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Arsenal’s squad suddenly looks quite depleted ahead of the north London derby on Sunday after Martin Odegaard and Riccardo Calafiori joined the Gunners’ growing injury list.

Captain Odegaard was forced off the pitch with a suspected ankle injury during Norway’s Nations League match with Austria, with head coach Stale Solbakken explaining: "Martin Odegaard's injury looked bad in the dressing room as well."

Calafiori similarly had to be taken off during Italy’s clash with France after a painful calf injury, forcing him to return to England for treatment in the hope of competing against Tottenham.

Mikel Arteta has already been forced to go to battle without Declan Rice after his controversial red card against Brighton last time out, as Express Sport takes a look at how Arsenal could line up without three key players.

Arsenal’s predicted XI vs Tottenham (4-2-3-1)

Goalkeeper: Raya

David Raya played in both of Spain’s Nations League matches against Switerzland and Serbia, conceding just once in the two matches and coming through unscathed. Barring any surprise issues that arise, Arteta’s number one will continue between the posts and Neto remains on standby to make his debut.

Defence: White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber

Three-quarters of Arteta’s preferred back four are a staple and although William Saliba and Gabriel went away with France and Brazil respectively, the centre-back pairing and Ben White are certain to start away to Tottenham.

Calafiori’s injury has opened the door for Jurrien Timber and Oleksandr Zinchenko, with the Italian in a race against time to prove his fitness in order to go up against the likes of Brennan Johnson, Dejan Kulusevski or Wilson Odobert on that flank.

Given Arsenal face a challenging test away from home, Arteta is likely to prefer the defensive and tactical nous that Timber provides over Zinchenko’s ability on the ball.

The Ukrainian has a chance to step into midfield following the absences of Rice and Odegaard, but he has not played that role in some time in the Premier League and Arteta is likely to opt for others.

Midfield: Partey, Jorginho, Havertz

A much-changed Arsenal midfield could line up against Spurs if Odegaard is ruled out and forced to sit on the sidelines with the suspended Rice.

Jorginho came into the team on such occasions last season and could form a pivot with Thomas Partey, a slight change to the 4-3-3 shape that has seen Rice play further advanced than the Ghanaian.

Kai Havertz has thrived as a striker under Arteta but may have to return to a familiar midfield role in Odegaard’s absence, with 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri unlikely to be thrown straight into the deep end.

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Attack: Saka, Jesus, Trossard

Havertz would likely sit much higher up the pitch than Jorginho and Partey, in a potential second-striker role, off of Gabriel Jesus if the Brazilian can prove his fitness in time.

Arteta confirmed that Jesus would be available “pretty soon” before the international break, but Gabriel Martinelli could lead the line if he has not recovered in time.

Manchester United were interested in signing Tottenham defender Cristian Romero during the summer but Daniel Levy refused to entertain their advances, according to reports. The Red Devils ended up having a productive window, with Erik ten Hag welcoming several new faces to his squad.

Joshua Zirkzee was the first player to arrive, joining from Bologna in a deal worth around £36million. Leny Yoro followed him to Old Trafford from Lille before United completed the double signing of Bayern Munich duo Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui.

Manuel Ugarte was the club's final signing of the window, arriving on deadline day from Paris Saint-Germain after weeks of protracted negotiations. He was snapped up for a fee of around £42m with potential add-ons taking the value of the deal up to £50m.

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United also tried to sign Romero but were knocked back in their pursuit of his signature by Tottenham chairman Levy, according to TyC Sports. It is said that Real Madrid and PSG also expressed an interest in Romero during the summer months but failed to get a deal done.

Levy was reportedly unwilling to consider selling Romero, given that he is viewed as an essential player in the Tottenham squad. As a result, the interested clubs were not even quoted an asking price, forcing them to switch their focus to other targets.

It remains to be seen if United will maintain their interest in Romero ahead of the January window, which will give them an opportunity to revive their pursuit. However, it seems unlikely that Tottenham will be prepared to do business in the middle of the season.

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The north Londoners paid £42m to sign Romero from Atalanta two years ago and have seen him transform into a brilliant defender in the eyes of Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou.

Speaking about the Argentina international last season, he said: "The way our defensive side of the game has come together, the one constant and the rock in that has been Romero.

"With the way he's taken on that responsibility of guiding those other guys around him so that they look assured, I think they feel security having him beside them. He's a big part of why we've done so well defensively and there's more to come from him.

"He wants to improve and he works hard every day. He's a winner, you can see that in him with the way he trains and the way he plays and that helps from a cultural perspective as well."

Harry Kane has been brutally honest in his reflection of Euro 2024 and admitted some England players did not play as well as they have done at previous tournaments. The Bayern Munich forward finished as joint-top scorer, netting three times.

