Injury Update: Spurs sweating on key trio ahead of Arsenal clash | OneFootball

Tottenham Injuries Create Rising Tension Before North London Derby

Tottenham approach the north London derby under a cloud of growing uncertainty, their season already shaped by the unpredictable rhythm of injuries. As Arsenal prepare to host Spurs at Emirates Stadium, the conversation inside Hotspur Way has shifted from tactical planning to medical assessments. Fitness bulletins dominate the build up, shaping expectations in what is traditionally one of the most emotionally charged fixtures in English football.

Thomas Frank has spent the international break juggling concerns rather than refining combinations. Two fresh setbacks arrived during national duty, following a fortnight that had already stretched the squad thin. Tottenham injuries have become the central storyline, creating an uneasy backdrop to a match that often pivots on intensity and resilience.

Kudus Progress and His Push to Make the Derby

Mohammed Kudus has emerged as one of the most significant Tottenham injuries in recent weeks, his absence stretching from the Champions League win over Copenhagen to the important meeting with Manchester United. Frank described his initial issue as “a knock”, although the situation forced caution as the club monitored his reaction throughout early November.

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After being ruled out of the European fixture, Kudus remained sidelined for the Manchester United match when Frank had said he was “touch and go” to return. The forward was then withdrawn from the Ghana squad as a precaution, although Frank insisted he was “very confident” that he “should be available for the next one”. That optimism has fuelled belief within the club that the £55 million signing will feature in the derby.

Kudus spent the international break working at Hotspur Way, building sharpness while avoiding the demands of travel. Spurs staff privately expect him to be ready for Arsenal, a relief considering the way his direct running and disruptive energy can trouble structured defences.

Potential return date: November 23 vs Arsenal (A)

Key Midfield Concerns as Bergvall and Sarr Face Setbacks

Tottenham injuries have struck most acutely in midfield, where rhythm and balance are essential to Frank’s system. Lucas Bergvall, who impressed in his early season outings, has faced an unsettling sequence of setbacks after suffering concussion against Chelsea on November 1. He lasted only seven minutes of the 1-0 defeat and has not featured since.

Bergvall missed further games against Copenhagen and Manchester United due to concussion protocols. He joined up with the Sweden squad and was initially expected to be available for the Arsenal clash. However, hopes faded when he left the Sweden camp early after a reaction during testing. Swedish FA executive Stefan Pettersson explained the situation clearly, stating: “We had agreed with Tottenham’s doctor to do some tests during the week and then run at full speed so that Lucas would feel it properly. When there was a reaction, there was no hesitation. We don’t want to take any risks.”

His absence presents a significant concern, particularly in a fixture where control of midfield often dictates momentum.

Potential return date: November

Pape Matar Sarr has also become part of the Tottenham injuries narrative after he was forced off while playing for Senegal. He suffered a heavy challenge during their meeting with Brazil at Emirates Stadium and was substituted in the first half. Manager Pape Thiaw offered reassurance, saying: “He got hit and then he didn’t feel well, so as a precaution he preferred to come off, but I don’t think it’s a big deal.”

Spurs will assess him throughout the week, though any uncertainty so close to the derby is far from ideal.

Potential return date: Unknown

Spurs Fitness Picture Across the Squad

Dominic Solanke has been a long term absence after an ankle injury in pre season, and Tottenham injuries continue to complicate his progress. Frank had highlighted the international break as an important stage in his recovery, adding: “I think the international break will be the big deciding factor because we have two weeks there to push in the next steps.” His return remains uncertain and Spurs have yet to outline a clear timeline.

Potential return date: Unknown

Randal Kolo Muani’s loan spell has been hindered by persistent fitness problems, the latest being a jaw injury that ruled him out of France’s November fixtures. Reports suggest surgery is not required, but recovery is expected to last between six and eight weeks, although Spurs have not confirmed any definitive schedule.

Potential return date: Unknown

Archie Gray remains unavailable after a calf injury suffered in late October. He has already missed three matches and is expected to be out for at least a month.

Potential return date: December

Radu Dragusin provided rare positive news for Tottenham injuries during the break. Recovering from an ACL tear sustained in January, he finally returned to the pitch with 45 minutes in a behind closed doors friendly against Leyton Orient. He reflected on the moment by saying: “It felt good, first minutes in 10 months out, finally minutes in the legs and I just have to build on this.” If he continues progressing, he may be involved against Arsenal.

Potential return date: November 23 vs Arsenal (A)

Dejan Kulusevski is also nearing a comeback after surgery on a patella injury. Footage shared during the break showed him training on grass, and Frank has indicated there is a “good chance” he appears before the end of the year.

Potential return date: December

Another long term absentee, yet to play for Spurs since arriving from Kawasaki Frontale, is taking steps forward. Frank previously summarised his situation with: “Quad. He is about to be training soon.” The club hope he will be available around the turn of the month.

Potential return date: Late November or December

Ben Davies seemed close to returning when he reported for Wales duty, only to be forced out early with a hamstring issue. It relates to an injury that has kept him sidelined since October. Frank estimated a layoff of “four or five weeks” but has not provided a recent update.

Potential return date: Late November or December

Yves Bissouma has endured a difficult year with recurring problems. Having missed the Super Cup for disciplinary reasons, he then suffered an ankle injury after returning for Mali. He underwent surgery and now awaits another extended recovery period. Frank explained: “Biss, unfortunately, had a situation with the national team, I think everyone saw that, so he got a ligament injury to his ankle that will keep him out for weeks.”

Potential return date: Unknown

James Maddison faces the longest spell on the sidelines after ACL surgery on an injury sustained in pre season. He is not expected to return this campaign.

Potential return date: Summer 2026

Tottenham injuries form a growing list that threatens to influence squad depth and approach as the derby looms. The coming days at Hotspur Way will determine who is available, who is rushed, and who must wait. For a club with ambitions of staying competitive across multiple competitions, these fitness concerns arrive at a difficult moment, and the timing could hardly be more significant.