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Benjamin Sesko injury update with THREE Man Utd stars absent from training

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Benjamin Sesko injury update with THREE Man Utd stars absent from training - The Mirror
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Benjamin Sesko was forced off with an injury in Manchester United's draw with Tottenham Hotspur before the international break and is now a major doubt for Everton

Manchester United striker Benjamin Sesko was absent from training ahead of Monday night's clash with Everton. The forward limped off against Tottenham Hotspur before the international break, leaving the Reds a man down for the rest of the game.

Sesko headed straight for the tunnel after his injury, and manager Ruben Amorim hinted that he might need to dip into the transfer market if the injury turns out to be a long-term problem.

It remains unclear whether this will be necessary, but Sesko was not seen at Friday morning's training session. Harry Maguire and Kobbie Mainoo were also not seen at the session.

Since making his full debut for United, Sesko has either been chosen to start by Amorim or the team has played without a striker. The latter strategy was used in matches against Liverpool and Tottenham.

If Sesko is unavailable, Joshua Zirkzee could be called upon, although so far this season the Dutchman has only played a total of 90 minutes over five appearances.

It seems more likely that United will stick with the same system they used against Spurs. This would involve Amad potentially playing alongside Bryan Mbeumo, with Matheus Cunha leading the line as a false nine.

Alternatively, Mason Mount could be recalled to the starting line-up. He made a strong impression when he came on against Tottenham, setting up two chances for Sesko in the 2-2 draw.

Amorim will give an update on Sesko's injury at his press conference this afternoon. But speaking earlier this month, the United boss hinted that the injury - along with Bryan Mbeumo's impending absence to play in the AFCON - could force them into January transfer business.

He said: “He had something in his knee so we have to see. We have to check everything, we have to check what’s happened with Ben. Of course, we are going to have a problem there (AFCON), but we already knew that.

“We knew that we would have a lot of players who are not going to play because it’s one game a week, so we knew that trying to manage that situation was going to be hard.

“Let’s see when the window is open, if we can improve the team, and try to repair something that happened. Until then we have to take the chance. We’ll see.”

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Arsenal news: Mikel Arteta eyes £70m forward as star says transfer fee is worth it

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Arsenal news: Mikel Arteta eyes £70m forward as star says transfer fee is worth it - The Mirror
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A closer look at some Arsenal headlines as the Gunners are linked with a promising forward ahead of the January transfer window

Arsenal are preparing to face Tottenham Hotspur in their return to Premier League action. It is a crucial clash for the Gunners, who will be eager to maintain their four-point lead at the top of the table.

Mikel Arteta’s side signed off for the international break after a 2-2 draw with Sunderland, allowing Manchester City to begin putting pressure on the league leaders. Spurs will be relishing the opportunity to dent Arsenal’s title hopes, but the Gunners will have home advantage at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

However, Arsenal may have to cope without several of their star names. Gabriel Magalhaes was among those to pick up an injury on international duty, adding to a growing list of potentially sidelined players.

Arsenal will be focused on returning to winning ways against Spurs, who will hope to take advantage of any key absentees in Arteta’s team. Here, Mirror Football delves into some of the headlines surrounding the Gunners.

Arsenal interested in £70m star

German outlet Sport1 has reported that Arsenal are among the clubs interested in Eintracht Frankfurt star Jean-Matteo Bahoya. The 20-year-old winger is considered a hot prospect, with the German club placing a £70m valuation on the France U21 international.

He was signed from Angers in 2024 and made 33 appearances in all competitions last term, predominantly from the bench, tallying up seven goal contributions. Bahoya began this season by scoring a brace against Werder Bremen but is claimed to have grown frustrated with his lack of regular minutes.

Despite the young forward being used as a rotational player, Arsenal have been linked with a move for Bahoya. Frankfurt’s sporting director Markus Krosche is said to value Bahoya at £70m.

