Tottenham’s Randal Kolo Muani, Lucas Bergvall, Pape Matar Sarr Available for North London Derby – the Athletic

The North London Derby: A Crucial Match for Both Sides

In the upcoming north London derby, Tottenham Hotspur will face off against their fierce rivals Arsenal. This fixture is not only crucial for the teams’ standings in the Premier League but also carries significant historical weight due to its intense rivalry and high-stakes nature.

Tottenham’s Squad Readiness

As reported by The Athletic, Tottenham’s head coach Thomas Frank has confirmed that several key players are set to return from injury just in time for this crucial match. Randal Kolo Muani, who was replaced at halftime during Tottenham’s 2-2 draw with Manchester United due to a jaw injury, will be available after being fitted with a protective mask. The same goes for Lucas Bergvall, who trained on Friday and is expected to return from his concussion following an early substitution in the recent match against Chelsea.

Another player set to make an appearance could be Pape Matar Sarr, who has recovered from an injury during Senegal’s match against Brazil. Frank stated that all three players trained on Friday and are ready for the game.

Manager Thomas Frank’s Anticipation

Frank expressed great enthusiasm about this upcoming fixture as it marks his first competitive match against Arsenal in his managerial role at Tottenham. He highlighted the historical significance of the North London Derby, noting that while he knew about the importance of the match before taking up the position, the reality of stepping into the club and facing such a significant game amplifies its value.

Frank also underscored the team’s preparation for one particular aspect of Arsenal’s strength: their dominance in set-piece situations. “This is the real one,” Frank said. “Super excited, of course. Before I stepped into the club, of course, I knew about the North London Derby.

But it’s when you are in it, you sense it and feel that this is important. You feel from the fans, feel from the staff members, the players, the people that have been working here for years that this is the big one.”

Frank added, “This is not just another game to us; it’s a significant challenge in terms of set-piece battles and overall team performance.” The coach emphasized the importance of winning these battles as they could significantly impact the outcome of the match.

Key Player Injuries

Mentioned by Frank during his pre-match press conference, Archie Gray, who has missed three matches with a calf injury, trained on Friday. Additionally, Mohammed Kudus, Radu Dragusin, and Kota Takai also joined in training sessions.

However, Dominic Solanke remains unavailable for the match due to an ongoing recovery from his injury. Frank commented, “We’re very aware that when we put him out there, we want to be absolutely sure that, as sure as we can be, that (there will be) no setback going forward.” The coach concluded, saying he is confident Solanke will return soon but did not provide a specific timeframe for his return.

In conclusion, Tottenham Hotspur’s squad faces a strong Arsenal team, particularly in set-piece scenarios. Fans and analysts alike are eagerly anticipating this North London Derby, which promises to be an intense and highly competitive match between two of the Premier League’s most passionate clubs.