Mikel Arteta has provided the latest on Arsenal’s injury news ahead of the upcoming Tottenham clash on Sunday afternoon.
Despite a 15-point gap between both Arsenal and Tottenham, Sunday’s London derby is one that is bound to be unpredictable and electric in all the right ways.
Arsenal currently sit top in the Premier League standings and have been near untouchable this campaign, but cracks are starting to show as pressure mounts on Mikel Arteta’s shoulders, and their trophy hopes become more and more real.
The Gunners’ midweek fixture demonstrated exactly that as they drew 2-2 to bottom-of-the-table Wolves. An early goal from Bukayo Saka set the away supporters alight, with Piero Hincappie adding his name to the scoresheet in the second half.
However, everything changed as Wolves set the Molineux stadium on fire with a goal from Hugo Bueno and a stoppage-time own goal from Riccardo Calafiori. This meant that Arsenal returned to the Emirates with a single point and the gap between them and title contenders Manchester City getting closer.
Sunday’s game allows Arsenal to redeem themselves and grow the gap in points as Arteta reveals what players are fit for the game.
“There’s a big possibility that they are available”
It’s not all negative for Arsenal, though, as Captain Martin Odegaard is rumoured to make his return, ready to face their rival team.
The Norwegian international’s absence has definitely seen the midfield begin to struggle, with his return vital to get the team back into shape.
Kai Havertz is also said to be making his return to the pitch after missing three games, suffering a hamstring injury when facing Sunderland.
When speaking on the matter, Arteta reminded fans not to get their hopes up, stating, “We have to wait until tomorrow,” but then adding, “There is a big possibility that they are available.”
The return of both Odegaard and Havertz makes the win against Tottenham seem all the more attainable, the title charge well and truly on.
Trossard out of action
Despite the return of two big names in the squad, Leandro Trossard will not be making an appearance on Sunday after picking up an injury during the Wolves match.
Hope is not lost as Arteta has the luxury of one of the most praised squad depths in European football, with top players like Eberechi Eze and Gabriel Martinelli more than suitable to cover the left flank.
A win for Arsenal will keep the pressure on City, especially as they have a game in hand over Pep Guardiola’s squad.
However, Tottenham will not go down without a fight with the home advantage and actively trying to fight relegation it’s no doubt that tommorows game will be an interesting one in true derby fashion.