Bahoya was reportedly the subject of a £61m bid from a Saudi Arabian club in the summer, which the German club turned down. Frankfurt have commanded significant transfer fees for Hugo Ekitike and Randal Kolo Muani in recent years.

Eberechi Eze responds to transfer fee

Eberechi Eze has shrugged off any suggestions of pressure following his £60m move from Crystal Palace. The 27-year-old, who has scored twice and registered three assists in 17 games, insists that he has not felt the need to justify his price tag.

“Pressure? For me? No. Pressure, no, because I think that is just how my belief system is set up,” Eze told the Beast Mode On podcast.

“I don’t feel the pressure because of what I believe, and the faith that I have. I feel like I have been put in a position, because a club like Arsenal deemed it worthy.

“They pay that money because you are worth that money. Putting it into numbers is hard, because my belief system is set up on a different thing.

“But it is an opportunity. It is an opportunity to go play, do my stuff, be the player that I know I can be - and then you will tell me if I was worth the money or not.”

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Arsenal news: 19 players at risk of MISSING Tottenham clash amid fresh Bukayo Saka update

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Arsenal news: 19 players at risk of MISSING Tottenham clash amid fresh Bukayo Saka update - The Mirror
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Arsenal head into one of their biggest games of the season this weekend against North London rivals Tottenham and there’s both good and bad news for the Gunners ahead of the game

Arsenal are just a few days away from one of the biggest games in their season as they prepare to take on their bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the north London derby on Sunday afternoon at the Emirates Stadium.

A victory would see Mikel Arteta's side not only get one over their bitter rivals, it would also see them extend their lead at the top of the Premier League. Arsenal currently sit four points clear of nearest rivals Manchester City.

Heading into the game, Arteta will be aiming to prepare his side in the best possible way. With that being said, get updated on all of the latest news from the red half of North London:

North London Derby absences

Meanwhile, forwards Kai Havertz, Viktor Gyokeres, Gabriel Martinelli, Noni Madueke and Gabriel Jesus may all be sidelined. Captain Martin Odegaard is also still continuing his recovery.

On the Spurs side of things, long-term absentees James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, Radu Dragusin and Dominic Solanke are all ruled out. Randal Kolo Muani continues to struggle, while Lucas Bergvall, Ben Davies, Yves Bissouma and Kota Takai are all doubts.

What side should Arsenal play vs Spurs? Share your thoughts in the comments below

Saka’s contract update

Arsenal have managed to underline their new-found negotiating power by committing star forward Bukayo Saka to a new contract. The England winger is closing in on a new deal at the Emirates that will see him put pen to paper on fresh terms until 2030.

Saka’s current deal runs until 2027, meaning Arsenal still had time on their side. But the Gunners will have been keen to agree an extension sooner rather than later.

Arsenal would have been running the risk on Saka being open to other opportunities, including a move or a Bosman exit, should they have allowed his deal to reach its final 12 months.

Eze makes Timber point

Arsenal summer signing Eberechi Eze has claimed that he was the most surprised by Jurrien Timber following his arrival in North London.

He said: "Everyone is sort of what you expect them to be. The expectation of all the players is high. I’ll say one player who has gone even beyond the high expectation I already had – because I’d heard good things about him – was Jurrien Timber. He’s a special player and a special guy.

"I think for me, in an environment of people and you have a culture that is geared towards improving, these guys all want to improve. So for me it’s a pleasure to be part of it and to see guys like him who perform the way they perform, who carry themselves the way they carry themselves. It’s inspiring, for sure."

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Dominic Solanke injury latest as Tottenham striker makes honest return claim ahead of Arsenal

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Dominic Solanke injury latest as Tottenham striker makes honest return claim ahead of Arsenal - The Mirror
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Dominic Solanke has been sidelined with an ankle injury since August and the Tottenham striker has opened up about his frustration at being out of action for so long

Dominic Solanke has confessed that his spell on the sidelines has been "difficult", but he remains optimistic about Tottenham's potential to achieve "big things" upon his return.

