Sports Mole

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is reportedly hoping to have two of his stricken stars back in action for the North London derby with Tottenham Hotspur on November 23.

The Gunners are expected to receive a plethora of injury boosts over the international break and have already welcomed the news that Gabriel Jesus has returned to team training after an ACL tear.

The Brazil international has been sidelined for 10 months after rupturing his cruciate ligament in January's FA Cup loss to Manchester United, but he is now on course to return before the end of the calendar year.

However, Jesus is still expected to be the last cab off the rank in terms of Arsenal's injured stars, a list that also includes Martin Odegaard, Viktor Gyokeres, Noni Madueke, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli.

None of the quintet is expected to be sidelined for much longer after the international window, though, and according to The Mirror, two are bidding to return in time for Tottenham straight after the hiatus.

Arsenal to welcome two injured stars back for Tottenham clash?

The report states that attacking duo Gyokeres and Madueke are both pushing to return for the North London derby as they step up their recoveries from respective hamstring and knee complaints.

Gyokeres suffered a muscular blow during Arsenal's 2-0 win over Burnley two Saturdays ago, although reports at the time stated that the Sweden international had avoided a serious issue, and he is expected to be back in full training imminently.

Meanwhile, Madueke has been missing since hurting his knee in September's 1-1 draw with Manchester City - the winger was originally said to have faced up to eight weeks in the treatment room.

Without Gyokeres, Havertz or Jesus up front, Arteta was forced to shoe-horn Mikel Merino into a central striking role once again in games against Slavia Prague and Sunderland, but the Spaniard endured mixed fortunes over those two games.

Meanwhile, Madueke's absence has not been so damaging to Arsenal thanks to Bukayo Saka's presence, although the ex-Chelsea winger made an effervescent start to his Gunners career before entering the infirmary.

When could Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz return?

Martinelli, Odegaard and Havertz do not appear to be so close to comebacks, but the report adds that Arteta is still banking on the trio returning for the unrelenting festive fixture schedule.

The Gunners' North London derby precedes a daunting Champions League barttle with Bayern Munich on November 26, as well other all-capital clashes with Chelsea on November 30 and Brentford on December 3.

Odegaard and Havertz (both knee) may still make their returns before the end of the month, while Martinelli's recent muscular problem should not take too much longer to heal either.

Meanwhile, Arsenal are supposedly hoping to schedule a behind-closed-doors friendly game for Jesus during the international break, as the striker builds up towards a competitive return in either late December or early January.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly looking to offload a midfielder on a free transfer to free up space in Thomas Frank’s squad.

The North London club’s midfield currently includes Pape Sarr, Rodrigo Bentancur, Lucas Bergvall, Yves Bissouma and on-loan Portugal international Joao Palhinha.

However, Spurs are said to be aiming to move Bissouma, who has yet to feature for them this season after being dropped for disciplinary reasons.

Frank omitted the Mali international ahead of the European Super Cup against Paris Saint-Germain due to ongoing lateness issues, though an ankle injury has kept him out since.

Nevertheless, Spurs are reportedly settled on the future of the former Brighton & Hove Albion player, with a Turkish heavyweight linked.

Yves Bissouma transfer news: Turkish giant reportedly still want Spurs midfielder

According to SunSport, Galatasaray are still interested in signing Bissouma, having failed to do so during the summer transfer window.

The Super Lig champions showed interest in the summer and were keen to compete with rivals Fenerbahce for his signature, but the deal ultimately fell through.

Although no official details were provided, it is understood that a complex knee issue prevented the transfer; however, Gala remain interested, according to the source mentioned above.

The report indicates that Galatasaray aim to sign the 29-year-old when his Spurs contract expires in summer 2026, with plans to offer him a three-year deal.

Bissouma’s reported Spurs wish before 2026 departure

Frank admitted in October that Bissouma could be sidelined for several weeks following his return from national team duty with an ankle injury, and a November comeback is expected.

Still, it remains uncertain whether he would have played for the club anyway, especially since he was dropped from the squad and was not close to featuring before his layoff.

