Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are facing a severe injury crisis, with up to 19 players potentially missing Sunday’s highly anticipated North London derby, leaving both managers with significant selection challenges.
Sunday’s North London derby between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur is set to be severely impacted by a wave of injuries, with as many as 19 players potentially absent from the highly anticipated contest at the Emirates Stadium.
According to a report from The Mirror, both Mikel Arteta’s Gunners and Thomas Frank’s Lilywhites will enter the fierce contest significantly weakened, despite the anticipation amongst fans.
Arsenal could be without nine key players, including defender Gabriel, who was substituted 64 minutes into Brazil’s friendly against Senegal due to a knee injury.
The knock raises serious concerns that the 27-year-old could be sidelined for at least four weeks and possibly not return until January.
Defender Jurrien Timber also suffered an apparent knee injury while on Netherlands duty against Lithuania but later posted a reassuring message on social media.
Midfielders Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard are recovering from knee injuries and may not return in time for the match.
Other absentees include Viktor Gyokeres (hamstring), Riccardo Calafiori (hip), and Gabriel Martinelli (thigh injury, return expected in early December).
Furthermore, Gabriel Jesus remains on the sidelines after undergoing surgery for an ACL injury sustained in January, with his selection unlikely before December. Noni Madueke is also out with a knee issue from September.
Tottenham are facing an even larger casualty count, heading into the match with a “whopping 10 players currently injured.”
French reports indicate that striker Randal Kolo Muani fractured his jaw during the recent draw with Manchester United, keeping him out until at least December. Midfielder James Maddison is facing the longest lay-off, as he isn’t expected to return until May 2026 due to an ACL injury.
Other Spurs absences include Lucas Bergvall (concussion issues), Dominic Solanke (ankle injury since August), Dejan Kulusevski (knee injury from May, set for January return), Radu Dragusin (ACL injury, expected back next month), and Archie Gray (minor calf issue).
Additionally, Ben Davies, Yves Bissouma, and Kota Takai could all be absent for the short trip to Arsenal.