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Igor Tudor can only dream of having a fully fit Tottenham squad at his disposal for this weekend’s north London derby. If he did, his Spurs XI would look very different.

Coming into this weekend’s north London derby, Igor Tudor is set to be without at least 12 of his Tottenham Hotspur players.

The likes of Dejan Kulusevski, Mohammed Kudus, James Maddison, Lucas Bergvall, Ben Davies and Wilson Odobert remain sidelined for the long term.

Tudor cannot call on a few Spurs players he has worked with, with Rodrigo Bentancur and Cristian Romero also unavailable for this clash – the former injured and the latter suspended.

Kevin Danso is also out with no return date pencilled in, while Destiny Udogie continues to nurse his hamstring problem, a knock picked up in the United clash a few weeks ago.

Pedro Porro and Richarlison could be available, but it remains touch-and-go with both stars, all representing the 12 players Tudor will not be able to call on.

It is, of course, a big blow, but what if Tudor did not have any injuries to contend with? What players would have made his first Tottenham XI? Here is our pick.

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Tottenham dream XI: Igor Tudor would start vs Arsenal if fully fit

Goalkeeper – Guglielmo Vicario – There currently is no injury to either of Spurs’ shot-stoppers, with both Vicario and Kinsky fit, and as such, we expect that the Croatian will stick with the experienced Vicario regardless.

Centre-back – Cristian Romero – Despite the Argentine’s flaws – his tendency to be rash at times – he still is one of the best centre-backs in the world and, if available, he makes the Spurs XI no matter the manager.

Centre-back – Kevin Danso – The Austrian is slowly becoming Mr Reliable, a tag once held by Ben Davies. Any time he has been called into action, he has delivered solid displays; if fit, he pretty much gets into the squad ahead of Radu Dragusin.

Centre-back – Micky van de Ven – Both Romero and van de Ven formed a solid partnership under Thomas Frank. If Tudor is going to turn to a back three, van de Ven gets in easily, given his ability to defend large spaces and cover ground quickly.

Wing-back – Pedro Porro – The Spaniard has the tendency to switch off defensively, and being used as a wing-back could well suit him, given he is much better going forward. Having him in his natural position is better than deploying Archie Gray out of position.

Pivot midfielder – Conor Gallagher – The Englishman is slowly finding his rhythm in a Tottenham shirt, and it is clear he brings something different to Bentancur and Palhinha – his ability to run tirelessly and help with pressing. If everyone is fit, we expect Gallagher to be the preferred midfielder.

Pivot midfielder – Archie Gray – Spurs need a good mix of youth and experience in their squad, and Gray represents one of those younger profiles. This season, there is a case to be made that he has been the most consistent Spurs player. Regardless of where he is deployed, he is sure to give you a solid 7/10 performance and, for that, he makes the XI if everyone is fit.

Wing-back – Destiny Udogie – It would, of course, be a toss-up between the Italian and Djed Spence. The latter has proven he can do it all – full-back, left midfield or even as a winger – he is a very capable all-round player. But we expect Udogie to be the preferred option for Tudor if everyone is fit, as he is a more natural fit on the left side, given he is left-footed, which adds balance to the side.

Attacking midfielder – James Maddison – When it comes to creativity, if everyone is fit, one would expect Maddison to make the cut over Xavi Simons. Of course, the Dutchman has been impressive, but Maddison’s understanding of the Premier League will simply give him an edge in a match-up against the Gunners.

Attacking midfielder – Dejan Kulusevski – The Swede would make the cut as the second number ten over Mohammed Kudus, simply because he is a more rounded player. Kulusevski brings creativity and hard work to the side – a player capable of pressing from the front, tracking back and carrying the ball from deep.

It does not get any bigger than this for Igor Tudor, whose first game as Spurs manager comes against the club’s biggest rivals, Arsenal. Here’s how to watch the clash between Tottenham and Arsenal on Sunday.

The Gunners are gunning for the title, but their early-season momentum has stifled as Mikel Arteta’s men have managed just two wins from their last five Premier League outings.

Back-to-back draws in their last two games did not help the league leaders’ case as they failed to extend their lead at the top to seven points.

