Sports Mole

As the bottlers allegations rear their ugly heads again, Arsenal face a must-win Premier League North London derby with Tottenham Hotspur away from home on Sunday afternoon.

Mikel Arteta's men deservedly dropped two points against basement boys Wolverhampton Wanderers on Wednesday evening, blowing a 2-0 lead to draw 2-2 with the Old Gold courtesy of Tom Edozie's last-gasp equaliser.

While the Gunners do remain in control of their title destiny at the top of the Premier League table, they could find themselves just two points clear of closest challengers Manchester City if the Sky Blues win their match in hand.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up Arsenal’s latest injury and suspension news ahead of their clash with Spurs, whose fans could hardly have wished for a more fitting introduction for new head coach Igor Tudor.

Bukayo Saka

© Imago / Visionhaus

Status: Minor doubt

Type of injury: Unknown

Possible return date: February 22 (vs. Spurs)

Goalscorer Bukayo Saka was withdrawn in the second half of Wednesday's draw with Wolves due to an unspecified issue, but he was able to complete his post-match media duties, and there was no update from Arteta at full time.

As a result, Gooners can feel optimistic of his chances of featuring in the derby.

Leandro Trossard

© Imago

Status: Major doubt

Type of injury: Head

Possible return date: February 22 (vs. Spurs)

Leandro Trossard was the second casualty of Arsenal's miserable midweek result, coming off in injury time after taking a blow to the face from Santiago Bueno.

It is not clear if the Belgian will have to follow concussion protocols, but he has now emerged as a major doubt for the derby.

Martin Odegaard

© Imago / Mark Pain

Status: Minor doubt

Type of injury: Knee

Possible return date: February 22 (vs. Spurs)

Martin Odegaard has missed Arsenal's last two games with the knee injury he suffered against Brentford, but Arteta is "very hopeful" of having his captain back for the trip to Tottenham.

Kai Havertz

© Imago / Action Plus

Status: Major doubt

Type of injury: Muscle

Possible return date: February 22 (vs. Spurs)

Kai Havertz was initially expected to be sidelined until March with a fresh muscular injury, but Arteta has not ruled him out of the North London derby in a major boost to the league leaders.

Mikel Merino

© Imago / Marco Canoniero

Status: Out

Type of injury: Foot

Possible return date: Unknown

Arsenal's only confirmed absentee for the weekend at present, Mikel Merino is on the long road to recovery from foot surgery and is at risk of missing the rest of the season, as well as the World Cup.

Max Dowman

© Imago / Action Plus

Status: Minor doubt

Type of injury: Ankle

Possible return date: February 22 (vs. Spurs)

Max Dowman has returned to team training following an ankle injury, but having not made the squad against Wolves, it remains to be seen if the youngster is considered for derby selection.

ARSENAL'S SUSPENSION LIST

Arsenal have no players suspended for this game.

Richarlison was spotted in training in one of Tottenham Hotspur's social media posts ahead of the North London derby.

Sitting 16th in the Premier League table, interim boss Igor Tudor's immediate priority is to help Spurs escape the relegation battle that they are at risk of being drawn into.

The Croatian's first game as boss could hardly be more difficult given he must try to get the better of first-placed Arsenal on Sunday.

Tottenham have a number of injuries to contend with, including to attackers such as James Maddison, Wilson Odobert and Dejan Kulusevski.

However, Tudor's first session in charge of the club was on Monday, and footage appeared to show striker Richarlison in training, though it is not known whether he took part in a significant section of the session.

How should Tottenham line up against Arsenal?

Arsenal have at times struggled to break down stubborn defences, but while Spurs could experience some success if they defend deep, the must ensure they have an outlet up front.

Dominic Solanke is a likely candidate to lead the line, while either Randal Kolo Muani or Richarlison could support the English striker.

Xavi Simons has at times proven he can carry the ball past opponents when pressed, but he has not shown his ability in possession on a consistent basis.

It would not be surprising if the attacker was left out in favour of a more robust athlete such as Conor Gallagher, who could disrupt the likes of Martin Zubimendi and Declan Rice.