After a record-breaking £65million transfer from Bournemouth in August 2024, Solanke's start to the 2025/26 season under new manager Thomas Frank has been marred by frustration. An ankle injury has limited the 28-year-old's appearances for Spurs this season to just three, with his last match being the 2-0 victory over Man City on August 23.

The former Liverpool and Chelsea player's pre-season was disrupted by the reoccurring ankle problem, leading to him undergoing "minor surgery" at the end of September to address the issue. As he nears his comeback, Solanke has opened up about the challenges of the past three months, reports Football London.

"It's been very difficult," Solanke admitted to The Athletic. "At first, I didn't think I would be out for too long but we didn't really understand the extent of the injury.

"I was trying to get back as quickly as I could but it didn't happen, so I had to have surgery. Since then, I have been working to get back.

"I'm not putting a timeline on it because I've been telling everyone 'I'm going to be back soon' for the last few months. I'm taking it day by day but hopefully I won't be much longer."

Solanke is not expected to return for Sunday's North London Derby against Tottenham, nor the midweek Champions League clash with PSG. He has been back in the gym building up his strength in recent weeks and has also seen external specialists about the injury.

The striker is looking forward to working with Frank, who joined from Brentford in the summer and has already made a number of changes to how the club operates. "I haven't had the chance to work with (Frank) too much but he is a great man manager," Solanke said.

"All the players are loving having him around. He speaks with us all and has meetings every day. Even with the coaching staff he has brought in, everyone gets on so well. It's a great environment.

"We have had a good start to the season. When a few of us come back (from injury) and strengthen the squad, hopefully we can do some big things."

Elsewhere on the injury front, James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, Yves Bissouma, Archie Gray and Ben Davies remain sidelined.

There's also fitness concerns over Radu Dragusin, Kota Takai, Lucas Bergvall, Mohammed Kudus, Randal Kolo Muani and Pape Matar Sarr going into the North London Derby.

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19 players could miss Arsenal vs Spurs as Mikel Arteta and Thomas Frank dealt tricky hands

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19 players could miss Arsenal vs Spurs as Mikel Arteta and Thomas Frank dealt tricky hands - The Mirror
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Arsenal and Tottenham are both set to be without a number of key players for Sunday's North London Derby, with a host of stars currently side-lined through injury

As many as 19 players could be absent from Sunday's North London derby, with both Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur hit by a wave of injuries. Mikel Arteta's Gunners are set to welcome Thomas Frank's Lilywhites in a fierce contest for local bragging rights this weekend, following a two-week international break.

Despite the anticipation amongst fans who will be flocking down Holloway Road and into the Emirates Stadium, neither team will be entering the match at full strength. That's because a number of first-team stars are currently sidelined through injury and will likely miss the game altogether.

Mirror Football provides a comprehensive breakdown of the latest injury news for both Arsenal and Spurs as the crucial game looms.

Arsenal

Arsenal may have to face Spurs without nine key players this weekend. Despite their current surge in the Premier League, sitting comfortably at the top with a four-point lead over Manchester City, Arteta's impressive run hasn't been without its challenges.

Gabriel was substituted 64 minutes into Brazil's friendly against Senegal at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday due to a knee injury. The knock could see the 27-year-old sidelined for at least four weeks, while there are also concerns that he might not return to action until January.

In other news, Jurrien Timber received treatment for an apparent knee injury during the Netherlands' match against Lithuania on Monday. Despite appearing to be in considerable pain and being substituted at the hour mark, Timber later posted a reassuring message on social media, suggesting that the injury isn't too serious.

In the meantime, Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard are still on the mend from their respective knee injuries, and it's possible that Sunday's match may come too soon for either to return. Viktor Gyokeres was left out of Sweden's squad for World Cup qualifiers against Switzerland or Slovenia due to a hamstring injury he sustained against Burnley earlier this month, while Riccardo Calafiori returned to the UK from Italy duty due to a hip problem.