Tottenham Hotspur will now be looking to add to their woes as Manchester City breathe down the necks of Arsenal.

For Igor Tudor, the fixture presents an immediate opportunity to make a statement, with Spurs aiming to derail Arsenal’s charge while igniting their own campaign.

When and where Tottenham vs Arsenal takes place

Tottenham will take on Arsenal on Sunday, 22 February 2026 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 16:30 (UK time).

How to watch Tottenham vs Arsenal in the Premier League

Supporters in the United Kingdom can watch Tottenham vs Arsenal live on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Ultra HDR.

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Spurs and Arsenal team news ahead of north London derby Premier League clash

Tottenham still have several players out due to injury, although a few could potentially return for this weekend’s clash.

Pedro Porro and Richarlison have their return dates pencilled in for the weekend and could be available for selection for Igor Tudor.

Destiny Udogie remains out, having injured his hamstring against Manchester United a few weeks ago, while Wilson Odobert could miss the rest of the season after doing his ACL in the clash against Newcastle United.

Cristian Romero remains suspended and is set to miss this encounter – a big blow for Tottenham. Kevin Danso is also out with no return date pencilled.

Meanwhile, the usual names remain sidelined, with Rodrigo Bentancur, Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison, Lucas Bergvall, Mohammed Kudus and Ben Davies all out.

Arsenal also have fitness concerns, with Martin Odegaard, Max Dowman, Mikel Merino and Kai Havertz all dealing with injuries heading into the derby.

Spurs eye momentum swing in pivotal north London derby

While Tottenham’s form is no good compared to Arsenal’s, this weekend’s clash does feel pivotal for both sides, with a new man in the dugout potentially serving as a breath of fresh air for these Tottenham players who need a spark.

The Gunners are still very much in the title race, and Spurs will be eager to kill any such hopes for their bitter rivals.

The atmosphere in the stadium could very much be bouncing as Tottenham Hotspur fans tease a ‘Forever’ tifo for the north London derby.

A new manager bounce and a determination to halt Arsenal’s title push could very much see Tottenham get a win against their bitter rivals for the first time in a league game since 2022.

Bayern Munich have an interesting worry ahead of the summer transfer window after Tottenham Hotspur decided to sack Thomas Frank.

Frank’s exit may change a lot of the Lilywhites’ calculations of the summer window, which is still several months away.

Spurs would have to decide who their next permanent manager would be before they can finalise their summer plans, with Mauricio Pochettino appearing to be the front-runner at the moment.

The departure of Frank has reportedly caused some uncertainty over the future of an experienced midfielder, who arrived in North London last summer.

Bayern Munich remain hopeful Spurs will buy Joao Palhinha

A few days ago, TEAMtalk claimed that Tottenham are no longer certain to activate the £22m option to buy Joao Palhinha after Frank’s exit.

The outlet revealed that it was the Danish coach who pushed for the 30-year-old to be signed, and his exit may thus cause a change in thinking at N17.

A new report in Sport BILD (as relayed by Sport Witness) shares the same worries about how the former Brentford boss’s departure from Spurs could affect their plans on the Portuguese star.

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They say that the change in management at Tottenham has put Palhinha’s future in question, but the outlet reveals that Bayern are hopeful that the Premier League side will still activate the purchase option.

However, there are worries at the Bavarian club that Spurs may decide to move for another one of their players instead of the former Fulham man.

Tottenham could move for Leon Goretzka instead of Palhinha

The concern at Bayern is regarding the availability of Leon Goretzka, who will leave Allianz Arena when his contract runs out this summer.

SportBild backs up what we have heard from other sources by stating that Tottenham are one of the English clubs eyeing a move for the German international.

Tottenham Hotspur are showing keen interest in an Italian international who is in the final few months of his contract, and he comes with an Igor Tudor recommendation.

It has been reported that Spurs explored signing another creative midfield player in January after adding Conor Gallagher to their squad.

The North Londoners may reignite that pursuit at the end of the season, with reports indicating that Tottenham are preparing for an ambitious rebuild of their squad in the summer.