SunSport, however, indicate that the Mali international still hopes to play for the North London club once more before ultimately leaving.Â

Whether the midfielder gets his wish is another matter entirely, though the club’s involvement in multiple competitions could mean some participation before the end of the season.

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly received a mixed update on the jaw injury that Randal Kolo Muani sustained in Saturday's 2-2 Premier League draw with Manchester United.

The Paris Saint-Germain loanee was taken off at half time in that four-goal stalemate at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, which Thomas Frank confirmed was due to injury.

The Dane cut a relatively relaxed figure about the striker's condition at full time, although he subsequently withdrew from the France squad with what was rumoured to be a jaw fracture.

Previous reports claimed that Kolo Muani could have missed at least six and up to eight weeks of action with such a serious injury, potentially ruling the 26-year-old out of contention until 2026.

According to a report from football.london, Kolo Muani has indeed suffered a fractured jaw, a diagnosis that was confirmed by a specialist that the attacker visited on Monday.

Tottenham receive Randal Kolo Muani injury boost despite jaw fracture?

However, the report adds that the former Juventus man will not have to undergo surgery and is therefore not expected to spend up to two months on the sidelines in a reassuring boost for Frank.

It is still unclear how long Kolo Muani will be sidelined for, but the 26-year-old will surely miss the North London derby with Arsenal on November 23, as well as the Champions League clash with parent club PSG on November 26.

Unlike in the Premier League, loan players can play against their parent clubs in the Champions League, but Kolo Muani is anticipated to miss out on a reunion with the European champions.

The striker has played just eight times for Spurs during a disrupted start to the 2025-26 campaign, registering one assist in their 4-0 Champions League victory over Copenhagen earlier this month.

Kolo Muani missed five games between September 20 and October 4 due to a dead leg, but he was making his third consecutive Premier League start in the visit of Man United.

How can Spurs replace Randal Kolo Muani up front?

Kolo Muani's jaw problem complicates matters for Spurs up front given that fellow striker Dominic Solanke - whom Frank has supposedly been left unimpressed by - is on the mend from an ankle operation.

There is also no knowing when the England international might be back in contention, so for the time being, Richarlison and Mathys Tel are Tottenham's only senior options in the number nine position.

The former's fitness record since joining Tottenham has left a lot to be desired, though, while Tel is still just 20 years old and has also been used on the left frequently during his time in North London.

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly been dealt a fresh fitness blow, as the injury that Randal Kolo Muani suffered against Manchester United is more serious than first feared.

The France international had to be substituted at half time in that 2-2 draw with the Red Devils, having sustained a facial problem before being replaced by Wilson Odobert.

The latter then set up what many expected to be the winner from Richarlison in added time, but Matthijs de Ligt came up with an incredible leveller for Ruben Amoirm's men just five minutes later.

Asked about Kolo Muani's injury at full time, Frank stated that the Paris Saint-Germain loanee was "struggling a bit", but he did not appear overly concerned by the issue.

However, according to journalist Fabrice Hawkins, Kolo Muani's issue is a serious one, as examinations have revealed that the striker has fractured his jaw.

Tottenham's Randal Kolo Muani suffers 'fractured jaw' in Man Utd draw

Kolo Muani has therefore been forced to pull out of the France squad for November's World Cup 2026 qualifiers against France and Azerbaijan, and he has been replaced by Lens winger Florian Thauvin.

Kolo Muani will remain at Hotspur Way for further treatment, and it is not clear at this stage how long the former Nantes and Eintracht Frankfurt forward might be sidelined for.

However, the 26-year-old's jaw problem is yet another setback as he attempts to kickstart a stuttering Spurs career, which has never really got going since his late loan arrival in the summer window.

Kolo Muani has only made eight appearances in all competitions in 2025-26 and is still waiting for his first goal for Thomas Frank's side, whom he has registered one assist for.

The attacker was making his third straight Premier League start in the stalemate with Man United, although he had previously missed five games in all tournaments with a muscle problem.

When will Tottenham's other injured players return?

