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Arsenal’s predicted starting XI against Tottenham Hotspur, amidst a series of injury concerns for Mikel Arteta

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Arsenal approach one of the most important games of their season this weekend and while the league leaders would often be excited to face a Tottenham Hotspur side who finished 17th in the league last season, circumstances have become far more complicated for Mikel Arteta’s side in recent days.

The Gunners might be without some of their most important players for the North London Derby – nothing they have not been able to manage so far this campaign, except for when you consider that man mountain Gabriel, arguably their most irreplaceable outfield player alongside Declan Rice, is expected to be out.

Arteta, therefore, has a significant selection dilemma ahead of the fixture this Sunday (16:30 GMT), when Spurs will visit the Emirates. Arsenal will remain favourites, considering their imperious home form so far this term and their recent record against the Lilywhites, but there is now a little hint of jeopardy in the air.

Arsenal predicted defence amidst several injury concerns

While the positions of David Raya and William Saliba pick themselves for the Gunners, the rest of Arteta’s defensive unit is currently in doubt.

Riccardo Calafiori picked up a knock which led to the Italian withdrawing from international duty, whilst opposite full-back Jurrien Timber also picked up a potential issue while away with the Netherlands. Both are expected to be fit for the weekend, but it is not a foregone conclusion with the likes of Ben White and Myles Lewis-Skelly waiting in the wings just in case.

The greatest concern, of course, then surrounds Gabriel. The 27-year-old picked up a worrying thigh injury which led to him being withdrawn for Brazil, in no less than a friendly taking place at the Emirates. While a timeline on the defender’s return has not yet been set, he is fairly certain to be out for the derby if reports of several weeks on the sidelines are to be believed. Cristhian Mosquera has proven himself a worthy understudy so far this season, while Piero Hincapie will also hope to step into Gabriel’s influential shoes.

Arsenal predicted starting XI for North London Derby

In midfield, Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi will keep their places, while there is a question mark over the fitness of Martin Odegaard. The Gunners captain was believed to be targeting a return from injury after the international break but did not feature for Norway as they secured World Cup qualification, amidst the concession it was “too early”.

Asked about his injury, Odegaard told TV2: “It’s moving forward. The match today came a little too early… But it’s starting to look better, so hopefully I’ll be back soon.”

Whether Odegaard is fit enough to start against Spurs remains to be seen – even so, it would be slightly harsh to instantly displace Eberechi Eze from the XI, as the England international has played well in the attacking midfield position in his absence.

In attack, Viktor Gyokeres has also been out injured since just before the internationals. Arteta has not yet confirmed whether the Swede will be fit for the North London Derby, meaning it will be a nervous wait for Gunners fans ahead of Sunday. Should Gyokeres not be fit to start, Mikel Merino could step in.

All of Noni Madueke, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli will also hope to return to the squad for the fixture, but may have to settle for a place on a star-studded substitutes’ bench.

Wales manager Craig Bellamy praised the efforts of Brennan Johnson as Wales beat North Macedonia 7-1.

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Tottenham Hotspur forward Brennan Johnson was hailed as ‘brilliant’ by Wales manager Craig Bellamy following his performance in the 7-1 win over North Macedonia on Tuesday evening.

Johnson scored a fantastic curled shot from distance as Wales romped to victory and kept their hopes of World Cup qualification alive. Fulham star Harry Wilson netted a hat-trick in the game with Daniel James, David Brooks and Nathan Broadhead also on the scoresheet.

Johnson, who also provided an assist in the win, scored his first goal for Wales since June and will hope to take that return to form back into the Premier League. Tottenham Hotspur face Arsenal in a North London derby at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Tottenham Hotspur star praised for ‘brilliant’ Wales performance

Speaking after the match, Bellamy said: “He was brilliant tonight, wasn’t he? Some of those moments. That’s what we know Brennan can do. I know where you want to go with this, the whole team were exceptional.”

