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Tottenham Hotspur have received a major boost ahead of their highly anticipated North London Derby clash against Arsenal this Sunday.

With Arsenal missing several key players, Spurs could go into the match in a much stronger position.

Arsenal’s injury woes

Arsenal will be without midfielder Declan Rice, who is suspended after receiving a controversial red card against Brighton.

Adding to the Gunners’ problems, summer signing Mikel Merino, who would have been an ideal replacement for Rice, is also sidelined with an injury.

Another summer signing Riccardo Calafiori as also left Arsenal sweating after he left the Italy camp yesterday following a freak injury against France. And club captain Martin Odegaard could be the next in the list of injuries for the Gunners.

Odegaard limps off against Austria

There were initial concerns about Odegaard’s availability after he picked up a knock during the Brighton game. But he ended up being fine as he played the full 90 minutes of Norway’s Nations League match against Kazakhstan on Friday.

However, the Norwegian midfielder was involved in a collision with Christoph Baumgartner midway through the second half against Austria earlier tonight, which forced him off the pitch.

Arsenal fans will be worried as Odegaard was seen limping off, and it remains uncertain if he will recover in time for Sunday’s derby.

?? Martin Ødegaard has just limped off for Norway with an ankle injury ahead of the North London derby. | @JanAageFjortoft pic.twitter.com/8ezUMMOqa9

— Daily Hotspur (@Daily_Hotspur) September 9, 2024

While Tottenham are still waiting on the recovery of Dominic Solanke and Micky van de Ven, they look to be in a more favourable condition compared to their rivals.

Both players have been working on their fitness ahead of the game, and manager Ange Postecoglou will be hoping to have them available.

Given Arsenal’s depleted squad, Tottenham supporters may feel that their team has a strong chance of securing a win in this crucial fixture, with expectations for a positive result growing ahead of Sunday’s showdown.

Martin Keown has called on Jorginho and Arsenal’s other squad players to fill the void left by Declan Rice in this weekend’s North London derby.

The Gunners are preparing to face their arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur away from home on Sunday.

However, they must do so without key midfielder Rice, who was controversially sent off in the 1-1 draw against Brighton prior to the international break.

Italy international Jorginho is expected to start in Rice’s place despite being an unused substitute in all three of Arsenal’s Premier League games so far this season.

Jorginho has proven himself an excellent back-up to Rice in the past. However, Keown believes it can’t just be him who ups his game against Spurs, with Mikel Arteta needing big performances from other Arsenal squad members.

Keown outlines how Arsenal can cope with Declan Rice vs Spurs

“Jorginho has to come into that position and he has plenty of experience but it can’t just be one player,” Keown told talkSPORT.

“Back in the day there were many times when we were without the likes of Patrick Vieira or Thierry Henry, it didn’t matter.

“Players came in – Edu came in, or Kanu came in.

“You’ve got to have a squad who are strong enough and this is where the question mark will be with Arsenal because they’ve let a lot of good young players go and they had to do that to balance the books.

“It’s whether the squad is strong enough.”

Tottenham Hotspur striker Richarlison is set to miss the upcoming North London derby against Arsenal due to an injury picked up in training.

Injury expert Dr Rajpal Brar has shared a detailed update on the Brazilian’s condition, which continues to hamper his progress since joining Spurs in 2022 from Everton for nearly £60 million.

Richarlison arrived at Tottenham with high expectations but has struggled to live up to his price tag.

In his debut season, he managed only one Premier League goal. Last season, despite improving with 11 goals in 28 league appearances, the Brazilian struggled with injuries and inconsistent form.

Unfortunately, this season has been no different, with Richarlison suffering another setback in training, as revealed by manager Ange Postecoglou. The injury is expected to sideline him for several weeks.

Dr Brar’s injury update

Dr Brar has now shared an update on the striker’s injury, providing an expected return date.

He told Tottenham News:

“He picked up the injury in training and is expected to be ruled out for a few weeks. Based on the potential return timeline around 21 September, he will likely be progressing through more dynamic activities with the hope of returning to team training after the international break.”

“It’s fair to rule him out for the entire month from first-team training.“

This update confirms that the Brazilian striker will miss several important fixtures, including the highly anticipated North London derby against Arsenal.

Richarlison has been linked with a move away to Saudi over the last couple of transfer windows and if his current fitness issues continue, it will not be entirely unlikely if the club decides to sell him if they receive a tempting offer.

With Richarlison sidelined, Tottenham will be hoping that summer signing Dominic Solanke will be fit in time for the North London derby.

The former Bournemouth striker is also recovering from a recent knock and his availability could be key for Spurs as they prepare to take on their fierce rivals Arsenal.

Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with a move for the French international midfielder Adrien Rabiot.

The 29-year-old is a free agent after his contract with Juventus expired earlier this summer.