While there is an argument that Frank should be getting more out of the players on the pitch, the Dane has not been helped by a crippling injury crisis during the early stages of the 2025-26 season.

Kolo Muani's problem means that Spurs currently have 11 players on the sidelines, although Mohammed Kudus should recover from his knock imminently - he was touch and go for the United clash but ultimately failed to make it.

Lucas Bergvall is also expected to return from his concussion straight after the international break, when Archie Gray (calf), Kota Takai (thigh), Ben Davies (thigh) and Dominic Solanke (ankle) could also be back.

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly stepped away from their interest in Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers after he agreed to a yet-to-be-signed extension.Â

Spurs were rumoured to have contemplated a bid for the England international this summer, but they ultimately decided against it.Â

Rogers, 23, has reportedly agreed to a deal that could keep him at Villa Park until 2031, although he has yet to sign officially.Â

As a result of this supposed lucrative deal, Spurs are unlikely to sign the Villa star any time soon, leading the North London club to drop him as a target.Â

Thomas Frank's team are now said to be exploring another Premier League player after accepting their Rogers transfer setback.

Spurs transfer news: London club reportedly keen on Everton star

According to TEAMtalk, last season’s Europa League winners are interested in bringing Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Ndiaye has scored 13 Premier League goals for the Toffees in just over a season at the club, with his total rising to 15 in 49 appearances across all competitions.

Now a key part of their attack, the 25-year-old’s explosive ball-carrying and dribbling skills are attracting interest from Spurs, who also reportedly value his ability to score goals.

While the source mentioned a transfer fee of £30 million, it remains unclear whether Everton would even consider that amount for a player they signed only 12 months ago, who has four years remaining on his current contract.

The London club could also face competition from Juventus, AC Milan and Atletico Madrid on the continent, while Newcastle United are said to be domestic suitors.

Ndiaye to Spurs rumours: Everton’s reported stance revealed

The report indicates that Everton value Ndiaye at a sum considerably higher than the £30m fee rumoured.

That stance is expected, considering Moyes's previous comments that the Toffees aimed to build the team around players of the Senegal international's calibre.

“I don’t really see the speculation because I’m not looking, probably,” said Moyes previously via TEAMtalk. “I think he’sgot a three-and-a-half-year deal here, maybe more, so it’s something that we’re fully aware of, and he’s playing really well. Â

“It would be wrong for teams not to talk about him because of his form. Here at Everton, we’re building a team and we want to build with players like Ili, so we’ve got no intention of letting him go, that’s for sure.”Â

That undeniably aligns with the club’s position of not entertaining any bids for the former Marseille attacker, who ranks in the 95th percentile for take-ons completed in Europe’s top leagues.

Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur could be locked in a battle to bring one Serie A-based striker to the Premier League in January.

Enzo Maresca’s team have appeared short of options up front, with Liam Delap just returning from a thigh injury, Marc Guiu not fully trusted by the Italian manager and Joao Pedro not being an out-and-out centre-forward.

As for Spurs, Thomas Frank is said to want additions in that area to compete with Richarlison, who scored his fourth Premier League goal in Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Manchester United, Dominic Solanke, whose ongoing injury problems persist, Mathys Tel, scorer in the United draw, and on-loan Randal Kolo Muani.

Given these particular challenges, Chelsea and their capital rivals are rumoured to be considering one option from Italy’s top flight.Â

Chelsea and Spurs reportedly earmark Juventus striker to bolster attack

According to Tutto Mercato, both Premier League clubs are considering making a January move for Jonathan David, who only joined Juventus in the summer.

David transferred to the Old Lady after five years at Lille, where he won a Ligue 1 title in his debut 2020-21 season, scoring 13 goals in 37 appearances.

The Canadian star's record of 109 goals in 232 appearances convinced the Bianconeri to sign him on a free transfer in the summer; however, David has yet to sparkle in Italian football.

The 25-year-old forward was part of the attack that failed to score in seven games before the sacking of Igor Tudor and the appointment of Luciano Spalletti, whose arrival has coincided with Dusan Vlahovic's apparent revival.