Johnson started the 2025/26 season in fine form with goals against Burnley and Manchester City in the opening two weeks. However, he has not notched a league goal since then and was rated 5/10 by LondonWorld for his showing against Manchester United prior to the break.

We wrote: “A neat finish in the second half but was a long way offside - farcical that VAR even needed to check. Lacklustre in his defending for the Mbeumo goal. Did make one stellar tackle on Diallo in the first half.”

Brennan Johnson still looking to shake off £50 million price tag

Spurs manager Thomas Frank will hope that Johnson can find goalscoring form again over the festive period with strikers Randal Kolo Muani and Dominic Solanke continuing to struggle with injury. Former Wales midfielder Joe Ledley said that the forward had a ‘real spring in his step’ on international duty, which bodes well for the London outfit.

Meanwhile, former Premier League and Wales man Ashley Williams said: "From the off Brennan Johnson looked a lot more positive than he has done recently. You felt like he needed a big moment.

"People were questioning whether he should start and I think he answered that today. He can't help the price-tag that's on his head. That's irrelevant. You could see in the celebration that the goal meant a lot to him."

Tottenham Hotspur paid £50 million to sign the player from Nottingham Forest in 2023 with the only more expensive Welsh player being Gareth Bale. Speaking after the victory over North Macedonia, Johnson said: "I think I always feel like I have a point to prove. I'm someone who can be quite tough on himself. I just always want to go out and perform my best."

In other news, Tottenham should beg Fulham to sign £10m midfielder amid risky transfer ploy - opinion.

Thomas Frank has axed Yves Bissouma from his Tottenham Hotspur squad so far this season.

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Tottenham Hotspur are ready to trigger a one-year contract extension for midfielder Yves Bissouma despite reports that the 29-year-old is unlikely to ever play for the club again.

Bissouma’s current deal is set to expire at the end of the season, which would allow him to leave on a free transfer to a club of his choice. Having paid £25 million to sign the player from Brighton in 2022, Spurs are keen to recover some money invested in the star.

The midfielder is yet to feature for Spurs this season despite having played 44 times in all competitions under Ange Postecoglou last season. That comes after a falling out with Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank.

Yves Bissouma ‘unlikely’ to play for Tottenham Hotspur again

Bissouma was initially dropped from the squad ahead of the Super Cup against Paris Saint-Germain as a disciplinary measure after reportedly turning up late to training repeatedly. The midfielder was then struck by injury before picking up another problem on international duty for Mali when fit again.

The former Seagulls star has not been named in the Champions League squad and the Daily Mail reports that Bissouma is ‘unlikely to play again for Tottenham’. Despite that, the outlet claims that Spurs will extend the star’s contract in January and make use of a one-year option.

Tottenham Hotspur performed a similar action with Son Heung-min last season before selling him to LAFC on an MLS record fee of £20 million. The London outfit will listen to offers for Bissouma in January but want upwards of £10 million for the player.

Turkish clubs Fenerbahce and Galatasaray were reportedly interested in a transfer over the summer with Premier League rivals Fulham named as potential suitors in January. The Cottagers are expected to invest in January after Marco Silva spoke out about his disappointment following a quiet summer window.

Spurs risk ‘nightmare situation’ with transfer ploy

While Spurs may feel they have the power given the one-year option, they should perhaps be begging Fulham to buy Bissouma. The contract extension is a risky ploy and one that could backfire in.

Should Bissouma not feature at club level for the rest of the season then that, combined with his disciplinary problems, may be enough to deter any summer bids. Not being able to sell the midfielder would be a nightmare situation for Tottenham Hotspur - the club could end up voluntarily forking out for the star’s lofty wages for another 12 months as he drains the bank, rather than injecting their budget with a transfer fee.

The ideal fix is a quickfire January sale to a club such as Fulham but, should that fail, then simply releasing Bissouma at the end of the campaign could be a wise move. That would free up space on the wage bill and avoid a time-consuming summer transfer saga.

In other news, Tottenham eye transfer windfall as Leeds United linked with £25m Ivan Toney alternative.

