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Jurrien Timber breaks silence after Arsenal injury scare ahead of Tottenham

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Jurrien Timber breaks silence after Arsenal injury scare ahead of Tottenham - Football London
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Jurrien Timber has posted a seven-word message on social media after giving Mikel Arteta an injury scare ahead of the North London Derby at the weekend.

The Arsenal defender started Netherlands' clash against Lithuania on Monday night and in the first half required treatment from physios on what appeared to be a knee problem. Despite the fairly significant gash on his leg, the right-back played on but was eventually taken off just after the hour mark.

With Arsenal playing Tottenham on Sunday, Gunners supporters would have feared that the defender may indeed miss the clash due to injury. Timber has now taken to Instagram, however, and shared a message of his own.

As well as publishing a number of pictures of himself in action for the Netherlands, Timber said: "We made it, see you in 2026 [love heart emoji]."

Given the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury Timber suffered shortly after signing for Arsenal, some fans may have feared the worst. Given the defender played on, however, and appears to be in good spirits given his social media activity, he should be fit for the clash against north London rivals Tottenham at the weekend.

It comes after Gabriel Magalhaes was forced off with a groin injury in Brazil's friendly against Senegal at Emirates Stadium. A statement later confirmed that the 27-year-old was miss his national team's following clash after undergoing initial examinations.

"Arsenal player Gabriel Magalhaes was re-evaluated this Sunday and underwent imaging tests that revealed a muscle injury in his right thigh," it read. "Therefore, the player will not travel with the team to the match against Tunisia in Lille. No other player will be called up to replace him."

Riccardo Calafiori is currently following a separate training programme in Italy training because of a hip issue. National team head coach Gennaro Gattuso, therefore, opted against deploying him for World Cup qualifiers against Moldova and Norway. Despite concerns, the expectation is that he will be fine to feature against Spurs.

Viktor Gyokeres, Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus have all missed varying periods, but the hope is that it won't be too long until they make their returns.

Tottenham discover true cost of Antoine Semenyo as transfer clause comes to light

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Tottenham discover true cost of Antoine Semenyo as transfer clause comes to light - Football London
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Antoine Semenyo signed a new long-term contract with Bournemouth in the summer, but the Cherries have reportedly 'accepted' that the forward could leave in January

Antoine Semenyo has a £65million release clause in his Bournemouth contract, which could interest a host of Premier League clubs including Tottenham.

Spurs were heavily linked with a move for the tricky winger in the summer, with Thomas Frank said to be a keen admirer of the 25-year-old. Liverpool and Manchester United were also linked with the Cherries star but he eventually signed a new contract with the south coast club

Nevertheless, despite penning fresh terms that should secure his services at the Vitality Stadium until 2030, Semenyo could find himself departing as soon as January following a fresh development. According to The Athletic, the Ghanaian's revised contract contains a £65million release clause, which any club can activate.

It's understood that Bournemouth have reluctantly 'acknowledged' that his destiny lies beyond their control, and a January departure could materialise, reports the Mirror. The report also reveals how Semenyo was priced at approximately £70million this summer, with his release clause enabling interested parties to acquire his signature for slightly less come January.

It's suggested that any potential suitors will need to trigger his clause by a specific date to permit the Cherries to source a replacement. The news comes as Semenyo recently refuted suggestions that he was eager to sever ties with his current employers.

When questioned by Jamie Redknapp about his future recently, the Ghana international replied: "I don't think about it too much. I try to stay present as much as I can. You see the news all the time, I see it as well, I'm not oblivious, but I try to keep focused.

"I'm enjoying my football here. If I'm not scoring goals, all of that goes away. I try to stay present, do the best I can for the team, score goals and whatever happens in the future happens.

"When they [his former team-mates] all left [in the summer], there was a lot of interest and back and forth with the club. But I knew in my head that the manager's got something up his sleeve this year.

"How we finished off the season last year was so good and we could continue, especially with the players we've bought in as well. I wasn't too sure at the start but we've kicked on like a house on fire. I'm glad I committed to staying here because I'm enjoying every moment."

Following his remarkable return of 13 goals in all competitions during the previous campaign, Semenyo became the subject of intense transfer speculation. Spurs were one of the clubs interested in the Ghana star, but ultimately completed the signing of Mohammed Kudus in a £55million switch from West Ham United.

Premier League confirm Arsenal vs Tottenham referee that has already left Mikel Arteta fuming

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Arsenal take on bitter rivals Tottenham at Emirates Stadium this weekend with the Premier League announcing a major refereeing decision.