Gabriel Martinelli continues his recovery from a thigh injury he picked up against Crystal Palace in late October, with a return expected in early December. Noni Madueke remains out of action with a knee injury he suffered in September.

Finally, Gabriel Jesus is still on the sidelines for Arsenal after undergoing surgery for an ACL injury he sustained in January. Although he's close to making a comeback, it's reported that he won't be ready for selection until December.

Spurs

Tottenham are heading into Sunday's match against Arsenal with a whopping 10 players currently injured. Lucas Bergvall had to withdraw from the Sweden squad due to ongoing concussion issues, and updates from his national team suggest he might still be grappling with the problem, casting doubt over his availability to face Arsenal.

French reports also indicate that Randal Kolo Muani fractured his jaw during Spurs' 2-2 draw with Manchester United before the international break, which will keep him out of action until at least December, while Dominic Solanke hasn't featured for the Lilywhites since sustaining an ankle injury in August.

James Maddison isn't expected to return until May 2026 due to an ACL injury, while Dejan Kulusevski is nursing a knee injury from May and is set to return in January. Radu Dragusin is also recovering from an ACL injury and isn't expected to play for Spurs until next month, while Archie Gray could miss the short trip to Arsenal due to a minor calf issue.

In addition, Ben Davies, Yves Bissouma and Kota Takai could all be absent for the North London Derby.

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Tottenham news: Star 'unhappy' in London as Thomas Frank confirms nightmare scenario

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Tottenham news: Star 'unhappy' in London as Thomas Frank confirms nightmare scenario - The Mirror
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Tottenham have a few headaches heading into Sunday's North London Derby against Arsenal

Tottenham lost a lot of their early-season momentum - and at the worst possible time too. A huge North London derby against Arsenal is next on the agenda, swiftly followed by a high-stakes Champions League meeting with PSG.

Thomas Frank's side opened the campaign at full throttle, winning five of their first seven matches in all competitions after coming within a whisker of a famous Super Cup victory over PSG. But a tough run over the past month - defeats to Aston Villa, Newcastle and Chelsea, plus a stoppage-time equaliser conceded against Manchester United - has drained much of their early confidence and spark.

Spurs remain in a solid position, sitting fifth in the Premier League and 10th in the Champions League standings after an undefeated start to the latter but it's clear Frank has work to do to reignite his team after a sputtering spell. With that in mind, here's a roundup of the latest Tottenham news.

Tel 'unhappy' in London

Mathys Tel is reportedly growing unsettled in London mere months after signing for Tottenham. The French forward, who joined Spurs on loan from Bayern Munich at the start of the year before signing outright in the summer, is said to be open to a January departure after struggling to secure a regular place in Frank's starting XI.

Tel has featured for only 24 minutes over the past month, with competition in Tottenham's attack exceptionally fierce. Richarlison, Randal Kolo Muani, Dominic Solanke, Mohammed Kudus, Wilson Odobert and Brennan Johnson are all vying for the same positions, leaving opportunities limited.

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, AS Roma are considering a loan bid - and Spurs are open to letting him leave. However, Tel's goal against Manchester United earlier this month may prompt Frank to give the youngster a more prominent role in the coming weeks - which could potentially shift the club's - and the player's stance in the weeks ahead.

Nightmare injury scenario

Tottenham may be without Pape Matar Sarr for Sunday's trip to Arsenal. The midfielder, a mainstay in Frank's side this season, limped off during Senegal's 2-0 defeat to Brazil on Saturday.

At first the issue appeared minor, with Senegal manager Pape Thiaw downplaying its severity. But Sarr was then omitted from Senegal's 8–0 win over Kenya on Tuesday, casting serious doubt over his availability for the weekend.

"We left him in London," Thiaw confirmed. "He took a knock, and we felt it would be difficult for him to recover in just two days. Since we were in his home city, we preferred to leave him with his club so he could receive treatment there."

Tottenham are already stretched, with Dominic Solanke, James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski and Radu Dragusin all sidelined. Yves Bissouma, Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray are also doubts for the North London Derby, leaving Spurs worryingly thin in central midfield.