According to a report from Team Talk, the midfielder’s agent (his mother Veronique) has offered the player to Arsenal and Tottenham. The midfielder would prefer a move to London this summer and it remains to be seen where he ends up.

The player is reportedly demanding wages of around £200,000 a week. It will be interesting to see if Arsenal or Tottenham are willing to pay that kind of money for him.

Signing a player of his quality and experience on a free transfer would certainly be an excellent bit of business but his wage demands could scupper any potential move.

Rabiot would improve Arsenal and Tottenham

Arsenal need more quality and depth in the middle of the park and Rabiot will help them control games better. His ability to add calmness and composure from the deep and recycle possession could prove to be very handy alongside Declan Rice. He could form a solid partnership with the England international.

At Tottenham, they have sanctioned the departures of Oliver Skipp and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg. The 29-year-old could be the ideal acquisition on a free transfer. It remains to be seen whether they are ready to get the deal done in the coming weeks.

The 29-year-old will look to sort out his future and get back to playing regularly once again. A move to the Premier League will be an exciting challenge for him at this stage of his career. He has the physicality and technical attributes to do well in English football and he will look to establish himself as a key player for Arsenal or Tottenham.

Tottenham Hotspur defender Sergio Reguilon has been linked with a move away from the club in recent months.

The 27-year-old is surplus to requirements at the north London club and he needs to move on in search of regular playing time. With the Turkish transfer window open until 13 September, the player will have to secure a move soon.

According to a report from the Sunday People via Football Insider, the player has been handed an ultimatum that he needs to join a Turkish club or he will be on the sidelines at the Premier League club in the coming months.

The 27-year-old defender will not want to be on the fringes of the first-team at Tottenham for months and he will look to play regularly. It remains to be seen whether he can secure an exit from the North London club. The defender was on loan at Brentford and Manchester United last season. There is no doubt that he is good enough to play at high level and a move to Turkey could be ideal for him. He could improve plenty of teams in the Turkish league.

Sergio Reguilon needs a fresh start

The 27-year-old was highly rated during his time in Spain and he will look to get back to that level once again. It remains to be seen whether he can find a suitable destination this month.

Spurs will be looking to get him off their books and a permanent exit would be ideal for all parties. If that is not possible, perhaps a loan deal could be on the cards.

Tottenham are currently well stocked in the left back department and they will not be able to provide the 27-year-old with ample opportunities. It would make sense for the two parties to go there separate ways in the next few days.

Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal have been contacted by the representatives of free agent Adrien Rabiot, according to reports.

The English transfer window might be closed, but that doesn’t mean clubs cannot sign new players, with a host of talents currently unemployed.

High on the list of top players looking for a new club is Rabiot.

The 29-year-old is capped 48 times for France to date and played five times in Les Bleus’ run to the Euro 2024 semi-finals this summer.

Having failed to agree a new contract with Juventus, Rabiot — who has also previously played for Paris Saint-Germain and Toulouse — is now a free agent.

Arsenal and Tottenham approached by Rabiot’s agent

Given his status, it’s unsurprising to see Rabiot linked with so many big clubs, with the likes of Newcastle United, Man Utd, AC Milan and Bayern Munich all linked with him throughout the summer.

Meanwhile, Istanbul giants Galatasaray and Fenerbahce are understood to have made an approach for Rabiot, but the midfielder seems intent on remaining in one of Europe’s biggest leagues.

According to TBR, Rabiot’s agent has reached out to North London powerhouses Arsenal and Tottenham regarding a possible move.

It’s understood Rabiot’s current wage demands of £220k per week are proving a stumbling block for most interested clubs.

Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly keeping tabs on the Lecce defender Patrick Dorgu.

According to a report from HITC, the two Premier League clubs are tracking the progress of the 19-year-old left-back and they could look to make a move for him in the future.

Manchester United are reportedly looking to bring in a quality young full-back and Dorgu could prove to be a superb alternative to Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia. Shaw has had his fair share of injury problems since moving to Old Trafford and Malacia barely featured last season.

Dorgu could prove to be a quality long-term acquisition for them. The opportunity to join Manchester United will be quite attractive for the player as well. They are one of the biggest clubs in the world and they could provide him with the platform to push for major trophies on a consistent basis.

Furthermore, Manchester United have a proven track record when it comes to nurturing young players and they could help him fulfil his tremendous potential.

Tottenham keen on Patrick Dorgu

Meanwhile, Tottenham are looking to bring in a quality alternative to Destiny Udogie.

The 19-year-old will be expected to compete with Italian for the starting spot. Ben Davies will be a free agent in 2025 and Dorgu could prove to be the ideal replacement.

It remains to be seen whether the two Premier League clubs decide to follow up on their interest with an official proposal in the coming months.