An experienced Serie A star, who is on course to be a free agent in the summer, has now allegedly emerged as a target for the Lilywhites.

Tottenham have set their sights on Roma’s Lorenzo Pellegrini

According to a report in Calciomercato.it, Spurs are now eyeing a move for Roma midfielder Lorenzo Pellegrini, whose current deal at the Italian capital is about to run out in June.

The report says that the Roma captain’s future is ‘up in the air’ at the moment, and he is at a ‘crossroads’ in his career.

Over the last few hours, Tottenham have shown ‘strong interest’ in signing Pellegrini and are ready to launch a ‘decisive attack’.

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It is revealed that the club’s new interim head coach, Igor Tudor, is a big fan of the Azzuri star, and a move for the player could depend on whether the North London club confirm the Croat as their permanent boss.

What is Pellegrini thinking about Spurs’ interest?

Calcimercato.it say that Pellegrini is exploring the idea of ​​leaving Serie A and is ‘very tempted’ by the chance to test himself in the Premier League.

The Giallorossi have begun contacting the attacking midfielder’s representatives over a contract renewal at the Stadio Olimpico.

However, the Italy international is ‘stalling’ on the discussions over a new deal and is waiting to see how things unfold before committing his future to Roma.

After Kota Takai’s poor showing against Eintracht Frankfurt, a new report has shed light on what Borussia Monchengladbach are planning regarding the Tottenham defender.

The Japanese defender, who arrived from Kawasaki Frontale last summer, left Tottenham to join Gladbach on loan in January without making a single appearance for the Lilywhites.

That was partly because Takai was injured for much of the first half of the season, but the centre-back has put those fitness woes behind him and has been getting game time under his belt in the Bundesliga over recent weeks.

The Tottenham youngster delivered a poor showing in the 3-0 defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt last weekend, making an error that led to a goal, but his passing and his ability on the ball were still redeeming features of his performance.

Borussia Monchengladbach impressed by Tottenham youngster Kota Takai

According to a report in Rheinische Post, the German club still like what they have seen of their 21-year-old despite his poor outing at Deutsche Bank Park.

They are being measured with their overall assessment of Takai and are not judging him solely on one bad display.

They like the flashes of quality that the Tottenham youngster has shown since his January loan switch.

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In fact, it is asserted that Gladbach have already started thinking about keeping the centre-back at the club beyond the end of this season.

Gladbach are thinking about creative solutions to retain Takai

Rheinische Post make it clear that the Bundesliga club do not have an option to buy the Japan international at the end of the season.

As a result, they are ‘exploring creative scenarios’ to extend Takai’s stay at the Borussia Park beyond the summer.

Liverpool are exploring midfield options ahead of the summer window, and one Tottenham Hotspur youngster has now emerged as a name of interest amid shifting plans at Anfield.

Tottenham Hotspur have a strong core of young talents in their current first-team squad, even though these talents are not from their academy.

The likes of Archie Gray, 19, and Lucas Bergvall, 20, stand out as ones for the future for Tottenham, given the amount of first-team football they have been exposed to since moving to north London.

Luka Vuskovic in Germany is another exciting youngster on the books of Tottenham – one that continues to impress in the Bundesliga. Of course, these young talents are players Spurs will be desperate to keep.

Tottenham midfielder Lucas Bergvall draws Liverpool transfer interest

A report from TeamTalk has now revealed that Lucas Bergvall is a player on the radar of Premier League heavyweights Liverpool.

It is understood that speculation surrounding the future of Red Star Alexis Mac Allister has forced Arne Slot’s side to consider their midfield options.

Bergvall, who is currently injured and racing against time to be back sometime in March, is now the latest midfielder to come across Liverpool’s radar as they scour Europe for midfield talent.

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Liverpool join Aston Villa and Chelsea in race for Bergvall

Spurs are, of course, in a commanding position here, and it is understood that the fee they would ask for will be designed to deter suitors.

Liverpool are not the only ones showing interest, with Aston Villa also monitoring the Swedish international.

We reported earlier this month that Villa and Chelsea even considered making an offer for Bergvall during the winter window, one that Spurs quickly rebuffed.