The Premier League have confirmed refereeing appointments for this weekend's fixtures with a familiar face that has angered Mikel Arteta in charge for Arsenal's clash against Tottenham. Emirates Stadium hosts the latest North London Derby with it undoubtedly as the showpiece fixture of game week 12.

The Gunners head into the meeting following a minor setback in their pursuit of the Premier League title after drawing to Sunderland. The November international break has made Brian Brobbey's last-gasp equaliser feel an awfully long time ago especially with plenty having happened since.

Martin Zubimendi and Bukayo Saka have both scored for Spain and England, respectively, but the bigger news has surrounded Gabriel Magalhaes. During Brazil's friendly against Senegal over the weekend, the defender picked up a groin injury which has made him a huge doubt to face Spurs.

Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori have also picked up issues, but both are expected to be okay before Sunday's clash. With Arteta likely already annoyed at the scenario that has played out, Michael Oliver being confirmed as the official for Arsenal vs Tottenham is unlikely to cheer him up too much, either.

As confirmed by the Premier League, Oliver will take charge of the North London Derby - with Stuart Burt, James Mainwaring as his linesmen and Michael Salisbury as the fourth official. They will be supported by Stuart Attwell as lead VAR operator and Constantine Hatzidakis as his assistant.

Oliver has not been at the centre of many controversial incidents this season, but Arteta will certainly remember him making big decisions against Arsenal. Back in September 2024, he sent off Leandro Trossard away at Man City with his second caution for kicking the ball away which ultimately delayed the restart.

Having lost Declan Rice to a similar action a few weeks earlier, Arteta was - unsurprisingly - annoyed with his anger heightened by Jeremy Doku doing exactly what Trossard did but going unpunished.

"There were two incidents, very similar," Arteta said when speaking about the decisions. "In particular one was very different with a different outcome that forces you to play a game that nobody wanted to watch.

He later clarified: "It's [Trossard kicking the ball away] is less than a second. The previous one [Doku's] is more than a second. That's it. It's simple."

Just a few months later, Oliver wrongly dismissed Myles Lewis-Skelly against Wolves for a late but not reckless nor goal-scoring denying challenge. Though Calafiori grabbed the winning goal - and that red card was later overturned - the decision still brought about furious responses.

"I am absolutely fuming but I leave it with you," Arteta said to Sky Sports.

"Because it is that obvious, I don't think my words are going to help."

Oliver will be hoping for a quiet afternoon, but that seems unlikely given the two teams playing.

Ex-Tottenham striker Troy Parrott had perfect response to Jose Mourinho criticism

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Ex-Tottenham striker Troy Parrott had perfect response to Jose Mourinho criticism - Football London
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Ex-Tottenham striker Troy Parrott became a national hero by scoring five goals in two games to help the Republic of Ireland book their place in the World Cup play-offs over the weekend

Troy Parrott's heroics for the Republic of Ireland have left Tottenham fans thinking what might've been. Parrott, 23, scored both goals in his country's 2-0 win against Portugal in Dublin on Thursday before bagging a hat-trick during Sunday's dramatic 3-2 win away to Hungary.

His haul of five goals, the last of which was a 96th-minute winner, sealed Ireland's place in the World Cup play-offs, recovering from a dismal start to their qualifying campaign. The striker is the new poster boy of Irish football, having been on the books at Spurs between 2017 and 2024.

Parrott joined Dutch outfit AZ Alkmaar on a permanent basis last year, with Tottenham selling him for €8 million (£6.7m). After drawing comparisons to Robbie Keane following an impressive display in a 2019 pre-season clash with Juventus, big things were expected of him.

Jose Mourinho was appointed a few months later and in March 2020, Parrott ended up being Spurs' only fit striker. As fans urged Mourinho to give him a chance, Parrott continued playing in the under-23s and, according to his boss, made his frustration clear.

"I told him before the (youth team) game: 'Every time you play with the kids of your age, you have to show your colleagues why you are the privileged one' because it was something he was not doing," Mourinho said at a press conference.

"Every time he was playing with the kids, he was playing with the mentality of, 'I shouldn't be here' or, 'I am too good to be here'. I had exactly the same words with Scott McTominay (at Manchester United).

"He was not loved in his age group because he was not there with the right frame of mind. The moment we started changing that lots of things started changing for him. Troy cannot go there [the under‐age teams] with discontent, contempt.

"It is a process. So everything goes very, very well. But this is a world where lots of people don't even know if Troy has long hair or short hair, or is blond or is dark.

"They don't even know that and they speak about Troy, Troy, Troy. There was a guy behind me on the bench the other day: 'Play Troy, play Troy'. I don't think he knows Troy."