Can Spurs beat Arsenal in the Premier League?

Spurs could look to take advantage of the pressure that Arsenal have faced after recent results have seen the gap to second-placed Manchester City reduced to four points.

Mikel Arteta will know that even a draw could open the door for Pep Guardiola's side as they will have to travel to the Etihad in April for a crunch showdown.

If Spurs can keep the score level for a prolonged period in the North London derby, then the Gunners may grow increasingly desperate, increasing the risk of exploitable errors.

Tottenham Hotspur have ‘quietly added’ Newcastle United’s Eddie Howe to their list of potential managerial targets, according to a report.

The North Londoners decided to relieve head coach Thomas Frank of his duties last week following a miserable run of just two wins in 17 Premier League games (D6 L9), leaving the club in danger of relegation.

Languishing in 16th place in the table and just five points above the bottom three with 12 league games remaining, Spurs have turned to Igor Tudor who has been appointed as interim head coach until the end of the season.

Tudor has already overseen a reshuffle of his coaching staff which has seen first-team coach John Heitinga depart after just 33 days in North London, while Frank’s assistant Justin Cochrane has also left the club.

The 47-year-old is tasked with steering Spurs away from the relegation picture and progressing further in the Champions League knockout rounds, while the club begins its search for a permanent managerial appointment.

Howe ‘raised and discussed’ by Spurs as manager search ramps up

The possibility of Tudor extending his stay at Tottenham and taking the job on a permanent basis cannot be ruled out if the Croatian works wonders in the dugout, but a number of other names are expected to feature on the club’s shortlist.

While no discussions are believed to have taken place between Spurs chiefs and former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca, an emotional return for Mauricio Pochettino has been mooted, while the likes of Oliver Glasner, Roberto De Zerbi, Marco Rose and Robbie Keane have also been linked with the vacant post.

However, according to TEAMtalk, senior figures at Tottenham are ‘increasingly intrigued’ by Howe’s body of work at Newcastle and his long-term Premier League pedigree.

Howe’s name is said to have been ‘raised and discussed’ at board level, as CEO Vinai Venkatesham and his colleagues maps out their plans for a new permanent manager, with Tudor only viewed as a ‘short-term stabiliser’.

The 48-year-old is regarded by Spurs as a coach who fits the club’s long-term blueprint, blending progressive football with player development and a track record of handling high-pressure projects.

Howe remains committed to Newcastle despite speculation

It remains to be seen whether Tottenham make a concrete move for Howe, but it is claimed that the club's ‘admiration is genuine’.

Manchester United - another club on the hunt for a permanent manager after sacking Ruben Amorim in January - have also been linked with Howe, but prising him away from Newcastle would ‘not be easy or inexpensive’.

Howe stated earlier this year that he was “100% here” at Newcastle, brushing aside speculation over the Man United job, and has continued to stress his loyalty to the club during a difficult period.

The Magpies endured a run of just one win in eight games across all tournaments (D2 L5) prior to Howe’s comments, but they have since won back-to-back away matches against Spurs (2-1 in the Premier League) and Aston Villa (3-1 in the FA Cup).

Howe, who has won 49.5% of is 214 games in charge of Newcastle since November 2021, signed a ‘multi-year’ contract extension at St James’ Park in the summer of 2024.

Liverpool are in discussions with Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers over a big-money summer transfer to Anfield, according to a report.

The 23-year-old has elevated his game to new heights since moving to Villa Park in February 2024 and has established himself as one of the best players in the Premier League.

Rogers contributed to 30 goals (14 goals, 16 assists) in 54 matches for Unai Emery’s side across all competitions last season and has since recorded 10 goals and seven assists in 37 appearances so far this term, netting more goals and playing more minutes (2,993) than any of his Villa teammates.

The versatile playmaker’s form has caught the attention of England head coach Thomas Tuchel, who used the Villa star in all eight of the Three Lions’ 2026 World Cup qualification matches, selecting him five times in his starting lineup.

