, Declan Rice is suspended and now Martin Odegaard could be absent after suffering a freak ankle injury on international duty with Norway.

Early estimates suggest he could be out for at least three weeks which clearly makes it extremely unlikely he plays this weekend. Both Arteta and Postecoglou will hold press conferences later this week and it is undoubtable that injury news will be the big topic.

Listen to the latest episode of Gold & Guest Talk Tottenham! Click here for in depth Spurs chat on your preferred podcast platform.

Arsenal have learned the news that they feared after the international break - Martin Odegaard will not be fit to face Tottenham Hotspur in the North London Derby.

That is according to the Norway team doctor at least. Odegaard limped off injured during Norway's 2-1 win over Austria in the Nations League on Monday night.

He was seen boarding a plane for London on crutches, with no shoe on his left ankle, seemingly proving the injury was serious. And Norway team doctor Ola Sand has delivered an update on the Gunners skipper.

Speaking to Norwegian newspaper VG he said: "Such ankle injuries often take at least three weeks. Anything other than that is just a bonus and then it can take longer.

"What we have so far obtained from the MRI examination in London is that there is probably no fracture in the ankle. It is always a bit difficult to interpret an MRI scan when you have had an old injury, but Arsenal are almost certain there is no breach, but this may still take some time."

The Norwegian team were even concerned that Odegaard may not be available to play during the October international break, with games against Slovenia and Austria again on October 10 and 13 respectively. Those matches are four weeks away.

If Odegaard is indeed out for three weeks and does not play before that international break, he will miss not only the North London Derby with Tottenham this weekend, but Atalanta in the Champions League next week, Manchester City in the Premier League, Bolton in the Carabao Cup, Leicester City in the Premier League and Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.

That would take him to three weeks and he could return to action, all being well, for the Southampton Premier League clash on October 5. He may not be risked though, with that the only game before the next international break.

If he were to return after that October break, his first match back would be against Bournemouth away on Saturday, October 19.

The international break has officially finished after the last round of fixtures were played in the early hours of Wednesday. Arsenal players representing their nations will begin travelling back to London today and the majority will likely return to the Sobha Realty Training Centre on Thursday.

Mikel Arteta will want to have at least a couple of full days with his squad as they prepare for the first North London Derby of the season. The Gunners travel to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday knowing a win is needed to keep pace with Manchester City and Liverpool at the top of the Premier League.

Ahead of the clash, however, Arteta and his coaching staff have a number of issues to sort out and decisions to make. Below, football.london takes a closer look at the dilemmas facing Arteta and the Gunners ahead of Sunday.

Calafiori doubt

It's unclear at this stage if Riccardo Calafiori will be fit in time for the North London Derby after the defender hobbled off while playing for Italy against France last Friday and subsequently left the Italian training camp. The 22-year-old returned to London over the weekend and continues to be assessed by Arsenal's medical staff.

Calafiori is yet to start for the Gunners since making the move from Bologna, although he has been brought on in the previous two games against Aston Villa and Brighton & Hove Albion. He had been in contention to start at left-back against Tottenham prior to his injury on international duty but is now a doubt for the clash.

Arteta does have Jurrien Timber and Oleksandr Zinchenko capable of playing at left-back against Tottenham, while Jakub Kiwior can also play on the left side of defence. Any one of Dejan Kulusevski, Brennan Johnson or Wilson Odobert will likely line-up on the right wing for Spurs on Sunday so whoever plays at left-back for Arsenal will need to be at their best. Whether that is Calafiori remains to be seen.

Rice replacement

One player who will definitely miss the clash at Tottenham is Declan Rice. The midfielder was sent off against Brighton before the international break, controversially being shown a second yellow card in the second half for kicking the ball away from Joel Veltman as the defender went to take a quick free kick.

Probably Arteta's biggest decision ahead of the derby, the Spaniard must decide who he throws in to replace the England international. Jorginho is one option, although the Italian is yet to play a single minute this campaign.

