Tottenham Hotspur are gearing up for a pivotal North London derby against Arsenal, hoping to have key players back in action after a somewhat mixed start to their Premier League campaign. Spurs have faced highs and lows, opening with a disappointing draw against Leicester City but bouncing back with a resounding 4-0 victory over Everton before a narrow defeat to Newcastle United. As they prepare to take on Arsenal following the season’s first international break, the club faces a balancing act, with the Carabao Cup and Europa League fixtures also coming into play.
Manager Ange Postecoglou will be eager to have a near full-strength squad available for these crucial matches, and the return of several injured players could prove vital. Here’s the latest injury news for Tottenham ahead of their highly anticipated showdown against Arsenal.
Micky van de Ven: Eyeing a Derby Return
Dutch center-back Micky van de Ven has been an important figure in the heart of Tottenham’s defense since the start of the season, starting in both the Leicester and Everton matches. However, during the win against Everton, he picked up a knee issue, though he managed to finish the game. His absence against Newcastle raised concerns, with Radu Dragusin stepping in to partner Cristian Romero at the back.
Ange Postecoglou revealed that Van de Ven was close to making the squad for the Newcastle game, indicating that his injury was not serious: “Micky was close, he trained this week, but he’s not quite 100 percent. Part of me was keen to give Radu a run as well, especially at this venue, so we’ve gone with Radu.”
With Tottenham’s busy schedule after the international break, Postecoglou hinted that Van de Ven’s recovery is progressing well and the defender should be available for selection when Spurs face Arsenal at home. The fact that Van de Ven didn’t go on international duty with the Netherlands also suggests that the club is being cautious, ensuring he is fit and ready for the North London derby.
Potential return date: Sunday, September 15, vs Arsenal (H)
Dominic Solanke: Spurs’ Record Signing Close to a Comeback
Tottenham’s marquee £65 million summer signing, Dominic Solanke, made an impressive debut against Leicester, playing the full 90 minutes. However, the former Bournemouth striker has missed the last two games against Everton and Newcastle due to an ankle injury sustained in his debut match.
Ahead of the Newcastle fixture, Postecoglou provided an update on Solanke’s condition, stating: “Dom is close but we’re going to be a bit cautious with him, we’ve got a big programme post the international break, so he’ll miss out on Sunday.”
While it’s uncertain if Solanke will be fit to face Arsenal, the fact that he was close to returning against Newcastle is a positive sign. His physical presence and goal-scoring ability will be crucial for Spurs, especially against a high-flying Arsenal side. The upcoming days of training will determine if he can be involved in what promises to be a fiercely contested derby.
Potential return date: Sunday, September 15, vs Arsenal (H)
Richarlison: Out for Several Weeks
Another major blow for Tottenham came with the news that Richarlison, the Brazilian forward who stayed with the club despite increased competition for attacking spots, is set to be sidelined for several weeks. Richarlison featured as a substitute in the first two matches against Leicester and Everton but was a notable absentee in the Newcastle game due to an injury picked up during training.
Postecoglou confirmed the setback before facing Newcastle, saying: “The only other one we got midweek is Richarlison, who unfortunately picked up an injury in training, so he’ll probably miss the next few weeks.”
With Richarlison ruled out for the immediate future, Spurs may have to wait until late September to see him back in action. His absence reduces Tottenham’s attacking depth, leaving Postecoglou with fewer options in a crucial stretch of fixtures. The Brazilian’s powerful and versatile presence in the forward line will be missed, and his return could coincide with Spurs’ Europa League clash against Qarabag or their Premier League trip to Manchester United later in the month.
Potential return date: Late September
Impact of Injuries on Tottenham’s Season
The injuries to key players like Micky van de Ven, Dominic Solanke, and Richarlison have forced Ange Postecoglou to make tactical adjustments early in the season. Fortunately for Spurs, the international break provides valuable recovery time for some of these players, with the North London derby serving as a potential turning point in the campaign.
Micky van de Ven’s likely return would bolster Tottenham’s defense, providing much-needed solidity against an Arsenal team known for its attacking prowess. Van de Ven’s partnership with Cristian Romero will be vital in containing the likes of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus, key figures in Arsenal’s attacking lineup.
Meanwhile, Dominic Solanke’s potential return offers a major boost to Spurs’ offense. The striker’s ability to hold up play and finish in key moments will be crucial as Tottenham look to challenge Arsenal’s defense, which has been impressive under Mikel Arteta. Solanke’s integration into the squad has been slowed by injury, but a strong performance in the derby could set the tone for the rest of his season.
Richarlison’s absence, however, remains a concern, as his versatility and flair in attack give Tottenham a different dimension. While the Brazilian may not be available for the Arsenal clash, his eventual return will provide Postecoglou with a valuable option in both domestic and European competitions.
The Road Ahead
Tottenham’s fixture list becomes significantly more challenging as September progresses. After the derby against Arsenal, they face Brentford in the Premier League, followed by a Carabao Cup clash with Coventry and a Europa League tie against Qarabag. They’ll then head to Old Trafford to take on Manchester United, a team that will be eager to challenge for a top-four spot this season.
Having key players back fit and firing will be crucial for Spurs as they aim to maintain momentum in both domestic and European competitions. The potential returns of Van de Ven and Solanke, along with Richarlison’s eventual comeback, will give Tottenham a much-needed boost as they navigate a demanding schedule.
With the North London derby just around the corner, all eyes will be on Ange Postecoglou’s team selection and whether Spurs can rise to the occasion with their returning stars.
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