Some fans were calling for Kane to be dropped from the starting XI because he began dropping very deep in search of the ball.

Frustration grew all tournament as England struggled to break down opposition that sat deep.

Kane was aware of the noise around his position and is striving to improve for the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico.

“I am conscious of the summer and talk about myself physically. Perception is a big thing in football," Kane said. "As a nation and as media or pundits, we were trying to find a reason why we weren’t playing as well as we had played in other tournaments.

“Maybe my form in the tournament took the brunt of that. It was like: ‘Why is he not scoring goals?’ But in the tournament I felt good. Just as a team I felt we were not quite clicking.

“Quite a few of the lads, if we talk honestly, did not perform as well as we have done in other tournaments.

“At 31, I am in a good place both mentally and physically and some of the players ahead of me like Cristiano Ronaldo have helped prove to me I can be at this level for a long time.

“With Vincent Kompany now at Bayern and Lee Carsley here, the intensity has gone up and I feel like I have handled that very well and if anything that will make me fitter and sharper.”

Kane's menatality to never give up has been deeply rooted inside him ever since he was released from the Arsenal academy aged eight.

A few years later joined north London rivals Tottenham - but that was also not without a shaky spell.

“From when I was eight years old being released from Arsenal,” added Kane. “That might have built a bit of desire to prove them when I was that age. And even when I first came to Spurs, I was there from 11 years old and early on in my academy career I was close to being released…

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“I was never the guy that everyone thought was going to go on and do what I’ve done. I’ve always had to fight for my place, fight for the opportunity to show that I could play at the level I wanted to – in the Premier League at that time and England.

“It helps me to keep improving. Tom Brady in the NFL was a big inspiration of mine. I’ve spoken about him previously, his mentality. He is a prime example of this and he went on to become the greatest in his sport.

“But even when he was 42, 43 he was still having to prove people wrong and prove to himself that he was good enough. I think that until I stop playing I will always have that attitude.”

Dejan Kulusevski has weighed in on the ongoing row within the Sweden national team by branding the conflict as "unnecessary." The Tottenham Hotspur winger refused to pick sides after a bitter feud erupted between Sweden's manager Jon Dahl Tomasson and midfielder Hugo Larsson during the international break.

Larsson, 20, was an unused substitute during Sweden's 3-1 Nations League victory over Azerbaijan last Thursday. Tomasson publicly criticised the Eintracht Frankfurt youngster, demanding more progressive play from him, which led Larsson to express his discontent to the media, insisting that such feedback should have been given privately.

A crunch meeting with Swedish football bosses followed and Larsson was sent home from the squad in the lead up to Sweden's 3-0 triumph over Estonia on Sunday. While a minor injury cited as the official reason, German reports via Fotbollskanalen claim he was sent home due to the rift - something Tomasson denies.

Sweden’s dominant win, secured by Viktor Gyokeres' brace and an Alexander Isak goal, was overshadowed by the saga. Kulusevski, who wore the captain's armband for Sweden in the absence of Victor Lindelof, said: "Sometimes in the family there is a bit of a problem.

“You don't have to think the same thing all the time. The most important thing is that we are here to play football. It doesn't affect us negatively, it's just unnecessary but it happens and you just have to move on. I'm here if Hugo wants to talk."

Tomasson had remained tight-lipped before the Estonia fixture, saying that he wished to focus on the game alone and only put his energy into the players that were still present. He was more open post-match, saying: "Larsson is a young man, 20 years old, with a lot of emotions.

“We need to take care of him at that age. But we have 23 players in the squad, not all of them can play. Everyone deserves to play, but the team comes first." He insisted several times that Larsson is "a very good player" and explained that it was an injury that caused him to return home to Germany.

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Tomasson said: "No, of course not. He felt something on Thursday, and could continue, but in the small team game yesterday he felt something and talked to the doctors." He also mentioned that he would consider calling up Larsson for international fixtures down the line.

Despite Tomasson's attempts to play down the situation, comments from players like Kulusevski hinted at underlying tensions within the camp. Newcastle sensation Isak stated: "I don't want to throw more fuel to the fire. The association can handle that together with Hugo. It didn't affect me at all. I've been around for a while so I'm pretty comfortable with how things are handled. But it is clear that it may not be the most positive thing for such a young squad."

Meanwhile, talented youngster Yasin Ayari spoke up in defence of Larsson's character, insisting: "I know Hugo, he is a great person and a great friend of mine. I have great respect for him at the same time as I have great respect for Jon Dahl Tomasson. I just hope it works out in a good way."

When Kulusevski returns to north London this week, his focus will have turn to Spurs' next Premier League challenge – the derby at home to Arsenal on Sunday.