Another option is to drop Kai Havertz back and play the German in one of the No.8 roles. This may rely on the fitness of Gabriel Jesus, however, who is nursing a groin injury himself.

Odegaard worry

One of the biggest worries to come from the international break was the news Arsenal captain had sustained an injury while playing for Norway. The 25-year-old limped off against Austria on Monday night and the following day was pictured boarding an aeroplane on crutches and no shoe on his left foot.

The former Real Madrid man is currently being assessed by medical staff but the extent of the damage is as of yet unclear. Norway manager Stale Solbakken and national team doctor Ola Sand have expressed fears that Odegaard could be ruled out for at least three weeks, although this has not been confirmed by Arsenal. This would mean Odegaard misses the clash at Tottenham as well as the Champions League opener against Atalanta and the crucial clash with Man City on Sunday, September 22.

If Odegaard is indeed ruled out of Sunday's clash, Havertz dropping down to midfield feels inevitable given there is already the aforementioned Rice suspension to deal with. Arteta also has 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri who is capable of playing in Odegaard's position in the Arsenal midfield, although it would be a huge ask for the teenager given it is a North London Derby and he is yet to start a senior game.

Leandro Trossard is perhaps a wildcard option, with the Belgian having experience of playing slightly deeper. A lot will depend on the next 72 hours and how quickly Odegaard recovers and it's likely Arteta waits until the last possible moment before ruling his captain out.

Striker question

With Havertz possibly moving into midfield, Gabriel Jesus could come back into the side if he is fit. The Brazilian has not featured since the 2-0 opening day win against Wolves after sustaining a groin injury in training. The 27-year-old was said to have returned to training over the international break, however, so it's possible he is handed a start against Tottenham in the central striker role.

If Jesus is not fit enough, Trossard is an option if he is not played in midfield. New signing Raheem Sterling is also capable of playing in the No.9 role and it may have been something the former Manchester City and Liverpool man was working on with Arteta given he was not called up by England.

Arteta really does have a lot of decisions to make between now and Sunday. The Spaniard will provide clarity on some of the above issues during his pre-match press conference on Friday but, for now, only time will tell on his team selection for the North London Derby.

Mauricio Pochettino could make a sensational return to Tottenham. That is according to ex-Spurs star Danny Rose, who says he was convinced his former coach would fill the vacant managerial spot at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last summer before Ange Postecoglou's appointment.

On Tuesday, Pochettino was announced as the US national team's new head coach ahead of the 2026 World Cup, making a Tottenham homecoming in the near future unlikely. The Argentinian, 52, also burned a few bridges by taking a job at rivals Chelsea last year, but Rose thinks it'll be water under the bridge if Spurs ever reach out to him again.

"I definitely thought that pre-Chelsea, [Mauricio] Pochettino could return to Tottenham," Rose said on the In The Zone podcast. "I don't think that him going to Chelsea for a year hinders that happening again in the future.

"Although it's another [two] years until the next World Cup and hopefully, he's going to see it out with managing the USA. Of course, anything can happen in the next four years, but before he went to Chelsea, I thought it was nailed on that he probably would have gone to Spurs before Ange. I still believe that he will return to Tottenham as manager one day."

Pochettino spent five-and-a-half years as Tottenham boss. Appointed in 2014, he quickly silenced doubters; as Tottenham's 10th gaffer in a dozen years, many predicted a brief stay.

Under his stewardship, the Lilywhites emerged as Premier League challengers within just a season, and he transformed figures like Harry Kane and Dele Alli into household names. His efforts paid off, earning Tottenham second spot in the 2016/17 Premier League a pinnacle not reached for over five decades and a memorable final campaign at the old White Hart Lane without defeat.

His tenure peaked with the unforgettable journey to the Champions League final in 2019, although that match ended in heartbreak against Liverpool. He was sacked just five months later.

Rose, 34, was a mainstay in Pochettino's side throughout his stint in north London. The former England international made over 200 appearances for Spurs - the bulk of which came under Pochettino.

