3 key players Tottenham could be without for Sunday’s North London Derby

The big one awaits: Tottenham away.

N17 has not been a happy hunting ground for the Gunners in recent years, and we’re yet to taste victory in our rivals’ swanky new stadium since its 2019 opening. Mathieu Flamini was the hero the last time victory was claimed in the derby away from the Emirates, but that was seven years ago in the League Cup.

We’re due.

Win on Sunday and we’ll reaffirm our title aspirations. Defeat and our lead at the top could be trimmed to two points depending on how Manchester City fair in the Manchester Derby.

So yes, the upcoming NLD is as significant as ever and Arsenal could be buoyed by Tottenham being without several key players for Sunday’s game.

3 key players Tottenham could be without for Sunday’s North London Derby

Here are three Spurs players that could miss Sunday’s North London Derby at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

1. Dejan Kulusevski

https://twitter.com/footballdaily/status/1612827617928830976

The former Serie A Young Player of the Year has been nothing short of sensational since joining those folk down the road last January. He’s Antonio Conte’s chief creator, and Spurs suffer greatly in the final third when he’s not around.

Kulusevski has missed plenty of time this season due to various injuries and he began 2023 on the sidelines after picking up a muscle injury. The Swede’s been out of action since New Year’s Day, and his status for Sunday’s game is in doubt.

He was spotted in training on Tuesday, however, and there’s hope he’ll be available for the derby after missing Spurs’ defeat at the Emirates at the start of October. If not, Bryan Gil will get the nod in the hosts’ front three.

Prediction: Makes the squad but Gil starts

2. Rodrigo Bentancur

Like Kulusevski, Bentancur made an immediate impact at Tottenham and he’s put their midfield on his back at times this season.

The Uruguayan international impressed at the World Cup despite his nation’s premature exit, but he picked up an injury in the final group game against Ghana. He’s been out of action since, but Conte believes he’ll have Bentancur available for the derby.

The Italian said last week: “About Rodrigo Bentancur, he has started to work. He’s still not ready and also for the FA Cup game but we hope to have him back for the next Premier League game.”

Prediction: Makes the squad but Yves Bissouma starts alongside Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg

3. Richarlison

The Brazilian forward was one of the protagonists of the Qatari World Cup but, like Bentancur, he returned to Spurs injured. Richarlison’s thigh injury is expected to keep him out of Sunday’s derby, with Conte failing to provide a time frame for the forward’s return.

Prediction: Out