Rogers’s impressive rise and importance at club and international level has not gone unnoticed, with a number of top clubs believed to be keeping tabs on his development.

Liverpool ‘begin to lay the groundwork’ for big-money Rogers deal

A recent report claims that Tottenham Hotspur have identified Rogers as a ‘dream’ transfer target for the summer, though their chances of prising him away from Villa will likely depend on how they conclude what has been a bitterly disappointing Premier League campaign.

Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City - where Rogers was on the books between 2019 and 2023 - have also been credited with an interest in the attacker, but it appears that Liverpool may have moved a step ahead of their rivals in their pursuit of the Villa star.

According to Caught Offside, Liverpool have held initial talks with Rogers’s representatives, as they ‘begin to lay the groundwork’ for yet another major summer transfer.

Arne Slot's side forked out a whopping £450m on new players last summer, breaking their club transfer record twice to bring in Florian Wirtz (£116m) and then Alexander Isak (£125m).

Is £100m Rogers ready to seek pastures new?

The report refers to a prominent transfer insider who claims that Liverpool’s feedback from the player’s camp has been ‘encouraging’ after making contact over a proposed transfer.

Although Rogers is regarded as a cornerstone of Emery’s project at Villa Park, it is understood that he may soon be ready to test himself at a club that are seriously challenging for major trophies.

Villa have been surprise outsiders in the Premier League title race this season - and some will argue that they still are - although they currently sit seven points behind leaders Arsenal with 12 games left to play.

Rogers remains under contract at Villa Park until June 2031, with the Midlands club allegedly valuing their No.27 at around £100m - the same fee they received when Jack Grealish joined Man City in a club-record deal.

Tottenham Hotspur assistant manager John Heitinga has reportedly left the club after just 33 days as part of a raft of internal changes.

Ex-Liverpool assistant and Netherlands international Heitinga was appointed in January to be Thomas Frank's right-hand man, following the exit of former lieutenant Matt Wells to MLS outfit Colorado Rapids.

Heitinga was only in the Tottenham dugout for seven games, during which Frank's side achieved two wins - both of which came in the Champions League - and failed to win any of their five Premier League matches.

Frank's sacking last week and the appointment of Igor Tudor until the end of the season raised speculation about the future of Heitinga and other members of the Dane's coaching team, most of whom have apparently now left the club.

According to journalist Alasdair Gold, Heitinga is one of four coaches to have departed the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, in another false start to the Dutchman's coaching career following his struggles as Ajax manager.

Tottenham coaching changes: Who has left and arrived with Igor Tudor?

Gold adds that fellow assistant Justin Cochrane - Frank's trusted deputy from his Brentford days - has also cleared out his locker at Hotspur Way, but the 44-year-old will be in Thomas Tuchel's England ranks at the 2026 World Cup

In addition, Chris Haslam and analyst Joe Newton will not be staying under Tudor, but three existing members of staff will stay put, including set-piece coach Andreas Georgson.

In terms of incoming coaches, Tudor will reportedly be supported by trusted assistant Ivan Javorcic, the Croatian's 47-year-old compatriot who was part of his team at both Lazio and Juventus.

Physical coach Riccardo Raganacci and goalkeeping coach Tomislav Rogic have also arrived, but existing individual development coach Cameron Campbell and goalkeeping coach Fabian Otte will supposedly remain on the payroll too, according to The Athletic.

Striking set-piece stats explain Tottenham coach decision

Amid Tottenham's perpetual troubles in build-up and generating chances from open play, they have scored the joint second-most set-piece goals in the 2025-26 Premier League with 13, only behind Arsenal's 16.

Furthermore, the Lilywhites have only shipped seven goals from dead-ball situations in the current top-flight campaign; only five teams have let in fewer goals from corners or free kicks in the 2025-26 Premier League.

Set pieces have been Spurs' salvation for a good chunk of the current season, so keeping hold of Georgson - formerly of both Arsenal and Manchester United - was a logical decision for Tudor to make.