After leaving Tottenham, Pochettino was appointed head coach of PSG in January 2021. There, he won the Ligue 1 title and the Coupe de France, but he lasted less than 18 months in the job.

In 2023 he joined Chelsea in a move that many Spurs fans viewed as a betrayal. However, he only lasted one season at Stamford Bridge, with the Blues opting to part ways with the former Espanyol defender back in May.

Former Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino has been appointed the new boss of the United States national team.

Pochettino's return to management is his first appointment since he departed Stamford Bridge at the end of last season. The Argentine came to an agreement with the Chelsea boardroom to leave the club after the Blues finished sixth in the Premier League.

They would have qualified for the Europa League with that finish had it not been for Manchester United winning the FA Cup. That result meant Chelsea dropped into the Conference League for the first time.

After his decision to leave Chelsea was announced, Pochettino posted this message on social media: "To the owners, the sporting directors we appreciate the opportunity to return to the Premier League at this great club and for the support you gave us, as well as from all the players, staff and fans - thank you. We understand how important this football club is to you all and that is why we work so hard to give you a Chelsea you can be proud of.

"I am so pleased with the level the team reached and the way the players and staff have all worked so hard to increase their standards, they deserve great credit and I hope you felt that too in how they performed on the pitch. We know there have been ups and downs but we always believed in this team and that we would arrive at a consistent level.

"I believe the experiences of this season and big improvement we saw, I hope will only make the players stronger for the future. It has been a pleasure to work with them all and we appreciate the strong bonds we created in this last year together."

Joining the United States set-up will be Pochettino's first foray into international management. He had been linked with replacing Gareth Southgate when he inevitably stepped down as England boss after Euro 2024 but the FA chose to give Lee Carsley the role on an interim basis.

A move to United was also speculated as pressure grew on Erik ten Hag, however Ineos decided to stick with the Dutchman after weighing up their options. Pochettino has signed a deal which shall see him lead the US team into their home World Cup in 2026 and replaces Gregg Berhalter in the job.

Berhalter left his position this summer after his team failed to qualify out of their group at Copa America, finishing below Uruguay and Panama in Group C.

Speaking after being confirmed as their new head coach, Pochettino said: "The decision to join U.S. Soccer wasn't just about football for me; it's about the journey that this team and this country are on. The energy, the passion, and the hunger to achieve something truly historic here - those are the things that inspired me.

"The opportunity to lead the US Men's National Team, in front of fans who are just as passionate as the players, is something I couldn't pass up. I see a group of players full of talent and potential, and together, we're going to build something special that the whole nation can be proud of."

Tottenham have plenty of young players out on loan right now but one of them is going under the radar with a bright future ahead of him.

All eyes at the club have been on the teenagers in and around Ange Postecoglou's squad, including the new arrivals this summer in Lucas Bergvall, Archie Gray and Wilson Odobert as well as academy products Mikey Moore and Will Lankshear. Spurs also have plenty of much-written about youngsters on loan such as Jamie Donley, Dane Scarlett, George Abbott and Alejo Veliz.

However, one player who the Tottenham fans might not be aware of just how well he's doing is Matthew Craig. The 21-year-old defensive midfielder was out on loan last season at League Two side Doncaster Rovers and he was a major part of their run to the play-offs, playing 20 matches for them and earning plenty of plaudits.

This season Craig, who was handed his Premier League debut in the final game of the 2022/23 season by Ryan Mason, has been sent to the next level up on loan at Barnsley in League One.

The young Scotland U21 midfielder appears to have settled in quickly and has started every game he's been available for, around a minor calf injury, again earning praise for his performances.

In the latest episode of Gold & Guest Talk Tottenham, our Spurs correspondent Alasdair Gold discussed Craig's impressive year with head of football.london Lee Wilmot, filling in for the holidaying Rob Guest. On the podcast, the duo also discussed the other Tottenham players out on loan, Postecoglou's decision to leave Djed Spence out of his Europa League squad and the upcoming North London Derby.