The following season, Parrott joined Millwall on loan and was asked about Mourinho's comments - and he gave a mature response. "To be fair, he's such an experienced manager and he's done nearly everything in the game, so if he feels like that's right then there must be some truth in it and I had to take it on the chin," Parrott explained.

"I was speaking to coaching staff and players finding out what I needed to do to be better. Because, obviously, Mourinho has worked with some of the best strikers there's ever been.

"To get advice off him was great. I knew what I needed to do. It was helpful advice."

Five years later, Parrott is hot property and linked with a return to the Premier League. In an emotional interview with RTE after Sunday's comeback, the 23-year-old beamed: "This is why we love football because anything can happen.

"I just love where I'm from. My family are here. My mum is so proud of me. This is the first time I've cried in years. The boys are all crying over there.

"I don't think I'll have a better night in my life. It's a fairytale, you couldn't dream anything like that."

Latest Arsenal injury news amid Gabriel worry as statement released

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Arsenal have a number of injury worries ahead of the North London derby against Tottenham with Mikel Arteta hoping for good news this week.

Arsenal have injury and fitness worries over several players ahead of the return of the Premier League after the November international break.

It’s back to action with a bang for the Gunners next Sunday as they host North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur at Emirates Stadium (4.30pm kick-off).

Ahead of the game, Arsenal have been handed one big injury worry in particular. Influential defender Gabriel Magalhaes limped off the Emirates Stadium pitch during Brazil’s friendly with Senegal on Saturday.

Despite the player warming up separately from the rest of the team due to concerns about load management, he started the match. However, in the second half he was forced off the pitch with a thigh injury.

Following the match, Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti said : "Bad? I don’t know, he had a problem on his adductor the medical staff have to check tomorrow.

"We are really sorry for this, really disappointed, when players have an injury I hope they can recover well and soon.”

The next day, the Brazilian Football Association gave an update . "Arsenal player Gabriel Magalhaes was re-evaluated this Sunday and underwent imaging tests that revealed a muscle injury in his right thigh,” the statement read.

"Therefore, the player will not travel with the team for the match against Tunisia in Lille. No other player will be called up to replace him."

How serious the injury is, or how long it could keep him out for is still to be seen. Manager Mikel Arteta will give the latest in his pre-match press conference later this week.

The international break also brought concern over Riccardo Calafiori. The full-back dropped out of the Italy squad ahead of their World Cup qualifier against Norway.

However, in a boost to Arsenal, it has since been claimed that the defender will be available to play against Tottenham despite his withdrawal from international duties.

Arteta will be hoping for more good news over players’ availability this week. Viktor Gyokeres, Gabriel Martinelli, Martin Odegaard and Noni Madueke have all been on the sidelines.

They are all closing in on a return with it hoped that at least some will be available to make an appearance in the North London derby.

"It's moving forward," Odegaard said of his injury comeback on Sunday. "The match today came a little too early... But it's starting to look better, so hopefully I'll be back soon."

Tottenham star Dominic Solanke shares new update after 'dark times' message and injury nightmare

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Tottenham Hotspur star Dominic Solanke has made only three appearances for Thomas Frank's team so far this term having been out with an injury

Tottenham Hotspur striker Dominic Solanke has provided a new update as he continues his recovery from injury.

The forward has made just three appearances this term as he attempted to manage the issue. Solanke is hoping to make a swift return, with boss Thomas Frank revealing in early October that he does not expect the ex-Bournemouth star to be out for an extended period.

The 28-year-old has not featured for Spurs since August and has played just 49 minutes across matches against Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester City and Burnley. And the Englishman has been trying to stay positive, if his recent activity on Instagram is anything to go by.

On Sunday, he posted: "Little bit of life," alongside several more pictures of him.

Solanke's post follows one from four weeks ago with a similar tone. "Positivity through the dark times," he said, alongside several more pictures of him.

Solanke has recently indicated on social media that it won't be long until he returns to the pitch.

"Hi everyone, quick update about my current situation," he posted. "The last few months have been very frustrating as I've tried everything possible to try and push through my ankle issue before taking the option of surgery.

"None of this managed to solve the problem, so we had to go ahead with minor surgery which I underwent this morning. It was all successful so hopefully I'll be back on the pitch in the very near future!

"Thank you for all your love and messages."

Ahead of Spurs' Champions League clash against Bodo/Glimt in September, Frank revealed that Solanke's absence from the trip was due to the surgery. "Dom, you know, got that ankle issue that's been bothering him for a little while," he said.

"So now we decided to make a minor surgery. It's a small procedure. So that will mean he's not ready for today, of course.