In contrast, the Europa League holders rank joint-10th for open-play goals in the 2025-26 Premier League, highlighting the offensive area that needs the most work if they are to avoid a catastrophic relegation.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly exploring a surprise move to bring Antonio Rudiger back to the Premier League this summer, as they consider potential defensive reinforcements.

What is the latest on Tottenham's interest in Antonio Rudiger?

It is thought that Spurs are monitoring the German's situation at Real Madrid, with the former Chelsea defender approaching the latter stages of his current contract, as per TEAMtalk.

The north London side are believed to be 'gathering momentum' at the front of the queue to sign Rudiger, who is said to be keen on a return to the English top-flight - and he would even be willing to take a pay cut.

West Ham United and Crystal Palace are two other clubs mooted with interest as the 32-year-old will become a free agent at the end of the season.

Spurs' interest comes amid uncertainty over the future of club captain Cristian Romero, who is reportedly open to leaving in the summer.

Antonio Rudiger would be a risky transfer gamble for Spurs

While Rudiger's CV is mightily impressive on paper, including multiple Champions League successes at both Chelsea and Real Madrid, this potential move feels like a bit of a gamble rather than a solution.

At 32, the Germany international is clearly entering the twilight of his career, and recent seasons have raised question marks over his durability and consistency - he has managed only 10 appearances in all competitions this season.

For a Tottenham side that vastly needs to improve defensively, a signing like this risks slowing down what will be a period of transition should Romero leave the club. It feels like a signing driven by name value rather than long-term stability.

A lot of Spurs' issues have stemmed from defensive instability and tactical imbalance, where the Argentine himself has often failed to deliver, so a veteran nearing his decline is hardly the answer.

Tottenham Hotspur are reported to have entered the race for Bournemouth defender Marcos Senesi, though they will face competition from Premier League rivals.

Now that Spurs have confirmed the appointment of Igor Tudor as Thomas Frank's interim successor, fans will hope for a relatively smooth end to the season.

The club are 16th in the Premier League with just 29 points from 26 matches, and they are only five points above 18th-placed West Ham United.

Tottenham look set for another relegation battle, and if they wish to push towards the division's European spots next season, they will need to make a number of signings before 2026-27.

Bournemouth defender Marcos Senesi will be a free agent in the summer, but while TuttoJuve report that Spurs have entered the race for his signature, other Premier League sides like Manchester United are also interested.

Can Tottenham beat Man United to Marcos Senesi in the summer?

United look likely to qualify for the Europa League at least given they are fourth with 45 points, while securing Champions League football would give them a significant advantage over Spurs in the transfer market.

While Tottenham may not be able to offer new signings continental football, they could look to get ahead of the Red Devils in the managerial department.

Michael Carrick is the interim boss of United, though it would not be surprising if he was appointed on a permanent basis.

Considering Carrick has never previously coached a team on permanent basis in one of Europe's top five leagues, some players may be reluctant to sign for the Red Devils due to his inexperience.

If Tottenham can convince a proven manager such as Xabi Alonso to take over from Frank, then stars might view the club in a more positive light.

Does Marcos Senesi hint at Cristian Romero or Micky van de Ven exit?

While signing an established player from the Premier League for free should not necessarily be seen negatively, it does perhaps hint at potential exits from the club.

Cristian Romero has hit out at Spurs this season on social media, and he has often proved unreliable from both a fitness and discipline perspective.

However, since Senesi has predominantly played on the left for Bournemouth, perhaps fans should be worried about the potential exit of Micky van de Ven, who plays on the same side.

The Dutchman has been linked with an exit to the likes of Liverpool, though his current contract lasts until 2029, meaning Tottenham should have the power to resist any summer offers.

Igor Tudor has been appointed interim manager of Tottenham Hotspur until the end of the season following the departure of former boss Thomas Frank, who was relieved of his duties after Spurs’ 2–1 defeat to Newcastle United on Tuesday.