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Thierry Henry makes Gabriel injury point ahead of Arsenal v Tottenham face off

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Thierry Henry makes Gabriel injury point ahead of Arsenal v Tottenham face off - The Mirror
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The North London derby arrives at the Emirates Stadium this weekend, but Mikel Arteta will be without one of his star players in Gabriel for the gripping encounter between Arsenal and Tottenham

Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has explained why Gabriel's recent injury shouldn't hinder the Gunners' defensive capabilities against Tottenham on Sunday. Mikel Arteta had said before the Sunderland match earlier this month that he anticipated several injured players returning after the international break.

However, the last thing he would have wanted was additional key players becoming unavailable. Regrettably for the Arsenal boss, that appears to be exactly what has occurred with centre-back Gabriel.

The 27-year-old picked up a muscular injury during Brazil's international friendly against Senegal on Saturday. Multiple reports suggest Gabriel faces a minimum four-week recovery period, with the possibility he could remain sidelined until January.

While this could significantly impact Arteta's squad during a hectic December schedule, Henry maintains that a defence is assessed on far more than simply the two centre-backs. Speaking ahead of Sunday's North London Derby, the Arsenal legend was asked about his thoughts on Micky van de Ven's goal against Copenhagen in the Champions League.

To which, he told Betway: "Well, it says that he can score a goal like that. Not to downplay it, and of course I also saw his assist against Man Utd last season, but I just think the most important thing is that the team defends well.

"It's not just about two centre-backs. When a team attacks well, it's also because the guys at the back are proactive, beating the line of pressure and making it easier for the striker.

"When a team defends well, it's because the whole team is defending well, not just your two centre-backs. Trust me, if your team is not shielding on the counter and winning the second ball, you're exposed. I don't care who you are.

"But going back to individuals, yes, Van de Ven is outstanding, Van Dijk is outstanding, Gabriel and Saliba are outstanding. They're strong, difficult to beat, and like everybody, they have their flaws, but that's normal."

Gabriel's absence will be felt by Arteta this weekend. The Brazilian defender has been ever-present in the Gunners' Premier League campaign this term, whilst also chipping in with two goals and three assists across all competitions.

The star has delivered crucial moments for Arteta throughout the season; it was Gabriel's dramatic 96th-minute header that secured victory for Arsenal in their away fixture at Newcastle United earlier this season. Arteta faced additional defensive concerns during the international break when Riccardo Calafiori pulled out of Italy's squad due to a hip issue.

However, the Italian's injury is not believed to be serious and he should be fit for selection this weekend. The opening North London Derby of the season presents Arteta with an opportunity to strengthen his side's position at the Premier League summit.

Manchester City trail the Gunners by four points as it stands. Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur could narrow the gap to Arsenal. Currently in fifth place with 18 points, Spurs could potentially finish the weekend in third place - just five points behind Arteta's team, if results go in their favour.

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Tottenham's clever Troy Parrott transfer clause and reason for striker's exit explained

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Tottenham's clever Troy Parrott transfer clause and reason for striker's exit explained - The Mirror
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Republic of Ireland hero Troy Parrott has been prolific since leaving Tottenham Hotspur last summer

Former Tottenham Hotspur prodigy Troy Parrott made waves with his performances for the Republic of Ireland, playing a pivotal role in keeping their World Cup dreams alive. The 23-year-old striker had an unforgettable few days, scoring five goals in two games for his country.

He scored twice to earn an unexpected home win over Portugal ahead of the team's final qualifier against Hungary. In Budapest, Parrott scored Ireland's winner and completed his hat-trick in the 96th minute to secure a thrilling 3-2 victory and book Ireland's spot in the play-offs.

Since leaving Spurs in 2024, Parrott has truly come into his own. He was touted as a promising talent during his time at Tottenham, but Parrott only made four first team appearances and was loaned out five times.