Spurs boss Thomas Frank could be left short of midfield options when taking on Arsenal on Sunday.

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Tottenham Hotspur have been handed an injury update on the knock picked up by midfielder Pape Matar Sarr on international duty ahead of the North London derby against Arsenal on Sunday afternoon.

Spurs manager Thomas Frank is a big fan of the Senegal international, praising the midfielder early in his tenure and using the player in all but one Premier League match this season. Sarr played 90 minutes against Chelsea and Manchester United and was likely to start at the Emirates Stadium.

However, it appears that Frank may have to do without the 23-year-old for his first North London derby. Sarr picked up an injury when playing for Senegal against Brazil on Saturday and was forced off early in the second half.

Pape Matar Sarr injury update

Speaking after the match, Senegal boss Pape Thiaw said that the knock was not a ‘big deal’ and that Sarr had only been removed from action as a precaution. Those words were favourable to a speedy Tottenham Hotspur return but that may not be the case.

Sarr has now not travelled with his Senegal teammates to Turkey for the match against Kenya on Tuesday night. The player has instead stayed in London, having picked up the injury at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

Thiaw said: “We left him in London. He took a knock. So we felt it would be difficult for him to recover in just two days.

“Since we were in his home city, we preferred to leave him at the disposal of his club so he could receive treatment there.”

Thomas Frank short of Tottenham Hotspur midfield options

The problem picked up by Sarr is clearly more serious than first suggested by Thiaw with a recovery period needed. That makes the midfielder a big doubt to face Arsenal on Sunday in a significant blow for Frank.

Speaking about Sarr this summer, after the player scored in a 1-0 pre-season win over Arsenal, the Spurs boss said: “It’s so far the goal of the season! It was great. I know he won Player of the Match and, for me, he was Player of the Match. He took it (the goal) so well and so quickly, saw David Raya was too far out of his goal and put it away.

“By the way, I think Pape has been amazing. I really like how he has played and performed in the last four weeks, training and in games. He’s building, and his all-round game today... top.”

Sarr’s absence comes while fellow midfielder Lucas Bergvall struggles to shake off the effects of a concussion sustained against Chelsea and with James Maddison as a long term injury. Archie Gray is also sidelined with a calf injury, leaving Frank short of options to deploy against Arsenal.

In other news, Tottenham eye transfer windfall as Leeds United linked with £25m Ivan Toney alternative.

Former Spurs striker Troy Parrott has been flourishing on international duty and linked with a return to the Premier League.

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Tottenham Hotspur could be set for January transfer windfall as Leeds United are linked with a move for a striker who graduated from the academy in North London.

Troy Parrott has found himself the centre of the footballing world this week following a pair of head-turning performances for the Republic of Ireland. The talisman bagged a brace in the victory over Portugal last week, and then added an emphatic hat-trick against Hungary on Sunday evening.

The 23-year-old left Spurs in 2024 to join AZ Alkmaar having been handed just four appearances for the senior team. The London outfit sold their youth star for a lowly £6.7 million - a fee which may look foolish given the star’s current form.

Tottenham Hotspur insert sell-on clause to Troy Parrott deal

However, GiveMeSport report that Tottenham Hotspur did include a 20% sell-on clause when allowing Parrott to join the Dutch side. That could pay dividends amid links of a move to Leeds United.

Daniel Farke’s side are in the market for a new striker come January and have just had hopes of bringing in former Brentford star Ivan Toney quashed. Instead, according to VoetbalNieuws.nl, Leeds United could make a swoop for Parrott.

Currently, there is reported to be too much of a difference in valuation between Alkmaar and the Whites. Football Insider claims that interested clubs, which also include Wolves, have been quoted £25 million.

Leeds United and Wolves linked with ex Spurs striker

Alkmaar are thought to be determined to break their own club record sale, which was set by Alireza Jahanbakhsh when joining Brighton for £19 million in 2018. As well as scoring for Ireland, Parrott has 13 goals in 14 appearances for his club this season.