Villarreal CEO Fernando Roig Negueroles has questioned Filip Jorgensen's decision to join Chelsea and suggested the move could hinder his development. The Denmark under-21 international left Villarreal for the Blues in a deal worth around £20million this past July despite Chelsea seeming well-stocked on goalkeepers.

After establishing himself as Villarreal's first-choice goalkeeper, Jorgensen now finds himself competing with three other senior keepers at Stamford Bridge. He seems unlikely to displace Robert Sanchez as first choice stopper, though he'll rank above other reserves Marcus Bettinelli and Lucas Bergstrom.

In a recent interview with AS (via The Mirror), Roig admitted that while Villarreal knew they might have to sell Jorgensen eventually, they didn't expect it to happen so soon. And the sad truth is all parties could end up losing out if the player isn't afforded chances to impress in west London.

"The truth is that we didn't want to sell Alex [Sorloth] or Filip," said Roig. "It was clear to us that we had to make some sales, we didn't foresee those, but in the end it happened because both players were willing to leave and the offers were attractive enough to accept.

"We didn't expect to sell Jorgensen so soon, let alone this year. We knew about his enormous potential and we thought he would leave, but not now. Honestly, and I have made this clear to him and his entourage, I think Jorgensen rushed his decision.

"He had room for improvement and growth here, but his departure was his will. We did not intend to make that sale, but it has happened because he is a great goalkeeper for the present and the future and with qualities that can make him one of the most important goalkeepers in Europe. His departure doesn't hurt me though, football is like that."

Villarreal ended last season finishing eighth in La Liga with Jorgensen stood guard, narrowly missing out on European qualification. Chelsea are set to compete in this season's Europa Conference League, and it's there the Sweden-born goalkeeper should clock some significant minutes with his new side.

Last season saw Djordje Petrovic shine as Sanchez's stand-in during the latter's injury spell. Nonetheless, he's now been loaned out to French side Strasbourg, and Kepa Arrizabalaga is at Bournemouth on a year-long temporary move.

Pundits Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker “loved” Jack Grealish’s wild celebration against the Republic of Ireland - but understood Declan Rice’s decision to be more subdued.

England stars Grealish and Rice received a hostile reception from the home support in Ireland during Saturday’s Nations League fixture. They were relentlessly booed and subjected to abuse, having switched international allegiance to England earlier in their careers after initially representing the Republic of Ireland – Rice at both youth and senior level in friendlies, and Grealish at youth level.

But in a bizarre turn of events which would have pained the Irish, both ended up scoring to give England a 2-0 victory on the night. Arsenal star Rice scored first and raised his hands as a sign of the respect he still has for Ireland due to his ancestry.

Grealish, who was set up by Rice for the second, did no such thing though, deciding to let rip by punching the air in delight after finding the bottom corner in the 26th minute. His decision to celebrate was jeered further by Ireland fans, while the travelling England fans lapped it up.

England legends Shearer and Lineker have both praised Manchester City winger Grealish’s decision to celebrate. The Match of the Day stalwarts also said they understood why Rice was less animated.

Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Shearer said: “I loved Grealish, he said, ‘sod that, I’m going to celebrate’. I get Declan not wanting to celebrate, but Grealish was having none of it. I loved it.”

Lineker added: “Why wouldn’t you celebrate? I totally get Declan because he played for the Republic of Ireland and he had to make that real decision. He definitely didn’t want to celebrate!”

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Former City defender Micah Richards then chimed in with: “So did Grealish, he played for Ireland at youth level!” To which former England captain Shearer responded: “Brilliant celebration, loved it all day. Tell him ‘well done’, Micah!"

Lineker, who was once England’s all-time leading goalscorer, added how Grealish was "rubbing salt into the Irish wounds!”

Grealish in his post-match interview said he had expected the frosty reception but was unfazed, insisting there was no “bad blood” between himself and Ireland fans. “It was what me and Dec expected. I said before the game, I think it is different," said the City playmaker.

“Me and Dec have nothing bad to say, we both enjoyed our time with Ireland. I certainly did, and I have a lot of Irish in my family, so there is no bad blood from my side.”

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has endured a nightmare start to the season, losing two of his first three Premier League matches despite a £200million summer spend. INEOS are understood to be willing to show patience in the Dutchman, but there is a sense that an improvement needs to be immediate.

United face Southampton on Saturday and another defeat would pile the pressure on Ten Hag ahead of a six-game run which includes league matches against Tottenham and Aston Villa, and the start of what the Red Devils hierarchy will expect to be a successful Europa League campaign.

The international break perhaps came at a good time for Ten Hag. After that chastening 3-0 defeat by Liverpool last Sunday, an opportunity to reset and devise a plan away from the pressure of matches.

Express Sport looks at how Ten Hag can improve United’s form.