Frank leaves the North London club 16th in the Premier League table, a worrying 16 points adrift of the top four and only five points above the relegation zone, with 13 matches remaining, suggesting the Lilywhites are currently closer to a survival scrap than a push for European qualification.

It feels like deja vu for Tottenham, who finished a lowly 17th in the top-flight standings last season despite lifting the Europa League trophy, and while Spurs have again impressed on the continental stage this term by reaching the Champions League last 16, domestic struggles have once more overshadowed their progress abroad.

With league form carrying greater immediate consequence, Frank was dismissed after recording just two wins from his last 17 Premier League matches, and Tudor has now been tasked with steadying performances, delivering results and guiding the club back up the table.

With that in mind, Sports Mole takes an in-depth look at the newly appointed manager, his tactical approach, whether he is the right man for the job, and the potential upside of his arrival ahead of his first game in charge.

A look at Tudor’s credentials and style of play

Tudor is a well-travelled coach with close to two decades in management, and Tottenham Hotspur marks roughly the 10th senior role of a career that has taken him across several major European leagues.

The 47-year-old Croat has previously managed Hajduk Split, PAOK, Karabukspor, Galatasaray, Udinese, Hellas Verona, Marseille, Lazio and most recently Juventus, although he has been out of work since his dismissal from the Turin giants in October 2025.

Across much of his managerial journey — including his stint with Juventus — Tudor has favoured a 3-4-2-1 system built on aggressive pressing, wing-back energy and quick vertical transitions, and he is widely expected to stick to that blueprint in North London.

That structure mirrors the approach often associated with Ruben Amorim, who enjoyed success with Sporting Lisbon but found life tougher in England, raising the familiar question of whether tactical identity alone guarantees results or whether squad suitability ultimately decides success.

Is Tudor the reset Tottenham need to bounce back?

Managerial changes almost always split opinion, and Tudor’s arrival is no exception, with debate already swirling over whether he represents a genuine solution or merely a short-term patch.

Former Spurs interim boss Tim Sherwood has voiced scepticism, arguing that the upside for a caretaker can be limited while the risks are enormous, as merely steering the club clear of relegation often earns little praise.

However, Tudor is no stranger to parachuting into unstable situations, having taken charge of both Juventus and Lazio late in recent seasons and largely meeting the objectives set before him.

At Lazio, he oversaw a strong finish that secured European qualification after arriving with only a handful of fixtures remaining, while a similar late surge with Juventus helped lift the club into the top four before a poor start the following campaign ultimately cost him his job.

Those examples underline a recurring theme of short-term stabilisation in Tudor’s CV, and while transforming Tottenham overnight may be unrealistic, his track record suggests he could at least steady the ship and nudge Spurs up the standings, even if a baptism of fire awaits.

Is Tudor the perfect man to throw a spanner into Arsenal’s title push?

Easing into a new role against modest opposition is often the ideal scenario for most incoming coaches, but Tudor faces the opposite, walking straight into one of the sternest possible openings to life at Tottenham Hotspur.

The 47-year-old’s first assignment comes against fierce North London rivals Arsenal, who currently sit atop the Premier League table with a narrow cushion over Manchester City, and many Spurs supporters may feel the timing of the managerial switch could hardly have been more dramatic.

Former boss Frank had previously drawn criticism from sections of the fanbase over a perceived “Arsenal obsession,” and a heavy 4–1 defeat in the reverse North London derby only intensified that scrutiny.

That result stretched Tottenham’s winless run in the fixture to seven matches (D1, L6), and a victory in Tudor’s first outing would not only instantly endear him to the home faithful but could also deliver a meaningful dent to Arsenal’s title momentum, a scenario Lilywhite supporters would relish.

Sweden boss Graham Potter has revealed there is a possibility that Liverpool striker Alexander Isak and Tottenham Hotspur winger Dejan Kulusevski could return in March.

Isak has struggled with fitness and injury since he completed a mega-money from Newcastle United in the summer.

The forward has been out of action since sustaining a broken leg in December's 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur.

Meanwhile, Isak's Sweden teammate, Kulusevski, has not played for Tottenham since last month due to a long-term knee injury.