You can listen to the latest episode of the podcast by heading right here or you watch the show on YouTube by going here.

Listen to the latest episode of Gold & Guest Talk Tottenham!Click here for in depth Spurs chat on your preferred podcast platform.

It has been a slightly frustrating start to the season for Tottenham Hotspur, who have struggled to convert all of their good performances into results.

One win in three games probably does not do justice to the dominance they showed at times against Leicester City and Newcastle United. In both matches, Spurs had their opposition pinned back for long periods but were unable to fully capitalise on the chances that came their way like they did in the 4-0 victory over Everton.

While Spurs spent big to land Dominic Solanke in the summer, the forward’s early-season injury has perhaps showcased a lack of depth in that position, with Ange Postecoglou’s side only getting three of their nine shots against Newcastle on target.

As such, despite Solanke’s arrival in the summer, the striker position is one that Spurs fans feel need to be strengthened some more in January. In a recent football.london poll, 28% of respondents wanted to see Spurs target a new forward in January, with a further 22% wanting to see full-backs targeted and 21% keen on a new central midfielder.

Those sorts of numbers show that, while there’s not one overwhelming area that’s in desperate need of strengthening, Spurs still feel a bit light in some parts of the pitch.

With the likes of Timo Werner, Richarlison and Son Heung-min very much being in the mould of attackers rather than strikers, Spurs may look to use January to bring a back-up for Solanke to the club - or even someone that can challenge the ex-Bournemouth star for a first-team spot.

However, doing so could be a difficult prospect in January, with clubs typically having to pay over the odds to sign new players mid-season. So, who should Spurs target as a forward, or should they keep their powder dry until next summer? Have your say in the poll below.

Chelsea will be hoping for a return to winning ways this weekend against Bournemouth following September's international break. The Blues lost their Conference League second leg play-off to Servette, but still qualified on aggregate, before dropping points against Crystal Palace just a few days later.

From their three league outings, Chelsea have picked up four points and they will be hoping that total improves significantly before the next two-week break. Rotation taking place over the next few looks likely with the Blues also having to play Carabao Cup matches and their first few European fixtures, too.

The latest international break has been fairly kind to Enzo Maresca with none of his players picking up significant injuries. However, both Cole Palmer and Malo Gusto returned to Cobham immediately - from England and France duty respectively - although Palmer has since been spotted training.

Despite that, given the intense schedule coming up, Maresca may opt to further reduce his workload in order to avoid injury, especially as plenty of players appear capable of taking his place. The likes of Aston Villa, Tottenham and Manchester United have also tasted defeat this season, with the Blues hoping to put a winning run together.

football.london has taken a look at Chelsea's upcoming fixtures and the ones awaiting their likely top-four rivals;

Chelsea next five Premier League fixtures

Bournemouth (A) - Saturday, September 14 at 8pm

West Ham (A) - Saturday, September 21 at 12.30pm

Brighton (H) - Saturday, September 28 at 3pm

Nottingham Forest (H) - Sunday, October 6 at 2pm

Liverpool (A) - Sunday, October 20 at 4.30pm

The verdict from football.london

Chelsea's next five fixtures appear far from simple. Bournemouth are yet to taste defeat in the league this season and have looked very bright in attack even without Dominic Solanke. The stunning comeback against Everton will also have given them plenty of confidence with Antoine Semenyo stepping up as the club's new talisman.

Following that, the Blues are on their travels again as they head across London for a clash against West Ham. Julen Lopetegui's side have endured a mixed start and will thus be looking for a marquee win on home soil. Chelsea then have back-to-back home games in the league against Brighton and Nottingham Forest.

Maximum points ought to be a requirement there. The October international break comes after that with Chelsea returning to action for what will likely be a very tough fixture - against Liverpool at Anfield.