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Drop Rashford

On paper, Marcus Rashford is one of United’s best players. But there comes a point when a player consistently underperforming in your system is terminal to their chances of regular starts. Especially when there are players, such as Alejandro Garnacho, waiting to step in.

Rashford looks bereft of confidence and it has been over a year since he last scored on a frequent basis. Garnacho has enjoyed a positive start to the season and always looks better on the left, while Amad Diallo has impressed on the right.

A spell on the bench may benefit Rashford, rekindling his hunger to get back to his best form.

‘World-class’ star signs

Adrien Rabiot was first linked with Man Utd in the summer of 2022. At the time, he was not entirely convinced of the move and remained at Juventus. Former Juve hero David Trezeguet believed that the midfielder was ‘world-class’ and thought the Italian side would have a ‘problem’ if he was sold.

“We are talking about a problem for Juventus, because in Italy he may have been targeted for criticism, but in France it’s completely different,” Trezeguet said at the time.

“He is world-class, an extraordinary player. Now he will evaluate his options and will go back to being the important player he always was.”

Two years on, Rabiot remains a free agent after leaving Juve at the end of last season. United have looked short of quality and depth in midfield, although Manuel Ugarte will be integrated after the international break. Another option in Rabiot, 29, could be beneficial.

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Two players return

Disaster struck in pre-season when £52m signing Leny Yoro and striker Rasmus Hojlund both suffered injuries in a friendly against Arsenal. Luke Shaw subsequently experienced a calf problem on the eve of the Premier League season.

While Yoro is expected to remain out until November with a fractured metatarsal, Hojlund and Shaw could be back for United’s visit to Southampton. Ten Hag has rarely been able to pick his best team, and having Hojlund and Shaw available will be pivotal in winning the match.

Tottenham Hotspur boss Ange Postecoglou has reportedly been handed a positive injury update for star defender Micky van de Ven ahead of next week’s north London derby against Arsenal.

Having started and played 90 minutes in both of Spurs’ opening two Premier League matches this season, the Dutchman was forced to miss last Sunday’s defeat away to Newcastle United with a knee injury.

It left Tottenham looking shaky at the back, with the capital club exposed on several occasions - a problem that eventually led to Newcastle snatching the winner 12 minutes from time.

And with Premier League hopefuls Arsenal next up for Spurs, Postecoglou will be keen to have Van de Ven back in the starting XI.

The good news for the Australian is that it’s looking likely Van de Ven will be available for the clash.

It’s suggested by Dr Rajpal Brar, who spoke to tottenhamhotspurnews.com, that the knee injury that kept Van de Ven out of last weekend’s fixture isn’t considered a serious one and he was left out of the matchday squad as a ‘precaution’.

The doctor said: “He injured the knee during a tussle in the Everton game and has been making progress since.

“Not exactly sure what the issue is but he was already close prior to the international break and the club were cautious with him – partly due to, as Ange referred, a heavy program following the break where Tottenham matches come thick and fast with multiple of them against top competition.”

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Postecoglou is right to be wary of his players’ workloads, as after Sunday’s meeting with Arsenal, Spurs are in League Cup action away to Coventry City, before another all-London Premier League tie, this time against Brentford.

Following that, Tottenham begin their Europa League campaign, starting with a home tie against Qarabag FK, all before they visit Old Trafford for an encounter with Manchester United.

But Van de Ven isn’t the only injury concern Postecoglou will be fretting about ahead of the Arsenal match, with summer signing Dominic Solanke having also sat out of the Newcastle game.

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Making his debut on opening night against Leicester City, the £65m ace was ruled out of Spurs’ first home game of the season against Everton, before going on to miss the trip to the north East.

Speaking about Solanke’s fitness ahead of the match, Postecoglou said: “Dom is close but we’re going to be a bit cautious with him, we’ve got a big programme post the international break, so he’ll miss out on Sunday.

“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.”

Signing Dorgu would be a major sign of intent from Tottenham given that they already have Destiny Udogie available as their left-back option, which could indicate that Spurs intend on helping the youngster discover his potential as a forward like Gotti believes that he can.

However, they will need to fend off interest from Chelsea if they are to secure his signature. The Blues were keen to sign Dorgu for their sister club Strasbourg over the summer but an agreement was not reached – though that is unlikely to have put an end to his admiration of the club.

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Pleat was also a big fan of Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins whilst he was a youngster, despite the now-striker breaking through the ranks as a midfielder. The ex-Spurs scout claims that he advised the higher powers at Tottenham to push for Watkins whilst he was being deployed as a box-to-box midfielder at Exeter City.

However, his pleas fell on deaf ears and Pleat has been forced to watch on as his beloved side missed out on a host of top talents who have thrived on the biggest of stages at different clubs.