"Big possibility": Mikel Arteta now confirms £95m Arsenal duo could return vs Tottenham
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has provided a positive injury update ahead of the Premier League derby against Tottenham Hotspur on the road on Sunday.
The Gunners have recently stumbled in their title pursuit with back-to-back draws against Brentford and Wolverhampton Wanderers – both away from home.
The club were 2-0 up against Wolves at the Molineux Stadium on Wednesday, but surprisingly shared the spoils. They conceded a late equaliser in stoppage time after a defensive mishap.
Arsenal are still five points ahead of Manchester City at the top of the league standings, but the Cityzens have a game in hand against Crystal Palace.
Ahead of Sunday’s north London derby, Arteta has now revealed that Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard will be assessed in tomorrow’s training session.
He added that there is a ‘big possibility’ that the duo will be available to face Spurs this weekend.
He told Arsenal.com: “We have to wait until tomorrow, but there is a big possibility that they are available for the game.”
Havertz, who arrived from Chelsea for £65 million in 2023, was impressive after his injury comeback earlier this year, registering two goals and two assists from six appearances.
The German excelled from the number 10 position for the Gunners. He could be an option for the role on Sunday if he is deemed fit to make the squad after a fresh muscle injury.
Odegaard has also been consistent after the turn of the year. The £30 million signing managed five goal involvements in eight league matches before suffering a knock at Brentford.
Hence, the return of the £95 million duo should be a huge boost for Arteta ahead of the derby.
Leandro Trossard is likewise fit for the contest after suffering a blow to his face against Wolves.
The Belgium international has a fine record against Spurs with five goal contributions in 10 meetings. Three of those have come in the last two north London derbies.
Arsenal face a must-win situation on Sunday as Man City could bring down the deficit to the top to just two points if they beat Newcastle United at the Etihad Stadium.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
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