His final loan stint as a Spurs player was with Dutch outfit Excelsior, where his impressive performances caught the eye of AZ Alkmaar. The young forward was sold for £6.7million, with former manager Ange Postecoglou later revealing that competition for places, including the subsequent signing of Dominic Solanke, hindered his chances of breaking into the first team.

However, Parrott wasn't away from Spurs for long. Tottenham met AZ in the Europa League group stage before facing off again in the round of 16, on their way to lifting the trophy.

"It is good to see Troy doing well, I think he had a great loan spell in the Dutch League last year," Postecoglou said ahead of the group game between the two sides. "He is looking like he started his AZ career in positive fashion too so it is great.

"In terms of getting a chance, sometimes in football it is just about timing. We have a striker here mate who was at Chelsea and Liverpool early in his career and he has done alright since. There is a pathway forward for everybody."

Parrott has flourished since making his permanent switch to AZ. He netted 20 times across all competitions last term and has been even sharper this campaign, bagging 13 goals in just 14 appearances.

Tottenham will be delighted to witness their former youngster excelling, particularly as the club could still benefit financially from the striker's next transfer. football.london reports that Spurs secured a 20 per cent sell-on clause when Parrott joined AZ.

However, Tottenham did not negotiate a buyback option as part of Parrott's transfer. The Ireland international is likely to attract attention from several clubs in upcoming transfer windows, given his impressive performances for club and country.

Meanwhile, Parrott will be keen to maintain his red-hot form as he returns to AZ. The ex-Spurs forward was visibly emotional when asked about his feelings following his hat-trick for Ireland.

"I'm really, really emotional. They're tears of joy. Ah, what a night, what a night," Parrott told RTE. "This is why we love football, because things like this can happen. Look, I love where I'm from, so this means the world to me. My family is here.

"It's the first time I've cried in years as well, I really, really can't believe it. Everyone is crying. I said against Portugal that this is what dreams are made of, but this tonight, I don't think I'll ever have a better night in my whole life.

"That is really a fairy tale. You can't even dream about something like that. Honestly, I have no words to describe my emotions right now."

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Arsenal news: Gunners sent Tottenham warning as referee appointed for North London derby

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Mirror Football brings you two of the biggest news stories involving Arsenal as Mikel Arteta's Premier League leaders host Thomas Frank's 'concerning' Tottenham Hotspur

The Premier League returns this weekend with a bang as Arsenal take on Tottenham in Sunday’s north London derby. Mikel Arteta’s side, who currently lead the table by four points, will face their bitter rivals under the management of Thomas Frank for the first time since they lost their meeting in pre-season.

The Gunners have not lost to Spurs in their last six official meetings and their recent run of 14 games unbeaten means they are the favourites to emerge victorious at the Emirates Stadium. But this particular derby is known for its chaotic nature and for throwing up controversy, meaning form very often goes out the window when the two clubs meet.

One particular concern for Arteta will be his lengthy list of injuries, which the recent international break appeared to exacerbate. Both Gabriel Magalhaes and Riccardo Calafiori are doubts for the game after leaving their respective camps early and face a race against time to return for the fixture.

Now, ahead of what promises to be a tantalising encounter, Mirror Football takes a look at two of the latest news stories surrounding Arsenal.

Keown voices fears

Arsenal legend Martin Keown has voiced his concerns over facing Spurs this weekend, believing they pose more of a threat than they are given credit for. Frank’s side have started the season steadily under their new manager and, despite having lost three and drawn three, are currently fifth in the table.

Keown thinks Frank will look to frustrate the home crowd and create anxiousness around the Emirates with his tactics in the first north London derby of the season. Arteta’s men, who are expected to claim all three points, have now been told how to counteract that.

The pundit told the Metro: “What concerns me this weekend is Spurs’ away form. Spurs at home it’s like two different entities.

“At home it’s like one win in five and I think they’ve won four out of five away from home. Their manager is very good at slowing things down, just quietening the crowd and the keeper just puts his foot on the ball.

