The anticipation surrounding the upcoming North London Derby is reaching a fever pitch, and for Tottenham Hotspur, the stakes couldn’t be more dramatic. As they prepare to face an Arsenal side currently sitting at the top of the Premier League table, Spurs find themselves in the uncharacteristic position of fighting for survival, just five points clear of the relegation zone.
It is a tale of two vastly different seasons, but the arrival of Igor Tudor as manager has brought a new sense of clarity to the club. In a refreshing change of pace from the previous regime, Tudor has provided direct and honest injury updates that have given the fans a much-needed reason to be optimistic.
Perhaps the most significant news involves the club’s leading man, Dominic Solanke. There were serious concerns throughout the week that a throat infection might keep the star striker sidelined for the derby.
However, Tudor confirmed that while Solanke required a course of antibiotics to deal with the issue, he is fully expected to lead the line on Sunday. This is a massive boost for a Tottenham side that has looked toothless at times this season.
Solanke has been the team’s most consistent offensive threat since returning from a long-term foot injury, showing a level of sharpness and physical presence that will be essential when going up against Arsenal’s elite defensive pairing of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes.
Tudor’s predecessor, Thomas Frank, often faced criticism for failing to get the most out of a talented squad, but Tudor seems determined to maximize the resources he has. While the club is still dealing with a daunting list of long-term absentees including James Maddison, Rodrigo Bentancur, and the creative spark of Dejan Kulusevski—the short-term medical report is improving.
Along with Solanke, the energetic Brazilian forward Richarlison is also back in the matchday squad. Known for his “nuisance” factor and his history of performing in high-intensity derbies, Richarlison provides a fiery option off the bench that Randal Kolo Muani has struggled to match recently.
Having a player who can harass defenders and chase lost causes in the final twenty minutes could be the difference-maker if Spurs find themselves chasing a result.
The manager also touched on the status of Pedro Porro. While the Spanish right-back will not feature in the derby against Arsenal, the update was surprisingly positive. Tudor noted that Porro is expected to be 100% healthy for the following weekend’s clash with Fulham.
For a player who had begun to look physically drained and prone to lapses in judgment, this extra week of rest might be a blessing in disguise. In the meantime, Djed Spence is more than capable of stepping into the right-back role, offering a level of athleticism and defensive solidity that can bridge the gap until Porro returns to full strength.
| Player | Status | Return Date |
| Dominic Solanke | Fit | Available for Arsenal |
| Richarlison | Fit | Available for Arsenal |
| Mathys Tel | Fit | Available for Arsenal |
| Pedro Porro | Sidelined | Expected for Fulham |
| Dejan Kulusevski | Injured | Long-term |
Another point of excitement for the Tottenham faithful is the expected involvement of Mathys Tel. Many fans felt that Tel was underutilized under Thomas Frank, viewing it as a missed opportunity to develop one of the brightest young talents in European football.
Tudor seems to recognize the potential of the young Frenchman, and seeing him deployed on the left wing could provide the unpredictable flair needed to unlock a disciplined Arsenal defense. Tel’s pace and directness are exactly what the supporters want to see as the club attempts to reclaim its attacking identity.
Ultimately, the pressure is off Tottenham in a way that feels strange. Having lost the first derby of the season in an embarrassing 4-1 defeat, the general consensus is that they can only improve from here. Tudor is walking into a “nothing to lose” scenario where a shock result against the league leaders would not only stabilize their position in the table but also firmly establish his authority in the eyes of the supporters.
With Solanke’s health confirmed and a few key reinforcements on the horizon, the mood at the training ground has shifted from one of despair to one of calculated defiance. The North London Derby is always a battle of nerves, but with a clear bill of health for his most important striker, Igor Tudor has given Spurs a fighting chance to turn their season around.