Tottenham next five Premier League fixtures

Arsenal (H) - Sunday, September 15 at 2pm

Brentford (H) - Saturday, September 21 at 3pm

Manchester United (A) - Sunday, September 29 at 4.30pm

Brighton (A) - Sunday, October 6 at 4.30pm

West Ham (H) - Saturday, October 19 at 12.30pm

Aston Villa next five Premier League fixtures

Everton (H) - Saturday, September 14 at 5.30pm

Wolves (H) - Saturday, September 21 at 3pm

Ipswich (A) - Sunday, September 29 at 2pm

Manchester United (H) - Sunday, October 6 at 2pm

Fulham (A) - Saturday, October 19 at 3pm

Manchester United next five Premier League fixtures

Southampton (A) - Saturday, September 14 at 12.30pm

Crystal Palace (A) - Saturday, September 21 at 5.30pm

Tottenham (H) - Sunday, September 29 at 4.30pm

Aston Villa (A) - Sunday, October 6 at 2pm

Son Heung-Min enjoyed the perfect preparations ahead of Tottenham Hotspur's clash against Arsenal this weekend.

Spurs will host the Gunners in the North London Derby at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this Sunday in the first fixture after the international break.

Tottenham go into the game on the back of a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Newcastle in their previous match before the two-week hiatus.

Ange Postecoglou will have been facing a nervous wait to discover if all of his players who have travelled across the globe for their national teams return injury-free.

In the case of Son, the Spurs captain has found his best form just days before one of the most important fixtures of the season.

Tuesday afternoon saw Son star for South Korea in their World Cup qualifier against Oman. Hong Myung-bo's team claimed a 3-1 victory at the Sultan Qaboos Stadium, and Son played a pivotal role in the win.

The Spurs skipper scored his country's second goal of the contest in the 82nd minute and also provided the assist for South Korea's other two goals. Hwang Hee-chan and Joo Min-kyu were also on the scoresheet as Son played the full 90 minutes and came through unscathed.

Son will now return to North London and begin to prepare for Tottenham's clash against Arsenal in the North London Derby this weekend. The 32-year-old has two goals in his three Premier League appearances so far this season, with both strikes coming in the 5-0 victory over Everton last month.

Postecoglou will hope to have Son available for the fixture after a busy couple of weeks over the international break. The Spurs boss is expected to provide an update on Dominic Solanke, Micky van de Ven and Richarlison in the coming days after the trio missed the defeat to Newcastle before the break due to injury.

Arsenal, meanwhile, have seen both Captain Martin Odegaard and defender Riccardo Calafiori suffer injury setbacks during the international break and both players could miss the North London Derby.

Tottenham Hotspur's Nike home and away kits for the 2025/26 season will feature a very different look to the current crop being worn by Ange Postecoglou's side this term.

The kits being worn during this campaign by Spurs are white with navy sleeves for the home shirt, a light blue away kit and a new green third kit which was released at the end of last month. Now kit experts Footy Headlines have reported on a different look for next season's home and away shirts.

They claim that the 2025/26 home kit will utilise three Nike colour templates - Spurs' traditional white, a light grey Light Iron Ore colour and the dark Binary Blue which is used for the sleeve colour of the current home shirt. The Light Iron Ore colour was most recently used this season on the shoulders of one of Atletico Madrid's training shirts.

While white will be the main colour, it is yet to be revealed just how much of the other two colours are used on the shirt, for instance whether the light grey is also utilised on the shoulders or whether it is simply a trim.

The away shirt for next season, according to Footy Headlines, is going to take Tottenham supporters back in time somewhat. It will reportedly be predominantly black, with that Light Iron Ore colour from the home shirt used as its secondary colour. The last time Spurs wore a black away shirt was in the 2014/15 season, with a black and yellow look, when their kits were made by Under Armour.

A couple of years later Spurs signed their big-money deal with Nike in 2017 and then extended it the following year to a 15-year agreement which will last until at least 2033, meaning it is one of the longest football club deals in the sportswear giant's history. Reports at the time suggested the agreement was worth around £30million a season for the north London outfit.

Listen to the latest episode of Gold & Guest Talk Tottenham!Click here for in depth Spurs chat on your preferred podcast platform.