Liverpool also had Juventus’ Khephren Thuram on their radar, but the midfielder is set to put pen to paper in Turin as he believes in their long-term project, ending the Reds’ interest in him.

Tottenham Hotspur’s struggles on and off the pitch continue to mount, as a key multi-million-pound sponsor is reportedly set to cut ties.

Tottenham Hotspur’s downward trajectory in the Premier League has continued once again this season after a disappointing 17th-place finish in the league last term.

Thomas Frank was brought in to keep Tottenham competitive in the English top flight, but after seven months in the dugout, results and form stayed the same, with two points the difference between 16th-placed Spurs and 17th-placed Nottingham Forest.

After managing just two wins in his last 17 league outings, the Tottenham board concluded enough was enough and handed Frank the sack, before then appointing former Juventus manager Igor Tudor as interim manager.

The 47-year-old is yet to take charge of his first game as Spurs manager, but Tottenham will be hoping he can steady the ship and prevent them from going down.

According to The Telegraph, Tottenham Hotspur have now lost a key sponsor worth millions to the club as they continue to battle relegation and struggle in the transfer market.

It is reported that one of Spurs‘ long-standing key sponsors has already alerted the club that their partnership will cease in the summer, whether or not Tottenham remain in the Premier League.

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Meanwhile, the report claims that others are deliberating whether or not to follow. The name of the sponsor to have notified Tottenham they will be ceasing their partnership is not named by the outlet, who state contract confidentiality as the reason.

It is understood that several factors have played a role in the sponsor’s decision to walk away from their partnership with Tottenham.

The club’s decision to sacrifice the Premier League for the Europa League last season is one that did not go down well with some sponsors, who see the Premier League and its global reach as the core value of their partnerships.

Tottenham’s downward trajectory in the Premier League, a lack of pulling power, empty seats, a toxic atmosphere and a lack of communication are also contributing factors.

‘Many sponsors’ have been dismayed at the lack of communication since Levy’s exit, while some are yet to even meet Vinai Venkatesham or the Lewis family.

This all comes after it was revealed earlier today that Tottenham Hotspur have frozen their season-ticket prices for next season.

It remains to be seen whether Spurs lose additional deals, as ‘at least one’ of the north London club’s remaining sponsors is due to conclude at the end of the season, with no renewal agreement currently in place.

Meanwhile, one other sponsor is thought to be considering their options. It is also reported that a number of the club’s partnership deals include lucrative bonuses based on European qualification that the club look almost certain to miss out on, given their league struggles this season.

There are claims that some of Spurs’ sponsors have relegation renegotiation and termination clauses in their contracts, which would leave a massive financial hole for the club to fill.

Tottenham Hotspur could find themselves on the receiving end of interest from Atletico Madrid on two counts this summer.

With the summer window fast approaching, Tottenham Hotspur will be aiming to strengthen their first-team squad instead of weakening it.

Adding depth to their attack, midfield, and defence should be the top priority, given how frequently the club is hit with injuries.

At the moment, Spurs are without 12 first-team players – almost a full squad – one that will be complete should a goalkeeper pick up an injury, leaving them with a desperate need for much-needed depth.

Tottenham transfer latest as Richarlison is targeted by Atletico Madrid

The summer window is the perfect opportunity to strengthen, but a few Tottenham stars could well be on their way out as well.

According to Fichajes, it is understood that Atletico Madrid are eyeing a move for Spurs forward Richarlison this summer.

The Brazilian has managed seven goals in 21 appearances in the Premier League this season, but is currently sidelined due to injury.

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Richarlison’s contract is set to expire next summer, leaving this window as one of the few where Tottenham can demand a huge fee for him.

It is explained that Diego Simeone has already given his approval to a move for the Spurs forward, as he believes he can bring intensity, mobility and aggression to the forward line, while Spurs are also open to negotiations over a deal.

Spurs’ stance as Atletico Madrid remains interested in Cristian Romero

Reports linking Richarlison with a move away from Tottenham are nothing new, but each time such rumours emerge, the Brazilian shows he is committed to Spurs, refuting such claims.