“I’ve had a little look this week to see what they do away from home and they do it really well. Arsenal are going to have to go in and press high and look to dominate the game.”

North London derby referee named

The Premier League has confirmed that referee Michael Oliver will take charge of Sunday’s fixture. He will be assisted by linesmen Stuart Burt and James Mainwaring, fourth official Michael Salisbury, as well as Stuart Attwell as the lead VAR operator and Constantine Hatzidakis as his assistant.

But, along with the Spurs players, Oliver will be the most unpopular man in N5 when the players and officials come out onto the pitch. That’s because of two hugely contentious decisions he made last season that went against the Gunners.

The first was in September 2024 when he sent off Leandro Trossard in a crucial game against Manchester City for kicking the ball away 1.07 seconds after he had blown his whistle, which he deemed to have delayed the restart. The decision left Arsenal fans, players and coaching staff irate.

He followed that up a few months later by incorrectly sending off Myles Lewis-Skelly against Wolves for a late challenge that was neither reckless nor denied a goal-scoring opportunity. The red card was later rescinded, sparking further anger among the Arsenal faithful.

That incident 10 months ago was the last time Oliver was placed in charge of an Arsenal game. Arteta will be hoping his side are dominant enough that any controversial calls this time around won’t impact the outcome of one of the most crucial games of the season so far.

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How Arsenal could line up vs Spurs after crushing Gabriel injury blow

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How Arsenal could line up vs Spurs after crushing Gabriel injury blow - The Mirror
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Arsenal are going to see at least one change for their clash against Tottenham when the Premier League returns after Gabriel Magalhae's injury on international duty

Arsenal are without Gabriel Magalhaes for the north London derby after he suffered a devastating injury during the international break. The Brazilian defender could be ruled out until January with a thigh issue.

Gabriel has started all 11 Premier League matches for the Gunners this term. The 27-year-old has not missed a minute under Mikel Arteta with Arsenal setting the pace at the top of the division.

The Spaniard will be forced into making an alteration for the clash against Thomas Frank's Tottenham as Arteta's men look to bounce back from a draw with Sunderland. Arsenal are eight points ahead of their closest rivals, who currently lie in fifth place.

The Gunners boss may have a bead of sweat on his brow ahead of such an important decision. Arteta may be relieved that Andrea Berta's summer transfer business brought in new options in Piero Hincapie and Cristhian Mosquera.

Arsenal's head coach is unlikely to change much from a successful system but has plenty to weigh up in personnel. Mirror Football looks at his choices.

Piero Hincapie

The Ecuador international arrived able to play in the centre or the left side of the defence. In many ways, Hincapie looks like a straightforward option.

But, the 23-year-old has only enjoyed two starts so far, with life at the Emirates interrupted by a groin injury. The defender's preferred role is in the heart of defence and with his front-footed defensive nature, would offer the closest thing to a like-for-like replacement.

Cristhian Mosquera

Young star Mosquera has already shown he can hold his own against top opposition after being called upon against Liverpool. The 21-year-old has played on the left of a defensive partnership for Valencia despite being right-footed.

Mosquera has already played alongside Saliba this term too. They started together in September when Arsenal defeated Port Vale in the Carabao Cup.

Speaking in September after beating Nottingham Forest, Arteta said: "It's not easy to adapt to the league, to adapt to a new way of playing, but Mosquera is a great example.

"I think what he did against Liverpool, being thrown out there after three minutes at Anfield in your first exposure in the Premier League, is very difficult to do. I think he was superb today again."

Riccardo Calafiori

A more surprising option could prove to be Italy star Riccardo Calafiori. The ex-Bologna star joined Arsenal in 2024 as another versatile option.

Calafiori has made the left full-back role his own this season, however, and often been positioned very high up the pitch in Arteta's system. Myles Lewis-Skelly could perhaps take on that role if Calafiori was shifted, but you could forgive Arsenal's boss for not wanting to change too much at once.

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