Tottenham star now receives warm treatment ahead of Arsenal game after unrealistic setback
Tottenham Hotspur face off against Arsenal this weekend in what promises to be one of the most anticipated matches of the season.
Ange Postecoglou, the Tottenham manager, has revealed that midfielder Yves Bissouma is a doubt for the North London derby after picking up an injury while on international duty.
Bissouma, who scored the opening goal for Mali in their match against Eswatini, sustained the knock after a tackle and was immediately substituted.
Reports suggest that he flew back to London to undergo medical checks, hoping to recover in time for the game.
During the pre-match press conference, Postecoglou confirmed that Bissouma is undergoing treatment, and the club will make a decision on his availability closer to kick-off.
The manager stated that all other international players returned in good condition, but Bissouma’s fitness remains uncertain.
He mentioned that while the injury is not serious, the team will monitor Bissouma’s progress and see if he can join the final training session.
If he manages to train without issues, he could be included in the matchday squad. Postecoglou also provided updates on other key players, including Micky van de Ven, who trained throughout the international break, and Dominic Solanke, who recently rejoined first-team training.
Both are expected to be available for selection, while Richarlison and Will Lankshear remain in rehabilitation and will miss the derby.
Meanwhile, Arsenal head into the match with significant absences, which could give Tottenham an edge. Declan Rice is suspended, and team captain Martin Odegaard is expected to be sidelined for three weeks after injuring his ankle during international duty.
These key absences leave Arsenal somewhat weakened, and Tottenham will look to capitalize on their rival’s depleted squad.
Tottenham have shown solid performances this season, even though results have been mixed. After a disappointing 1-1 draw against Leicester, they bounced back with an impressive victory at home against Everton.
However, their momentum was halted by a 2-1 loss to Newcastle, a result that left them frustrated. Despite the setbacks, Tottenham’s overall play has improved under Postecoglou, and there’s optimism that they can close the gap on Arsenal, a team that has consistently been a thorn in their side.
Last season, Tottenham lost both North London derbies, a fact that Postecoglou is keen to address. He’s made it clear that closing the gap with Arsenal is a priority and that Tottenham should be competing for titles, not just aiming for top-four finishes.
This derby represents a chance for Tottenham to prove they can go toe-to-toe with their biggest rivals and signal their intent to challenge for the Premier League title this season.
With the added pressure of this being a crucial match early in the season, Tottenham will look to take advantage of Arsenal’s weakened squad.
Arsenal, even without some of their star players, remain a formidable side, but Tottenham will believe they have the tools to secure a result at home. Postecoglou’s side has shown that they can compete at the highest level, and this North London derby offers a golden opportunity to make a statement.
The match promises to be a high-intensity affair, with both teams needing a result to build momentum after mixed starts to the season.
While Tottenham will be hoping that Bissouma recovers in time to feature, the depth in their squad offers flexibility, and they will field a strong side regardless of his availability.
Arsenal, on the other hand, will have to cope with the loss of key players, which could leave them vulnerable, especially in midfield where the absence of Rice and Odegaard will be keenly felt.
In the end, this North London derby will come down to who can execute their game plan more effectively on the day. For Tottenham, it’s about capitalizing on their rivals’ weaknesses and maintaining their solid home form. For Arsenal, it’s about overcoming adversity and showing that they can still compete despite missing key players.
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