Tottenham vs Arsenal Injury Update: 14 Players Ruled Out and 2 Doubts for Derby Clash
Arsenal and Tottenham are set to face off in the highly anticipated North London derby this Sunday at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with both teams grappling with a substantial injury crisis that could dramatically influence the outcome of this pivotal match.
The Gunners enter the game under pressure to rebound from a disappointing midweek draw against Wolves, where they squandered a two-goal lead. Meanwhile, Tottenham aim to kick off their new era under interim manager Igor Tudor with a positive result, while also striving to distance themselves from the relegation zone in the Premier League standings.
Confirmed Absences and Doubts for Both Sides
As the derby approaches, the injury lists for both clubs have expanded, with a total of 14 players definitively ruled out and an additional 2 facing late fitness tests. Here is a detailed breakdown of the latest updates:
- Dominic Solanke - Fit: Overcame a throat illness and participated in training, as confirmed by Tudor.
- Wilson Odobert - Out: Suffered a season-ending ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee, requiring surgery and rehabilitation.
- Destiny Udogie - Out: Sustained a hamstring injury, sidelining him for four to five weeks.
- Cristian Romero - Out (Suspended): Serving a suspension after receiving a straight red card against Manchester United.
- Kevin Danso - Out: Consulting with specialists, with a return expected in a few weeks.
- Pedro Porro - Out: No imminent return, as per Tudor's assessment.
- Lucas Bergvall - Out: Ankle injury likely to keep him out for around six more weeks.
- Ben Davies - Out: Underwent ankle surgery, with absence extending into April.
- Richarlison - Out: Potential return next week or the following week.
- Rodrigo Bentancur - Out: Recovering from right hamstring surgery, out until after the March international break.
- Mohammed Kudus - Out: Hamstring issue with a tendon in the quad, expected back after the March break.
- Dejan Kulusevski - Out: Awaiting further medical appointments, with no clear timeline for return this season.
- James Maddison - Out: Long-term knee injury, likely sidelined for much or all of the season.
- Martin Odegaard - Doubt: Arteta indicated a possibility of availability, pending final assessment.
- Kai Havertz - Doubt: Similar update as Odegaard, with fitness to be determined.
- Mikel Merino - Out: Foot fracture requiring months of recovery, with no exact return date.
- Max Dowman - Out: Expected to return in about a week, then needing time to regain match fitness.
This extensive list of absences underscores the challenges both managers face in fielding their strongest lineups. The derby promises to be a test of squad depth and tactical adaptability, with key players missing on both sides potentially opening opportunities for lesser-used squad members to make an impact.
Fans and pundits alike will be closely watching how Arteta and Tudor navigate these setbacks, as the result could have significant implications for the Premier League title race and the battle to avoid relegation. The atmosphere at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is expected to be electric, with both sets of supporters eager to see their teams overcome adversity in one of English football's most storied rivalries.