It is even rumoured that Richarlison has a verbal agreement with Spurs to leave for £21.8m, and it is claimed that he is willing to hold talks with Flamengo if they meet that valuation.

Atletico Madrid, on the other hand, is not just looking to poach Richarlison away from Spurs, as Tottenham captain Cristian Romero is also on their radar.

However, despite Atleti’s interest in Romero, it is understood that the Spurs do not plan to sell the Argentine centre-back this summer.

Opta’s Supercomputer has revealed the chances of Tottenham Hotspur beating their North London rivals Arsenal for the first time in nearly four years.

The North London derby is historically dominated by the home side, but things have changed over the last few years.

Arsenal have beaten Tottenham in their last three visits to N17, and the Lilywhites are currently on a three-game losing streak against their fiercest rivals.

The Gunners come into Sunday’s game wounded, having dropped two points against Wolves, and Spurs have an opportunity to further dent their title hopes.

Arsenal are overwhelming favourites to win at Tottenham

Opta’s Supercomputer has installed Mikel Arteta’s men as big favourites to make it four wins from four visits to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The data analysis platform gives the away side a 60 per cent chance of taking all three points against Spurs on Sunday.

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In contrast, Tottenham are given just a 19.3 per cent chance of winning, which is less than a third of their opponents’ probability, while the likelihood of a draw is given as 20.6 per cent.

Could Igor Tudor inject fresh energy into a struggling Spurs side?

Igor Tudor has said that Tottenham will be brave in the North London derby, insisting that his side will play in a way that fans can get behind.

That would be music to the ears of the Spurs faithful, who have had little to cheer at home all season.

Given the change in management, one would expect to see the atmosphere at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to be much better than it has been for much of the campaign.

Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk has made a confident statement ahead of a potential Champions League round of 16 showdown with Tottenham Hotspur.

The focus of new Spurs interim boss Igor Tudor will be on domestic matters for now as the Lilywhites attempt to get themselves out of relegation trouble.

However, the Champions League will be on the back of the mind of the Tottenham squad and the coaching staff, with a round of 16 tie coming up in a few weeks.

Spurs know they will play one of Juventus, Atletico Madrid, Galatasaray, or Club Brugge in the next round, and they have now got closer to finding out who their opponents will be.

Okan Buruk reminds Tottenham that they lost to Galatasaray

Atletico Madrid played out an entertaining 3-3 draw in the first leg at Club Brugge, with the La Liga side thus well placed to qualify for the R16 stage.

Galatasaray are in an even better position after thumping Juventus 5-2, which means that they now have to just avoid losing by more than two goals at the Allianz Stadium next week to seal progression.

The winner of one of these two playoff ties will face Spurs while the other will face Liverpool in the next round, but Buruk is not scared of either Premier League club.

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The Galatasaray boss said after his side’s thumping win against Juve (via talkSPORT): “I hope that we will pass this play-off and we will play against Tottenham or Liverpool, I don’t know.

“Last year, we played against Tottenham, we beat them 3-2, this year, we played against Liverpool, and we beat them 1-0. I hope one of them, I don’t know which one will come, but we have good memories against these two teams.”

Buruk shoots warning about Galatasaray’s strength at home

The 52-year-old is aware that his side still has work to do in the second leg in Turin and insists they will not take their eye off the ball.

He also made it clear that the clubs that come to Rams Park will find it easy to deal with the atmosphere in Istanbul.

The Turkish coach added: “It was a historic night for Galatasaray, the players and for me. I was a football player, played in Italy for Inter, where we were rivals with Juventus, it was always a hard game.

“And last night to win 5-2… after the first half it was 1-2, the second was 4-0 to us, it was an amazing result for the first game. The Champions League is another level but to win against this level of team like Juve, it’s an amazing night for Turkish football.

“We analysed very well about the opposite team, but the atmosphere of the stadium in Istanbul is a big experience. You have to be there and feel the atmosphere…it affects our game, we are defending together, we are attacking together and we had a great night.

“The players are always waiting for the Champions League games, they concentrate more than the Turkish league, all players, everything was perfect.

“We have to start 0-0 in the second leg, we need to start without anything from the first game and beat them there. This was our first half, we will play our second half now.”