Potter delivers Kulusevski, Isak injury update

Prior to his sacking as Spurs boss, Thomas Frank admitted he was unsure whether Kulusevski would play in the 2025-26 campaign.

In contrast to Frank's comments, Potter is hopeful that Isak and Kulusevski could return in time for March's World Cup qualifying playoffs.

“I hope they can play, but these are big injuries,” Potter told Fotboll Direkt. “It’s tough to come back from injuries like that by March, but there’s a chance.

“Yes, I have spoken to both of them. They are on their way back and are optimistic. They are working very hard at home in the club team in an attempt to play with us in March.”

Why Sweden need Kulusevski, Isak available

Sweden are set to compete in the World Cup qualifying playoffs as a result of their performance in the 2024-25 Nations League, where they won five of their six games to finish top of Group C1.

After performing poorly in their World Cup qualifying group, Sweden will be desperate to have key players, like Kulusevski and Isak, available for potentially two crucial games in March.

Sweden will face Ukraine in the semi-finals on March 26, with the winner going on to face Poland or Albania in the final of path B.

From Tottenham's perspective, they will be keen to have Kulusevski available to help their fight to stave off an unthinkable relegation.

Meanwhile, Isak will be desperate to get back on the pitch and produce the sort of form for Liverpool that he displayed during his time at Newcastle.

Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed that Wilson Odobert has suffered a ruptured ACL and will undergo surgery, raising the prospect of a high-profile free agent signing.

The French attacker suffered a nasty twist to his left knee in Tuesday's 2-1 Premier League loss to Newcastle United and stayed down for several minutes receiving treatment.

Odobert was at least able to walk off unaided as he was replaced by Mathys Tel, so there was some optimism that the former Burnley man had avoided a potential season-ending issue.

However, reports emerged on Wednesday stating that the winger had indeed torn his ACL, thus bringing his 2025-26 campaign to a close and also eliminating any slim hopes of a World Cup 2026 call-up.

Releasing an injury update on their social media channels, Spurs confirmed that Odobert will see a specialist next week before going under the knife and beginning his long road to rehabilitation.

"We can confirm that Wilson Odobert has sustained a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. Wilson will see a specialist next week before undergoing surgery, and will then commence his rehabilitation with our medical staff," Spurs said in a statement.

How Spurs can replace Wilson Odobert as ACL injury confirmed

Odobert's 2025-26 campaign comes to a premature end with the 21-year-old boasting two goals and five assists from 33 appearances in all competitions, including 10 starts in the Premier League.

The managerless Lilywhites will have to cope without the France Under-21 international for remaining Premier League matches against the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea, as well as the remainder of their Champions League campaign - the last-16 draw takes place on February 27.

Thankfully for whoever replaces Thomas Frank, Tottenham already have two fit, ready-made replacements for the stricken Odobert in Tel and Randal Kolo Muani, the latter of whom can do a job out wide if necessary.

Richarlison may return from a thigh problem relatively soon too, or the new head coach could switch to a wing-back system, stationing Xavi Simons behind two strikers and having two of Djed Spence, Archie Gray, Souza and Pedro Porro - when he is fit again - out wide.

However, Odobert's long-term issue adds to a perpetual injury crisis for Tottenham, who are still missing James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, Mohammed Kudus, Lucas Bergvall, Rodrigo Bentancur, Ben Davies, Kevin Danso and the suspended Cristian Romero.

Could Tottenham sign any free agents after Wilson Odobert injury?

None of Maddison, Kulusevski or Kudus will be back in action anytime soon, so Tottenham's only alternatives aside from Tel and Kolo Muani are academy prospects or free agents.

However, there is one extremely high-profile and free agent raring to go in the form of Raheem Sterling, who would be a like-for-like replacement for Odobert and would also have the chance to stay in London.

Tottenham were previously linked with a move for the ex-Chelsea and Arsenal winger during the January transfer window, and while a move did not materialise then, Odobert's injury could very well change their plans.