Dorgu would be a solid long-term investment for the two clubs if they can get the deal done. The 19-year-old is highly rated across Europe and he has a bright future. With the right guidance, he could develop into a future star for the two Premier League teams.

Tottenham Hotspur will be without vice-captain Cristian Romero for their Europa League group-stage match against Qarabag on 27th September.

The Argentine defender will miss the game due to a suspension dating back to Spurs’ 2022 Champions League campaign.

As reported by Alasdair Gold of Football London, Romero was sent off during Tottenham’s round of 16 tie against AC Milan two seasons ago, after picking up two yellow cards.

He received his first booking in the 17th minute, followed by a second in the 77th minute, resulting in his dismissal. Though Tottenham missed out on European competition last season, UEFA regulations state that suspensions carry over to future tournaments. Therefore, Romero will serve his ban in the upcoming Europa League fixture.

Impact of Romero’s absence

Romero has been a crucial part of Tottenham’s defence under new manager Ange Postecoglou, making his absence a significant blow.

However, the timing of his suspension could be beneficial for the team. Spurs face Manchester United in the Premier League just two days after the Qarabag fixture, meaning Romero’s forced rest may help keep him fresh for the important showdown at Old Trafford.

Radu Dragusin expected to step in

In Romero’s absence, Romanian defender Radu Dragusin is expected to step into the starting lineup. Dragusin impressed in Tottenham’s recent Premier League clash against Newcastle, where he filled in for the injured Micky van de Ven.

His solid performance showcased his reliability as a backup option, giving Postecoglou confidence that the team can manage without Romero.

While Romero’s suspension is a setback, Tottenham will rely on their squad depth to continue their positive start to the Europa League campaign.

With Dragusin likely to start, Postecoglou will hope his team can secure a strong result against Qarabag while ensuring the key players are well-rested for their Premier League challenges ahead.

Tottenham’s summer signing Dominic Solanke has had a challenging start at his new club, suffering an injury during the Premier League opener against Leicester City.

The knock ruled him out of Spurs’ following games against Everton and Newcastle, leaving the team without a key attacking option.

While Solanke’s injury was not deemed overly serious, manager Ange Postecoglou opted not to risk him against Newcastle.

Unfortunately, the absence of a clinical striker was evident, as Tottenham struggled to convert their numerous chances into goals.

Hopes for a return ahead of the North London derby

Tottenham’s next match is the highly anticipated North London derby against Arsenal, and Postecoglou will be hoping that Solanke is fit to start.

Injury expert Dr. Rajpal Brar shared an update, suggesting that the striker is nearing a return.

Speaking to Tottenham News, Dr Brar said:

“It sounds like he is quite close to returning from his ankle setback and based on what Ange said, the medical team was being conservative with him to make sure he’s ready to go for some big matches following the international break.“

“Although he was injury free last season, any player can pick up a knock regardless of injury history.“

“Those contact injuries especially to the foot and ankle can take some time to get back from.”

“I’d expect him to be back in contention on the other side of the international break.“

Tottenham’s injury woes continue

Tottenham have been plagued by injuries in recent seasons, and it appears that this trend has continued under Postecoglou. Last season, over 20 players missed games due to injuries, derailing their campaign after a promising start.

In addition to Solanke, Spurs have already seen Rodrigo Bentancur and Micky van de Ven sidelined this season, with the latter also missing out the match against the Magpies.

Bentancur made a return last weekend, but it remains uncertain whether Solanke and Van de Ven will be available for the derby against Arsenal.

Tottenham Hotspur sanctioned the departure of Giovani Lo Celso during the summer transfer window.

The 28-year-old Argentine international had fallen down the pecking order at the North London club and he needed to leave the club in order to play regularly. The South American is at the peak of his powers and he will look to get his career back on track with regular football at Real Betis.

In the process of selling the player, Spurs managed to secure a first refusal on American midfielder Johnny Cardoso for a fee of around £21 million.

While Cardoso could be a useful player for Tottenham in the long-term, the transfer is likely to prove to be beneficial in terms of marketing and revenue as well, as per Football Insider. The Premier League is growing in popularity in America, and if Tottenham manages to sign the American in the near future, it will certainly help expand their brand in another country.

Tottenham to tap into the American market with Cardoso

Tottenham have already experienced the advantages of having a player like Son Heung-min, who appeals to the Asian market. They are now looking to do the same in America with Cardoso.

The 22-year-old defensive midfielder could be a useful player for them as well. They are lacking in depth in the defensive midfield role and he could be the understudy to Yves Bissouma next season. It will be interesting to see if Tottenham take up the opportunity to sign him in 2025. They need more quality and depth in the side if they want to push for major trophies.

Meanwhile, the midfielder will be attracted to the idea of playing in the Premier League as well. Tottenham are one of the biggest clubs in the country and the opportunity to join them will be quite tempting. It will be interesting to see if they can secure Champions League qualification this season.