Speaking on Sky Sports yesterday, former Tottenham Hotspur manager Tim Sherwood criticised the club for allowing Parrott to leave without a proper chance at making it in the first team.

Sherwood said: “I was working with the Development Team for a long time, I loved that job. I went back in and had a chat with Troy, who was one of the stars of the time. I could tell when I was talking to him, he had a little bit of steel in his eye, a little bit of determination. I just fell in love with the kid’s personality - that, I’m going to get where I need to be and no one is going to stop me.

“Unfortunately for Troy, he’s had to leave Tottenham to do that. I’ve got a big question to anyone who decided to let Troy Parrott go. I’m not saying he’d be the answer for Tottenham for many years to come and take him to the Champions League, but give him the opportunity to do that.

“I’m not sure he’s had a fair opportunity to prove himself. He’s had to go to AZ to do that. He’s not just appeared all of a sudden over these last two games for Republic of Ireland, he’s been banging in goals like you wouldn’t believe in Holland. We know it’s an easier platform over there but he never got the opportunity to show his quality for Tottenham.”

In other news, Tottenham sign Man Utd midfielder, Real Madrid striker and Ivan Toney in dream XI if transfer rumours are true.

Spurs are struggling for striker options currently while an ex youth product is scoring for fun on the international stage.

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Former Tottenham Hotspur manager Tim Sherwood has slammed his former club for allowing Troy Parrott to leave the club as he excels on international duty for the Republic of Ireland.

The 23-year-old scored an emphatic hat-trick as Ireland beat Hungary 3-2 on Sunday night in a fixture that came just days after the player registered a brace in a surprise home win over Portugal. Those goals against Cristiano Ronaldo and co. included a 96th minute winner.

Parrott’s form has got the footballing world talking and could be painful viewing for Tottenham Hotspur. The forward is a product of the Spurs academy but only ever made four appearances for the first team before leaving to join AZ Alkmaar for just £6.7 million.

Tim Sherwood slams Tottenham Hotspur for past transfer

Speaking on Sky Sports today, Sherwood admitted that Parrott is probably better than any of Richarlison, Dominic Solanke and Randal Kolo Muani, who are the options currently available to Spurs boss Thomas Frank.

He said: “I was working with the Development Team for a long time, I loved that job. I went back in and had a chat with Troy, who was one of the stars of the time. I could tell when I was talking to him, he had a little bit of steel in his eye, a little bit of determination. I just fell in love with the kid’s personality - that, I’m going to get where I need to be and no one is going to stop me.

“Unfortunately for Troy, he’s had to leave Tottenham to do that. I’ve got a big question to anyone who decided to let Troy Parrott go. I’m not saying he’d be the answer for Tottenham for many years to come and take him to the Champions League, but give him the opportunity to do that.

“I’m not sure he’s had a fair opportunity to prove himself. He’s had to go to AZ to do that. He’s not just appeared all of a sudden over these last two games for Republic of Ireland, he’s been banging in goals like you wouldn’t believe in Holland. We know it’s an easier platform over there but he never got the opportunity to show his quality for Tottenham.

“Tottenham have signed players for £50 million playing in Troy’s position and I can tell you now, they are not as good as Troy Parrot. You might as well have saved your money, given this kid an opportunity and spent it elsewhere. They need to look at that for the future.”

Ex Millwall striker in tears after Republic of Ireland success

Parrott was sent out on five loan spells during his time at Tottenham Hotspur. One of those was to London outfit Millwall during the 2020/21 campaign. The youngster struggled to get going at The Den amid injuries and managed 14 goalless appearances before being recalled in January.

After scoring his hat-trick, Parrott let out tears as he spoke to RTE Sport. He said: "Yeah, I am really, really emotional right now. They are tears of joy. Oh, what a night, what a night. I can't believe it, I really can't believe it. This is why we love football because things like this can happen. I love where I am from so this means the world to me; my family is here.