Despite Vlahovic's contract expiring next summer, the source suggests that the Italian giants might consider extending his deal on their terms, thereby allowing David to leave Turin.

What could David potentially add to Chelsea or Spurs?

Although it remains unclear whether the Premier League clubs are pursuing the former Lille player, there might be a reason for the rumour.Â

Even though David has scored only one goal in 13 appearances for Juventus and is not a world-class signing, his consistent double-digit goal returns could benefit Chelsea or Spurs.Â

Joao Pedro’s only experience of this was last season at Brighton, and the Brazil international is not an out-and-out striker, while Delap’s only full season of top-flight football was last season with Ipswich Town.Â

Considering Spurs’ limited options for targets, signing someone with David’s scoring ability — despite Serie A struggles — could bolster their attacking options; however, it remains to be seen if anyone leaves to enable any transfer.

Tottenham Hotspur conceded a stoppage-time goal as they drew 2-2 against Manchester United in the Premier League on Sunday.Â

The visitors took the lead in the first half through Bryan Mbeumo, who headed home a brilliant right-wing cross from Amad Diallo.Â

In the 79th minute, with the scoreline still 1-0, Frank decided to take Xavi Simons off, and the decision was met with a smattering of boos from the home fans.Â

Simons was replaced by Mathys Tel, who scored within five minutes, and the decision proved to be vindicated.Â

Richarlison thought he had won the match for his side by scoring in the 91st minute, but Matthijs de Ligt scored deep into stoppage time to salvage a point for the Red Devils.Â

What Frank has said about SimonsÂ

After the match, Frank told reporters that he felt the team needed fresh legs at the moment, which is why he took the 22-year-old attacker off, despite his decent performance.Â

Frank said, as quoted by Sky Sports: "Sometimes you're lucky. But of course, I would say that every single time I take a decision to stop a player, it's with one aim to make the team win or get back in the game or try to see the game out

"It's only with one aim to try to win the game. No doubt, Mathys did well, great goal, great involvement. In general, I think Xavi played a fine game, a positive one, but you also need a little bit of freshness."

Frank named a strong attacking line-up, where both Richarlison and Randal Kolo Muani started alongside Simons and Brennan Johnson, but they were restricted to only four shots on target in the entire match.Â

Tottenham disappointing at home yet againÂ

After a convincing win in midweek in the Champions League at home against Copenhagen, many had expected Spurs to translate the form into the league, which did not happen.Â

The manner in which they conceded a late goal should demoralise the dressing room, as surely they wasted a fantastic opportunity to pick up all three points.Â

The only positive they can draw from the match is that Tottenham have not lost their third consecutive Premier League home game.Â

While Spurs have avoided their 10th defeat at home in 2025, they still collected only 14 points from their past 20 home games, a record that does not fill them with glory.Â

It appears that fans are gradually getting impatient with poor performances at home, and Frank should find a way to return to winning ways at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium at the earliest after the international break.Â

Manchester United rescued a point when they drew 2-2 with Tottenham Hotspur thanks to Matthijs de Ligt's last-minute equaliser.

After an uneventful opening half an hour, Bryan Mbeumo gave the visitors the lead with the first attempt on target in the match, sending a header at goal from close range after the hosts needlessly surrendered possession in their own penalty area.

Tottenham's first dangerous opportunity of the game came after the half-time interval, when centre-back Cristian Romero drifted into the box and attempted a audacious flick, only for his effort to be blocked by Senne Lammens.

Brennan Johnson did have the ball in the back of the net after the hour mark, but Richarlison's pass arrived too late as the scorer had strayed into an offside position.

The hosts grabbed a late equaliser through Mathys Tel, who swivelled in the box before striking with his right foot into the top-right corner, and Richarlison thought he had stolen the headlines with his stoppage-time goal.

However, Matthijs de Ligt's last-minute header from United's corner rescued a point, and the draw leaves the hosts in third with 18 points, whereas the visitors end the match in seventh with 18 points.

SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT

Thomas Frank deserves some leniency for the home side's attacking struggles given the likes of James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski, arguably the team's most creative stars, are dealing with long-term injuries.