"And of course, Leeds he's out as well. We will have more news about time frame after the international break. But I don't expect it to be long."

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Gabriel, Gyokeres, Odegaard - Arsenal injury news ahead of Tottenham clash

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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has several injury concerns within his squad before the Gunners return to action this weekend against Tottenham Hotspur after the international break

Arsenal have been dealt several injury concerns during the November international break.

Mikel Arteta's team have worked themselves into a promising position after 11 games in the Premier League. The Gunners sit four points clear of second-placed Manchester City and eight ahead of last season's winners, Liverpool.

Arteta's side have won eight, drawn two and lost just once in the league so far. Their only defeat came at Anfield against Liverpool, courtesy of a second-half free-kick from Dominik Szoboszlai.

But there are several injury concerns for Arteta's squad heading into Sunday's trip to Tottenham Hotspur. Below is the latest on Arsenal's injuries...

Gabriel

Gabriel Magalhaes was seen limping off during Brazil's clash against Senegal on Saturday. The centre-back was in some pain after holding what looked to be a groin injury on his right side.

Gabriel's expression said it all, and he covered his face with his shirt in frustration as he exited the pitch. Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti initially said Gabriel had suffered an adductor injury but scans confirmed he sustained a knee injury.

In a statement on Sunday, the Brazilian Football Confederation said: “Arsenal player Gabriel Magalhaes was re-evaluated this Sunday (16) and underwent imaging tests that revealed a muscle injury in his right thigh.

"Therefore, the player will not travel with the team to the match against Tunisia in Lille. No other player will be called up to replace him."

Potential return date: Unknown.

Viktor Gyokeres

Viktor Gyokeres suffered a hamstring injury at Burnley on November 1. The Swede missed games against Slavia Prague and Sunderland before the international break and was not included in the Sweden squad for the current international break.

Arteta said before the international break that Arsenal were still waiting to learn the full extent of the injury. The Gunners have big games on the horizon against Tottenham on Sunday, Bayern Munich in the Champions League next Wednesday and then Chelsea on November 30.

Potential return date: Unknown.

Martin Odegaard

Martin Odegaard has not played for the Gunners since he suffered a knee injury against West Ham United on October 4. That followed a frustrating few months in which Odegaard struggled with shoulder issues.

Norway boss Stale Solbakken believes Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard is still "some distance away" from his own return.

Potential return date: Unknown.

Riccardo Calafiori

Riccardo Calafiori was forced to cut short his international duty with Italy and return to London. Reports from Italy confirmed the defender departed the Italy camp on Saturday, missing his nation's 2026 World Cup qualifier against Norway on Sunday evening.

He will now return to London, where he will be assessed by Arsenal doctors. Italy boss Gennaro Gattuso had said: "He tried to be available but he can't force now," regarding Calafiori's situation.

Potential return date: Unknown.

Kai Havertz

Kai Havertz has featured for just 30 minutes this season, during Arsenal's campaign opener with Manchester United. During the game, he suffered a knee injury that required minor surgery, with Arteta recently explaining that he will need to be monitored before he's ready to return.

Speaking a few weeks ago about Havertz, Arteta said: "Let’s see how he absorbs the load first when he starts to train with us, and when he’s done that, obviously we’re going to have to, especially in the first few weeks, keep an eye on him to manage the amount of minutes and when we play him."

Potential return date: Early December.

Gabriel Martinelli

Martinelli has missed Arsenal's last four matches as a result of sustaining a knock against Crystal Palace in October, and didn't even make the bench against Sunderland. However, he could be fit to compete once again when the international break is over.

Potential return date: Late November.

Noni Madueke

Despite showing a wealth of potential since making the move from Stamford Bridge, Madueke has missed practically two months of football as a result of a knee injury sustained in September.

Ivan Toney transfer statement issued as Thomas Frank eyes Tottenham reunion

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Ivan Toney has been linked with a return to the Premier League with Tottenham among the clubs said to be monitoring the striker

Al-Ahli have insisted that star forward Ivan Toney is not available for a move in January. The striker has been linked with several Premier League clubs including Tottenham and Everton.

Despite interest in the England international, the Saudi club's hierarchy seem resolute in their stance against selling Toney. The 29-year-old made the move from Brentford to Al-Ahli 18 months ago and has since been in scintillating form for the Jeddah-based side.

His tally of 23 goals last season saw him finish second only to Cristiano Ronaldo in the league's scoring charts. Despite this only leading to a fifth-place finish domestically, Toney played a crucial role in helping Al-Ahli secure the Asian Champions League title and the Saudi Super Cup. He has already netted five times in the first seven matches of the current campaign.

