Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed a significant double injury boost ahead of Sunday’s high-stakes North London Derby, revealing that captain Martin Ødegaard and forward Kai Havertz are both in contention to return. The news provides a massive lift for the Premier League leaders as they prepare to face a Tottenham Hotspur side currently grappling with an unprecedented selection crisis.
Both Ødegaard and Havertz were absent from the Gunners’ midweek 2-2 draw against Wolverhampton Wanderers, with the captain nursing a knee issue and the German international managing a muscular strain. Their absence was keenly felt at Molineux, but Arteta offered an optimistic outlook during his Friday press conference at the Sobha Realty Training Centre.
"We have to wait until tomorrow, but there is a big possibility that they are available for the game," Arteta told reporters, according to official club reports. The manager also confirmed that Leandro Trossard has been cleared to play after a concussion scare, meaning Mikel Merino remains the only long-term absentee for the league frontrunners.
The timing of these returns is critical for Arsenal, who are looking to protect their lead at the top of the table after dropping points in consecutive draws. Arteta emphasised the importance of the fixture, stating that his team are ready to "write their own destiny" in what is traditionally the most volatile game of the season.
In stark contrast, Tottenham enters the derby in a state of upheaval. New interim head coach Igor Tudor, who replaced the sacked Thomas Frank earlier this month, admitted his squad is "severely depleted" for his first match in charge. Tudor revealed that he has been forced to train with just 13 senior players due to an injury list that includes 10 first-team stars.
Spurs will be without creative linchpin James Maddison and winger Wilson Odobert, both of whom are recovering from ACL surgeries. Additionally, key defender Cristian Romero is unavailable as he continues to serve a four-match suspension. Tudor acknowledged the difficulty of the situation but remained defiant, promising that those available would fight for the result.