“It's the first time I have cried in years as well. I said against Portugal that it's what dreams are made of but this tonight, I don't think I will ever have a better night in my whole life. That really is a fairytale. You can't even dream about something like that. I honestly have no words to describe the emotions right now.

“I think everyone wrote us off at the start of the group. I couldn't have said it enough, that there is always a chance... and we have taken the chance. I think everyone should be proud of the players over there. To go down in the game twice and come back like that, it's beautiful."

In other news, 'Fantastic' Tottenham Hotspur star could be Ledley King 2.0 - it's not Cristian Romero.

Spurs are joined by West Ham, Everton and Leeds United in links with a move for a former Premier League talisman.

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Tottenham Hotspur continue to be linked with ‘genuine interest’ over a January move for former Brentford striker Ivan Toney as a potential reunion with Thomas Frank is touted.

There have been widespread reports that the 29-year-old could return for a spell in the top flight in order to boost his chances of being included in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the World Cup next year.

Toney joined Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli in 2024 on a £34 million and has been in fine form this season, netting 11 goals in 15 appearances. However, there is the feeling that he must convince Tuchel that he is still playing at a level equivalent to that of the Premier League to force himself into contention.

Leeds United handed transfer blow

Everton and West Ham have been named as potential suitors, alongside Spurs. Frank is navigating injuries to Dominic Solanke and Randal Kolo Muani while Richarlison is misfiring up top.

Over the weekend, there were even reports that Leeds United could make a sensational move to bring Toney to Elland Road on loan. However, in a fresh report from TeamTALK, a move to Yorkshire for Toney has been ruled out.

The report claims that while Leeds United are in the market for a new striker in January, the costs involved over a loan for Toney make that option an impossibility. Interestingly, it’s also reported that Toney could make a permanent transfer return to the Premier League for £25 million rather than just a loan - but his wages are a big ask for clubs to meet.

It’s added that, even if financially viable, Toney also would not be interested in a move to Leeds United. The outlet also claims that a move to Tottenham Hotspur can’t be ruled out at this moment with Frank having had personal talks with the striker.

Tottenham Hotspur still credited with Ivan Toney transfer interest

Speaking on Sky Sports last week, former Spurs man David Bentley suggested that a move to work with Frank at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium would be ‘perfect’ for Toney.

He said: “He’s a great player. Scoring goals in the Premier League is not easy and the way he plays the game, scores goals... he’s got to go to Tottenham, hasn’t he? Under Thomas Frank, he had a great time with him at Brentford and I’m sure they’re talking. I’m sure that’ll be the number one destination for him to go in at. Tottenham are struggling with centre forwards at the minute, Solanke is out injured and Richarlison is not at the level he needs to be. He could be Tottenham’s new signing on loan in January.

“He’ll want to go in at Tottenham. For him, to go play at the stadium with Thomas Frank, that’s the perfect destination for him. If he wants to get into the England team, it’s not about money, it’s about playing to get into that World Cup squad. The perfect environment is Tottenham. Tottenham could do with him and England as well - if anything happens with Kane, we’re struggling a little bit for centre forwards.”

In other news, Tottenham injury latest: Lucas Bergvall, Pape Matar Sarr and Kolo Muani doubts for Arsenal clash.

Thomas Frank sees a lengthy Tottenham Hotspur injury list get even longer over the international break.

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Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank will be spending the international break working out how to get the better of in-form Arsenal in his first North London derby ahead of the return of Premier League football.

Spurs make the very short trip across the capital to the Emirates Stadium on Sunday night and look to make the most of any potential confidence loss following the hosts’ draw against Sunderland last time out.

Frank isn’t helped by a long list of injury concerns, which has worsened over the international break amid updates on midfielder Lucas Bergvall and Pape Matar Sarr.

Tottenham Hotspur injury update

Lucas Bergvall

Thomas Frank will have hoped that Lucas Bergvall’s recovery from a concussion sustained against Chelsea would be as simple as following the stipulated protocols. However, the midfielder has had a setback on international duty.