However, Tottenham's first-half performance cannot be excused given they failed to produce a single shot on target, and only one of their three attempts came from inside the box.

The hosts will be bitterly disappointed to have worked so hard to get ahead in Saturday's match, only to concede needlessly from a corner.

Manchester United defended well for large periods against Spurs, but they were not particularly dangerous up front, and their decision to defend deep invited pressure in the second half.

Ruben Amorim had alleviated much of the pressure on his position as boss, though while his team were subpar, a draw does at least extend the club's unbeaten streak to five games.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR VS. MANCHESTER UNITED HIGHLIGHTS

Bryan Mbeumo goal vs. Tottenham Hotspur (32nd min, Tottenham Hotspur 0-1 Manchester United)

Tottenham fail to clear the ball in their own box and surrender possession, and once Manchester United work it out wide to Amad Diallo, the attacker lofts a cross from the right towards a drifting Bryan Mbeumo, who directs his header into the left of the net.

What were Spurs doing?

Wilson Odobert whips in a cross from the left and Spurs teammate Cristian Romero meets his delivery just yards out from goal, flicking the ball with the side of his heel but goalkeeper Senne Lammens gets low enough to parry the centre-back's effort away.

What a save!

Richarlison plays Brennan Johnson through on goal from the edge of the box, but the Welsh winger was in an offside position, and the linesman flags the forward for an offside offence despite the ball striking the bottom-left corner.

Odobert was free on the left if Richarlison had looked the other way!

Mathys Tel goal vs. Manchester United (84th min, Tottenham Hotspur 1-1 Manchester United)

Destiny Udogie crosses from the left into the middle of the box, and Mathys Tel manages to swivel onto his right foot before launching a shot into the top-right corner despite the best efforts of Lammens.

Spurs are level!

Richarlison goal vs. Manchester United (90+1st min, Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 Manchester United)

Djed Spence recovers the ball on the edge of the box from a corner and he strikes at goal, but Richarlison manages to flick the shot past Lammens with a deft touch.

That has to be the winner!

Matthijs de Ligt goal vs. Tottenham Hotspur (90+6th min, Tottenham Hotspur 2-2 Manchester United)

Matthijs de Ligt rises highest to meet Bruno Fernandes's corner delivery, nodding an effort just over the line at the back of the right post to secure a points.

What is happening in stoppage time?

MAN OF THE MATCH - DESTINY UDOGIE

Destiny Udogie only came on in the 67th minute, but in his short time on the pitch, he managed to produce an assists, and his efforts should have been rewarded with a win.

The left-back deserves praise for the way he was able to drive forward with the ball on the left flank, providing Spurs with the energy they needed to keep the pressure on United's backline.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR VS. MANCHESTER UNITED MATCH STATS

Possession: Tottenham Hotspur 55%-45% Manchester United

Shots: Tottenham Hotspur 10-5 Manchester United

Shots on target: Tottenham Hotspur 4-2 Manchester United

Corners: Tottenham Hotspur 5-3 Manchester United

Fouls: Tottenham Hotspur 10-8 Manchester United

BEST STATS

WHAT NEXT?

Tottenham Hotspur's first game back from the international break is against London rivals Arsenal on November 23, but they then face another difficult task given they travel to play the winners of the Champions League Paris Saint-Germain three days later.

As for Manchester United, they will host Everton in the Premier League on November 24, before then playing Crystal Palace on November 30 at Selhurst Park.

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Tottenham Hotspur striker Dominic Solanke is on track to return sometime after the November international break, boss Thomas Frank has revealed.

Spurs are set to welcome Manchester United to London on Saturday, and the match could have significant ramifications on the race for the Champions League.

The hosts will have to overcome a number of injuries in the forward line if they are to beat United, including to attackers James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski.

Fans had hoped that centre-forward Solanke would have been able to make his return from an ankle injury on Saturday having not featured for the club since August 23, but Frank confirmed the forward needs more time to recover.

The Tottenham boss insisted that the Englishman will not be rushed back from injury, telling reporters: "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."

