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- Tottenham is anxious about the status of a key player in form
- As the north London derby nears, both Tottenham and Arsenal have several injury concerns
- LISTEN NOW: It’s All Kicking Off!, available on all podcast platforms. New episodes release every Monday and Thursday
Tottenham faces an injury dilemma of its own as the north London derby approaches.
Spurs supporters might have felt a sense of satisfaction upon hearing that Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard sustained an ankle injury while representing Norway on Tuesday night.
The duration of Odegaard’s absence remains uncertain following inconclusive tests conducted by the club, although the team physician for Norway has suggested he may be sidelined for three weeks.
This news would have certainly pleased Spurs fans, particularly since Odegaard’s teammate, Declan Rice, is serving a suspension.
However, the optimism among the supporters is likely to be tempered after the revelation that Yves Bissouma suffered an injury during Mali’s narrow 1-0 victory over Eswatini on Tuesday.
Yves Bissouma was injured on Mali duty on Tuesday – a blow for Tottenham ahead of the derby
Bissouma netted the lone goal of the match but had to leave the field in the 65th minute due to a robust tackle.
The 28-year-old has shown impressive form in his last two outings for Spurs, scoring a spectacular initial goal for the team during their 4-0 victory over Everton in August.
He missed the season opener as Spurs decided to suspend him after a video surfaced showing him inhaling laughing gas.
Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou commented that Bissouma had made “a very poor choice” and emphasized that he needed to learn from this incident.
Bissouma expressed regret for a “serious lack of judgment” after sharing a video on his private Snapchat, wherein he inhaled nitrous oxide from a chauffeur-driven limousine and laughed between puffs, as reported by The Sun.
Meanwhile, Tottenham is facing concerns regarding several key players, with Micky van de Ven, Dominic Solanke, and Richarlison currently undergoing treatment.
The first two are more likely than Richarlison to return for Sunday’s derby, though no guarantees can be made.
Arsenal are unsure how long Martin Odegaard will be out for after his injury with Norway
On the other side, Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta is contending with an escalating crisis due to player absences.
Riccardo Calafiori, Mikel Merino, Gabriel Jesus, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and K“`html
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Tottenham’s Injury Concerns Mount Ahead of North London Derby as Arsenal Faces Odegaard Setback
Overview of Injury Situations
As the excitement builds for the upcoming North London Derby, Tottenham Hotspur faces significant injury concerns that could impact their performance against Arsenal. At the same time, Arsenal is grappling with a setback involving their key player, Martin Ødegaard. This article delves into the injury statuses of both teams, their potential implications for the match, and strategies for fans to keep an eye on the developments.
Injury Updates for Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham has been plagued with injury concerns leading up to the derby. Key players who may miss the match include:
- James Maddison: The creative midfielder has been struggling with a knee issue that has kept him off the pitch for several weeks.
- Dejan Kulusevski: Another critical offensive player, Kulusevski has been sidelined due to a hamstring injury.
- Richarlison: The Brazilian forward has been dealing with fitness issues and may not be at full strength for the derby.
Potential Impact on Team Performance
These injuries could significantly affect Tottenham’s attacking options, forcing manager Ange Postecoglou to rethink his strategy. The absence of Maddison, known for his vision and playmaking abilities, could hinder Tottenham’s ability to create scoring opportunities. Moreover, without Kulusevski and Richarlison, the team may lack the necessary offensive depth to compete effectively against Arsenal’s defense.
Arsenal’s Ødegaard Setback
On Arsenal’s side, manager Mikel Arteta is also facing challenges with Martin Ødegaard’s health. The Arsenal captain has been dealing with a minor injury that puts his participation in the derby in jeopardy. Ødegaard has been instrumental in Arsenal’s attacking play, and his absence could have a cascading effect on the team dynamics.
Implications of Ødegaard’s Injury
If Ødegaard is unable to play, Arsenal may need to adjust their midfield setup. Possible replacements could include:
- Emile Smith Rowe: A versatile player who can fill multiple roles in the midfield.
- Fabio Vieira: An attacking midfielder who can bring creativity to the game.
The loss of Ødegaard would not only affect Arsenal’s midfield control but also their ability to connect with forwards like Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka.
Head-to-Head: Recent Form and Historical Context
| Teams | Last 5 Matches (W-D-L) | Goals Scored | Goals Against |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tottenham Hotspur | 3-1-1 | 11 | 6 |
| Arsenal | 4-0-1 | 15 | 5 |
Recent Match Trends
The recent form of both teams indicates a competitive match ahead. Tottenham has shown promise with their attacking play, but their defensive vulnerabilities could be exposed without key players. Conversely, Arsenal’s solid form, despite the potential absence of Ødegaard, should provide them with confidence going into the match.
Key Players to Watch
Despite the injury concerns, several players on both sides will be crucial in determining the match outcome:
- Harry Kane (Tottenham): A proven goal-scorer and talisman for the team, Kane’s ability to convert chances will be vital.
- Bukayo Saka (Arsenal): The young winger has been in excellent form and could exploit any defensive gaps left by Tottenham.
- Son Heung-Min (Tottenham): Known for his pace and finishing, Son will need to step up in the absence of fellow attackers.
- Gabriel Jesus (Arsenal): As a key figure in Arsenal’s attacking lineup, his performance will be pivotal.
Fans’ Reactions and Expectations
Fans from both sides are eagerly anticipating this derby, which is traditionally charged with emotions and fierce rivalry. Social media is abuzz with discussions about the teams’ chances:
- Tottenham fans are voicing their concerns about the impact of injuries and are hopeful for a strong performance from the remaining squad members.
- Arsenal supporters are cautiously optimistic, focusing on the team’s recent form and depth in the squad.
Practical Tips for Fans
For fans attending the match or watching from home, here are some practical tips to enhance the experience:
- Arrive Early: If attending the match, plan to arrive early to soak in the atmosphere and avoid last-minute rushes.
- Stay Updated: Follow official club channels for the latest injury updates and team news.
- Engage on Social Media: Join discussions on platforms like Twitter and Instagram to share your thoughts and connect with other fans.
Conclusion
The North London Derby promises to be an exhilarating encounter, despite the injury woes faced by both Tottenham and Arsenal. Keeping an eye on player updates, understanding the implications of injuries, and engaging with the fan community can enhance the overall match experience.
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