The 19-year-old had to serve an obligatory 12 days away from action but was still called up as part of the Sweden squad over the international break. Sweden manager Graham Potter had hoped that the player would be able to train with his international teammates last Thursday despite being unable to head the ball, as per The Standard. However, he has now left the camp due to ongoing concerns over the concussion.

In a statement, the Swedish national team said: "Lucas Bergvall will not be available to play in the men's national team's next two matches due to the consequences of the concussion he suffered in connection with Tottenham's league match against Chelsea on November 1."

Swedish FA executive Stefan Pettersson told Sport Bladet: "We had agreed with Tottenham's doctor to do some tests during the week and then run at full speed so that Lucas would feel it properly. When there was a reaction, there was no hesitation. We don't want to take any risks."

Expected return date - Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur, Sunday November 23.

Pape Matar Sarr

The other fresh worry for Tottenham Hotspur comes in a problem for midfielder Pape Matar Sarr. The 23-year-old was forced off when in action for Senegal on Saturday.

That’s a concern for Frank with Sarr having started the last two Premier League games against Chelsea and Manchester United. Sarr came off in the first half against Brazil at the Emirates Stadium.

Speaking after the match, Senegal manager Pape Thiaw said: “He got hit and then he didn’t feel well, so as a precaution he preferred to come off, but I don’t think it’s a big deal.”

Expected return date - Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur, Sunday November 23.

Randal Kolo Muani

Spurs striker Randal Kolo Muani was substituted at half-time against Manchester United after a toothless first 45 minutes. Given his performance, it had been thought that decision was tactical.

However, after the game, Frank did confirm an injury. The Tottenham Hotspur boss said it was ‘nothing big’ but Muani then withdrew from France international duty due to the jaw problem.

The French Football Federation said: “Randal Kolo Muani will miss the international break which begins this Monday. The Tottenham Hotspur striker suffered a lower jaw injury on Saturday against Manchester United.

“After consulting with Dr Franck Le Gall, who had previously spoken with his Tottenham counterpart, Didier Deschamps confirmed Randal Kolo Muani's withdrawal."

Expected return date - Unknown.

Thomas Frank hopes for Kudus boost against Arsenal

Mohammed Kudus

Thomas Frank is ‘very confident’ that Mohammed Kudus can return from his injury against Arsenal on Sunday, having missed out against Manchester United and Copenhagen prior to the international break due to a knock.

Expected return date - Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur, Sunday November 23.

Radu Dragusin

Radu Dragusin is yet to play for Tottenham Hotspur this season after picking up an ACL injury in January. The 23-year-old has now returned to full team training, which suggests that he could be available for selection in the very near future.

Frank said: “He's fully integrated into training now. Because an ACL is such a... it's not tricky but it's such a big injury, because you're out for nine months so you need to build strength in the knee and so on.

"Then because we don't train that much, the big area stuff is not that much so we need to give him some of the bigger area stuff. But he is definitely getting closer to being involved."

Expected return date - Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur, Sunday November 23.

Ben Davies

Thomas Frank is yet to hand Ben Davies minutes this season with the veteran having to settle for a role on the bench - although he hasn’t made a Premier League squad since the 2-1 win over Leeds United on October 4.

That’s partly due to a hamstring problem picked up when on international duty with Wales against Belgium on October 13. However, Davies has been deemed fit again to play for his nation over the coming international break. His return to the Spurs squad seems more based on selection rather than fitness.

Expected return date - Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur, Sunday November 23.

Dominic Solanke

Dominic Solanke picked up an ankle injury in pre-season and hasn’t been able to shake that off this term. He last featured for Tottenham Hotspur on August 23.

Frank is determined not to rush the player back but has hinted to a return before the end of 2025. Prior to taking on Manchester United, he said: "I do hope [to see him this year]. I would say let’s see what happens after the international break. We are still going steps forward. It’s on track so far.

