North London Derby Set for Fierce Battle as Injuries Threaten to Reshape the Clash
The North London derby is once again on the horizon, and Arsenal will host Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates Stadium in what promises to be one of the most intense Premier League encounters of the season. Traditionally, this matchup delivers tension, passion, and unforgettable drama—and with Arsenal pushing for a fourth straight victory over their fiercest rivals, the stakes are even higher. However, the excitement surrounding this fixture is mixed with uncertainty, as both clubs are currently grappling with significant injury concerns that may heavily influence the balance of power on matchday.
With reports suggesting that nearly 20 players across both squads could be sidelined, the injury situation has become a major focal point for supporters, analysts, and even fantasy football managers.
Arsenal enter the derby with several major doubts looming over key first-team members. Defender Gabriel may be out until January following a thigh injury sustained during international duty, while Riccardo Calafiori was forced to withdraw from Italy’s squad with a hip problem. The midfield picture is no clearer, as Kai Havertz has suffered a small setback after a lengthy knee rehabilitation, leaving his availability in serious doubt. Captain Martin Ødegaard, who has endured a difficult, injury-filled campaign, remains sidelined with ongoing knee issues that have kept him out since early October.
Adding to the uncertainty, Viktor Gyökeres is struggling with a hamstring injury, Gabriel Martinelli is racing against time after missing four straight matches, and Noni Madueke is only just returning after two months out. Though Gabriel Jesus has returned to training after nearly a year on the sidelines, his chances of featuring in this derby remain slim.
These ongoing problems highlight how deeply injuries could shape Mikel Arteta’s tactical setup and squad rotation.
Tottenham, meanwhile, are facing a similarly disruptive injury crisis. Mohammed Kudus has missed the team’s last two matches and is still a doubt ahead of Sunday’s showdown. Lucas Bergvall remains sidelined after a concussion suffered against Chelsea, while Pape Matar Sarr has only recently returned from a minor international injury. The attacking line also suffers, as Dominic Solanke continues his recovery from ankle surgery, and Randal Kolo Muani may be forced to play with a protective mask after sustaining a jaw injury in the 2-2 draw with Manchester United. Spurs are further weakened by the absences of Archie Gray and Ben Davies, who are dealing with calf and hamstring problems respectively.
Long-term injuries to players such as Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison, Radu Dragusin, and Yves Bissouma only deepen the concerns for manager Ange Postecoglou, who may need to rely heavily on rotation players and returning internationals.
All these injuries set the stage for a derby where depth, tactical intelligence, and adaptability could determine the winner just as much as individual brilliance. Arsenal may be viewed as slight favourites due to recent form and home advantage, but their missing players could force Arteta to rethink his midfield combinations and attacking rhythm. Tottenham, on the other hand, must reorganize their defensive and midfield structures to cope with Arsenal’s aggression and speed. In a fixture historically defined by fine margins, these absences could swing momentum in unexpected ways.
As both teams prepare for what is always an emotionally charged affair, fans can expect a tightly contested, high-stakes battle where every adjustment matters. With title ambitions, pride, and bragging rights on the line, the injury news surrounding the North London derby has become one of the most important narratives leading into the weekend. The Emirates Stadium will be rocking, and both sides will be desperate to overcome their setbacks and deliver a performance worthy of this iconic rivalry.