Whether Toney would be open to a return to England at this point in his career remains to be seen. A move back could potentially boost his chances of international selection ahead of next summer's World Cup.

However, his prolific goal-scoring record has made him an invaluable asset to Al-Ahli as they continue their quest for more silverware.

Over the weekend, Rui Pedro Braz, a representative from Al-Ahli, sought to quash rumours linking Toney with a move away from the club. These rumours have included interest from Spurs, managed by Toney's former boss Thomas Frank, and Leeds United among others.

Sporting director Braz said: "Ivan Toney is a top player, a top striker. The rumours around his possible exit in January are not based on reality. It's just not true. We're counting on him, it makes zero sense to address this subject in November."

Toney found the back of the net 36 times across 83 top-flight outings for Brentford before securing his £40million switch to Al-Ahli in 2024. His finest Premier League season arrived in 2022/23 when he bagged 20 goals in 33 appearances, with only Manchester City's Erling Haaland (36) and Tottenham's Harry Kane (30) surpassing his tally.

He flourished under the management of Frank at Brentford, with the Dane now the current boss at Tottenham. Reflecting on his choice to leave Brentford for the Saudi Pro League, Toney revealed in December 2024: "I came here and the training ground was good, the stadium was nice and the quality in the team was good also. People look at this league differently, but I stepped into it knowing it's still a high standard.

"I wanted something a bit different. It's a different culture, but I can blend in anywhere. I've been at Peterborough, Brentford, now out of the UK. I'm excited to be on this journey. I believe it's the right move at this stage of my career."

Thomas Frank reveals huge difference from Chelsea and Man Utd job interviews before Spurs choice

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Thomas Frank has opened up on his job interviews with Manchester United and Chelsea in the summer of 2024, admitting he was left in awe of the two clubs

Brentford boss Thomas Frank has revealed he held discussions with both Manchester United and Chelsea last spring, before either club made managerial changes. The Danish tactician spoke with representatives from both Premier League giants in May 2024, as they explored potential options for their dugouts.

According to TV2, Frank's morning began with a meeting with Ineos owner Ratcliffe at a London garage, before travelling to the prestigious Mayfair Hotel overlooking Hyde Park for discussions with Chelsea. Ultimately, Frank chose to remain at Brentford for another campaign, whilst United brought in Ruben Amorim following Erik Ten Hag's departure in November, and Chelsea placed their trust in Enzo Maresca.

Speaking to the publication, Frank admitted he was overwhelmed by the opportunity to engage with two of football's biggest institutions. He said: "I know I didn't get either job, but it was still huge.

"I remember walking through Battersea Park between the two interviews and thinking, 'Thomas Frank from f***ing Frederiksværk - am I really experiencing this?'"

Following a modest playing stint with Frederiksværk spanning 1995 to 2004, Frank moved into coaching in 2008, beginning with Denmark's U16 side. He subsequently progressed through the U17 and U19 age groups before departing international football to take charge of Brondby in 2013.

Frank's tenure with the club lasted a mere three years before he stepped down following revelations that the club's chairman, Jan Bech Andersen, had been anonymously criticising him on a fan forum.

This led to a two-year hiatus from football, before he secured a position with Brentford.

At the time a Championship side, Frank guided the team to Premier League status in 2021 by clinching the play-off final with a decisive 2-0 victory over Swansea City.

While many newly-promoted teams have faced relegation in their first year due to struggles adapting to top-tier football, Frank not only maintained Brentford's Premier League status in the subsequent years but transformed the team into genuine mainstays - finishing an impressive 10th last season.

However, the 52-year-old's stint at the Gtech Community Stadium came to an end this summer.

Frank was soon linked with the managerial role at Tottenham following the departure of Ange Postecoglou, and was officially announced as the club's new head coach on June 12.

Despite Spurs ' disappointing 17th-place finish in the Premier League last season under Postecoglou, it seems the club is experiencing a resurgence under Frank's leadership. Currently, the Lilywhites are sitting fifth in the league table after 11 matches, boasting five victories, three draws and three defeats.

They've also maintained an unbeaten streak in Europe, boasting victories over Villarreal and Copenhagen, as well as draws with Bodo/Glimt in the Champions League. Frank and his squad will be keen to continue their momentum when Premier League action resumes next weekend, although a colossal challenge may be on the horizon.

That's because Spurs are set to lock horns with Mikel Arteta's Arsenal on Sunday, 23 November.

The Gunners are currently leading the pack in the league standings, sitting eight points clear of Tottenham and maintaining an unbeaten run in their last eight top flight matches.