Tottenham Hotspur face a challenging situation as they prepare for the high-stakes north London derby against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday. The club’s injury concerns have heightened following a weekend match against Tamworth, where Timo Werner suffered a hamstring injury. Despite playing the full 90 minutes of the 120-minute encounter, Werner had to exit during injury time, which raises questions about his fitness moving forward.
Ange Postecoglou, the Spurs manager, provided an update on the injury front, stating, “The only one who picked up an injury was Timo [Werner]. It’s a hamstring injury and we’re waiting on the results of that scan.” This information points to a potential absence for Werner, which would be a significant blow for Spurs as they gear up for such a crucial match.
On a more positive note, there is some good news for Tottenham fans, as Richarlison is expected to make his return to the squad. Postecoglou confirmed, “Richy is available” to face Arsenal, which will undoubtedly boost the team’s attacking options. The Brazilian forward has been sidelined since early November with his own hamstring issue and has only made seven appearances this season. His return is seen as vital for Spurs, particularly given the difficulty of the upcoming fixture.
However, not all news is encouraging, as several players are set to miss the showdown against the Gunners. Wilson Odobert will be unavailable, along with Guglielmo Vicario who is dealing with an ankle injury, and Destiny Udogie, who is struggling with a thigh injury. The prognosis for Vicario and Udogie is concerning, as they are not expected to return to action until February.
The absence of Vicario is somewhat alleviated by Spurs’ recent acquisition of goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky. The 21-year-old has already made a mark by keeping clean sheets against Liverpool and Tamworth, and he will now be looking to replicate that success against a potent Arsenal attack. This will undoubtedly be a test of Kinsky’s abilities as he steps into a pivotal role during this critical derby.
Moreover, Tottenham’s defensive lineup is also under strain, with Ben Davies, Cristian Romero, and Micky van de Ven expected to be sidelined as well. Postecoglou noted that all three defenders are “slated to return at the back end of January,” leaving the squad with significant holes to fill in the defensive setup as they prepare for Arsenal.
In summary, the expected absentees for Tottenham Hotspur against Arsenal include:
- Timo Werner (hamstring injury)
- Wilson Odobert
- Guglielmo Vicario (ankle injury)
- Destiny Udogie (thigh injury)
- Ben Davies
- Cristian Romero
- Micky van de Ven
As the team navigates these challenges, the importance of a strong performance against their rivals cannot be overstated. The outcome of the match could have significant implications for both the league standings and the morale of the squad moving forward.
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