"The international break will be the big deciding factor because we have two weeks there to push in the next steps. As I say, it's going forward. Just to take it instead of the questions every single time because it was clearly that he was not ready before the international break."

Expected return date - December.

Kota Takai

Tottenham Hotspur paid £5 million to sign Kota Takai from Kawasaki Frontale this summer. The 21-year-old is yet to feature this season due to a quad problem but is due back in training ‘soon’.

Expected return date - December.

Archie Gray

Archie Gray has been absent from the matchday squad for the past four fixtures in all competitions. The versatile midfielder and defender picked up a calf injury in training ahead of facing Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup.

Gray has struggled for minutes under Frank but the Spurs boss confirmed that he was set to be handed a start against the Magpies before that problem. It is expected that he will miss out on eight weeks of action in total.

Expected return date - Crystal Palace v Tottenham Hotspur, Sunday December 28.

Yves Bissouma

It’s been a torrid season so far for Spurs midfielder Yves Bissouma. The 29-year-old has not featured since the UEFA Super Cup.

Initially, that was due to disciplinary reasons but the player then picked up an injury which was aggravated when playing for Mali over the last international break in October. Bissouma needed surgery on what Frank confirmed was a ligament injury, which leaves his return date up in the air.

Expected return date - Unknown.

Dejan Kulusevski

Another Tottenham Hotspur star yet to feature this season, Dejan Kulusevski’s last minutes came in the Europa League semi-final second leg against Bodo/Glimt at the start of May. The 25-year-old underwent surgery on his patella this summer.

The Sweden international is yet to return to outdoor training. There’s hope he could be in action before the New Year but a return still feels a little way off.

Expected return date - December.

James Maddison

James Maddison suffered an ACL injury in pre-season. The midfielder is determined to play again before the end of the season but his recovery will have to be without setbacks to achieve that.

Maddison said: “I've already looked [at the average time out]. If it's eight months, six months isn't a question. The stage I'm at now, this needs to be right now.

“I'm 28, I'm going to be 29 when I return, I'm in my prime, really. These are my peak years ahead of me. I need to come back and I need to stay fit. So actually I'm not going to be pushing to say 'oh why are you taking so long', sort of thing. But if it gets to eight months and we're flying or whatever, if I'm in the right frame, that will allow me to play this season won't it, towards the end.”

Expected return date - December.

In other news, 'Fantastic' Tottenham Hotspur star could be Ledley King 2.0 - it's not Cristian Romero.

Ledley King was one of the Premier League’s finest centre-halves but could Thomas Frank have a carbon copy already in his squad?

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Ledley King should be in the conversation about who the best central defenders are from the Premier League era with the Tottenham Hotspur legend a formidable force in his day.

He had the strength of Sol Campbell, the aerial ability of John Terry, the pace of Rio Ferdinand and leadership of Tony Adams. Playing in an era with some of the finest strikers to grace English shores, King still managed to stroll through games whilst hardly being able to train for much of his senior career. International honours were also curtailed as a result of his body letting him down.

Tottenham have new Ledley King in Micky van de Ven

Centre halves who can do it all don’t grow on trees, especially ones who can score goals from the edge of the own box too. In Micky van de Ven, Spurs have a modern version of King with the defensive duo sharing several qualities. The common denominator is that the defences that the two players line-up in are weaker without their name being present. Not just for what they offer as an individual, but also what they bring to the team in terms of leadership and making those around them better.

Whereas King used to lead from the back, Van de Ven leads from the front with his goal against Copenhagen being the perfect example of how he takes responsibility. After snubbing Thomas Frank in a show of frustration only a few days earlier, the 24-year old took matters into his own hands to seal three Champions League points.

"I definitely need to think a little bit about that, but it seems like we had Lionel Messi turned into Micky van de Ven running down from his own goal and all the way to the other end to score a fantastic goal. I think he's our top scorer in all competitions so he can keep going. He can keep, by the way, walking past me if he's angry after a game if he delivers like this."