Solanke scored nine goals and provided three assists in 27 Premier League appearances last season, and his return to the squad would be a welcome boost.

When could Dominic Solanke return to the Tottenham Hotspur squad?

Tottenham's first game after the international break comes against rivals Arsenal on November 23, but even if Solanke is ready to feature, he is unlikely to start.

The 28-year-old is also unlikely to start three days later in the Champions League given they will take on Paris Saint-Germain, a clash that will require the Londoners to play at their best.

Perhaps Solanke's first start back from injury will come against Fulham on November 29, though it is likely to be some time before the Englishman is ready for two matches in a week.

Will Tottenham Hotspur beat Manchester United?

United have been at their best this season when they have been able to defend in a deeper block, something they are likely to be able to do on Saturday given they are the away side.

Spurs' home record is far from perfect, with the club drawing one, losing two and winning one of their past four at the stadium, emerging as victors in four of their eight games at home in 2025-26.

Chelsea won 1-0 at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium on November 1, and they managed to restrict Frank's side to just three shots.

Tottenham will have to find ways of breaking down Ruben Amorim's visitors, but they will no doubt find it difficult to create chances with so many key attackers injured.

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Tottenham Hotspur will endeavour to match a 65-year winning record when they pit their wits against Manchester United in Saturday's early Premier League kickoff.

The Lilywhites welcome the Red Devils to North London rejuvenated thanks to an emphatic Champions League win, thrashing Copenhagen 4-0 in the league phase earlier this week.

Spurs memorably punched their ticket to the 2025-26 Champions League courtesy of their 1-0 Europa League final triumph over Ruben Amorim's side, who also experienced little domestic joy against Ange Postecoglou's team last season.

As well as overcoming Man Utd in the EFL Cup quarter-finals, Tottenham did the double over the Red Devils in the Premier League, following up a 3-0 Old Trafford win with a 1-0 home success.

The hosts are therefore just 90 minutes away from a slice of club history, as victory on Saturday would mark the first time ever that they have beaten Man United in three consecutive Premier League matches.

Tottenham aiming for 65-year record in Man Utd Premier League clash

Spurs have not strung together three straight league wins over Man United since between 1959 and 1960, earning 5-1, 2-1 and 4-1 victories against the Red Devils during that stellar sequence.

On each occasion, legendary Tottenham manager Bill Nicholson got the better of Sir Matt Busby, whose star man Sir Bobby Charlton was also powerless to prevent Spurs winning three on the spin.

Sixty-five years later, Thomas Frank not only aims to secure Spurs' third consecutive Premier League win against Man United, but also extend the Lilywhites' unbeaten streak against the Red Devils to eight games in all tournaments.

Tottenham have won five and drawn two of their last seven matches with the 20-time English champions, whose most recent victory in this head-to-head came at Old Trafford in October 2022 - a 2-0 win thanks to goals from Fred and Bruno Fernandes.

However, Spurs are also at risk of equalling an unwanted record, having already lost nine Premier League home games in 2025, one short of their all-time worst of 10 top-flight losses in front of their own fans from 1994 and 2003.

Thomas Frank reveals Tottenham team news for Man Utd clash

The Europa League champions are also dealing with a potential double-figure injury crisis heading into gameweek 11, and only one of Spurs' stricken players might be back for the visit of the Red Devils.

Ghanaian attacker Mohammed Kudus was absent from the victory over Copenhagen due to a knock, and Frank has revealed that the 25-year-old is 'touch and go' for Saturday lunchtime's battle.

However, the clash will certainly come too soon for Lucas Bergvall (concussion) and Archie Gray (calf), while Kota Takai (thigh), Yves Bissouma (ankle), Ben Davies (thigh), Radu Dragusin (knee), James Maddison (knee), Dejan Kulusevski (knee) and Dominic Solanke (ankle) are longer-term absentees.

Tottenham enter gameweek 11 sat sixth in the Premier League table, just one point behind fourth-placed Bournemouth but also only above upcoming opponents Man United on goal difference.

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