Arsenal hope to have Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz available again for his or her north London showdown with Tottenham this afternoon.
A dismal draw away to Wolves midweek has sparked major concerns over Arsenal’s title charge but a positive result on enemy turf today would go a way in easing them.
Their captain has missed the last two games after picking up a fresh injury issue within the draw with Brentford.
But speaking at a press conference on Friday, Mikel Arteta said it was a ‘big possibility’ Odegaard might be fit to return to the starting XI today.
The identical applies to Havertz. The Germany international impressed following his return from a knee injury that saw him miss the first-half of the season having undergone surgery in August.
Havertz picked up a muscle issue earlier this month that was initially expected to rule him out of the derby but Arteta’s comments on Friday suggest he’ll not less than be in contention to make the squad.
Leandro Trossard meanwhile picked up a knock at Molineux that forced him off that night. However the Belgium international is fit and available today.
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Max Dowman is Arsenal’s only other absentee.
Arteta once more has a dilemma up front with Viktor Gyokeres enduring one other tough evening up front midweek.
Gabriel Jesus replaced the Swede after 65 minutes that night but did little to strengthen his own case for a start.
Tottenham meanwhile might be without their suspended skipper Cristian Romero in consequence of the red card he picked up against Manchester United.
Dominic Solanke missed two days of coaching this week but was back amongst his teammates on Friday.
Arsenal XI to face Tottenham – Metro prediction
Options in midfield for Arsenal have been limited with Mikel Merino possibly out for the remainder of the season with a foot injury.
Martin Zubimendi struggled against Wolves and while the manager does have Christian Norgaard waiting within the wings, the Spain international will certainly keep his place on a pivotal day on the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Eberechi Eze’s woes have also continued – if Odegaard if passed fit, he will certainly are available for the previous Crystal Palace star.
Tottenham vs Arsenal TV channel, live stream and kick-off time
The north London derby kicks off today (Sunday 22 February) at 4:30pm.
You’ll be able to watch the match survive Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Fundamental Event with streaming also available through the Sky Go app and NOW TV for subscribers.
You can too follow all of the motion with Metro’s LIVE blog.
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