Ledley King loves Micky van de Ven

King himself is a huge fan but can’t believe how Spurs got so lucky via the club’s official website: “If I’m honest, he’s shocked me!” stated Ledley at the end of Van de Ven’s first season at Spurs.

“There are not many times you get a young, left-footed, centre-half who is rapid, and you don’t know too much about him.

"I didn’t know too much about him... so, for him to be here and to be of the quality he is, it’s really impressive. He’s impressed everyone, he’s been fantastic... scoring goals as well as well as defending! I love everything about him. First and foremost, he’s very comfortable on the ball, left footers always look nice, regardless of what position they play in, and he has a nice left foot. It’s his speed though, his recovery speed as well as when he’s bringing the ball out.

“That’s such a big thing, especially when we want to play such an attacking style of football, to have his speed at the back makes everyone feel so secure. We’ve seen Cuti trying to bomb on, that’s what he loves to do, it’s part of his game, playing forward and joining in, or just making a run, that’s his style of play. So, to have someone like van de Ven at the back gives you that security.

“I don’t expect to see anyone outrun him any time soon! I can’t see anyone beating him at the moment. His pace... I think he could run in the 100-metre final, and he wouldn’t finish last! That’s how fast he is. It’s actually quite funny to watch people try to outrun him. He gets quicker, quicker and quicker!” A sentiment shared by Copenhagen’s defence.

Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with a move for a Real Madrid striker struggling for minutes in the January window.

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Thomas Frank has enjoyed a successful start to his tenure as Tottenham Hotspur manager following his switch from Brentford with his side sitting fifth in the table after 11 fixtures.

There’s still a long way to go this season with Spurs also navigating European football in the Champions League. Frank was backed with money in the summer but there are still some gaps in the squad where new faces would be welcome.

Ahead of the January window, LondonWorld looks at the current transfer rumours around Tottenham Hotspur to see how Frank’s side could line up come the end of the window.

Tottenham Hotspur starting XI if transfer rumours are true

Goalkeeper: Guglielmo Vicario

Defenders: Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero, Micky Van de Ven, Djed Spence

Guglielmo Vicario continues to hold the number one spot at Tottenham Hotspur and Thomas Frank is unlikely to feel the need to change that. Cristian Romero has been linked with a move away in recent windows but penned a new four-year contract this summer.

He continues to be partnered by the impressive Micky Van de Ven, who is starting to be linked with a move away, but that won’t come in January. Djed Spence and Pedro Porro are influential in the full back roles.

Spurs linked with Real Madrid winger and Man Utd midfielder

Midfielders: Joao Palhinha, Kobbie Mainoo, Xavi Simons

Forwards: Rodrygo, Ivan Toney, Mohammed Kudus

Joao Palhinha has split opinion on his loan from Bayern Munich so far this term. The midfielder has scored some important goals and has the backing of Frank, but came under criticism from pundit Jamie Carragher recently.

CaughtOffside report that Spurs are keen on wantaway Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, but do face competition from Premier League rivals Manchester City. Fabrizio Romano has also claimed that the London outfit could move for Real Madrid forward Rodrygo, who is expected to leave the Bernabeu in January.

A striker also looks a priority for Frank, given injuries to Dominic Solanke and Randal Kolo Muani. There have been plenty links over a reunion with Ivan Toney.

The former Brentford man could seek a Premier League loan to boost his chances of World Cup selection. There are big financial hurdles to overcome but ex Spurs scout Bryan King believes the striker could force through a move.

He told Tottenham Hotspur News: “If there’s going to be a choice for Toney, then it’s a no-contest; he will go to Tottenham. If I were him, I’d be looking to get out of Saudi Arabia in January, especially if a permanent move is possible. He and his agents should be demanding it. He could always go back to Saudi Arabia if necessary after the World Cup.

“I would certainly say that if he wants to play in the World Cup, then he’s got to be playing regularly in the Premier League.”

In other news, Tottenham handed international injury blow as 'fantastic' player risks missing Arsenal.