Tottenham Hotspur have made an underwhelming start to the new season collecting just four points from their opening three matches.
Spurs suffered a crushing defeat on September 1 as they were beaten 2-1 away at Newcastle United despite dominating for large parts.
Next up is one of the biggest fixtures in the club’s calendar as they face Arsenal in the North London derby.
The Gunners were also frustrated in their previous outing as they were held to a 1-1 draw at home with Brighton. But the Gunners have just received a big injury boost with a key forward close to making a return ahead of the clash.
Gabriel Jesus in contention to return vs Tottenham
Arsenal journalist Charles Watts has revealed that Gabriel Jesus is in contention to return from injury against Tottenham.
The Brazilian striker has been struggling with a groin injury that he suffered in training and has missed the club’s last two matches.
Watts told Gooner News: “On the Gabriel Jesus injury… I have been told there is hope that he could potentially be back after the international break. He is stepping up his recovery plan.
“I haven’t got a firm date though, I’ve not been told a firm date. When I was speaking at the game at the weekend to someone, they were saying the hope is he might be able to join in training at some point during the international break and could have a chance for Spurs.”
Who replaces Declan Rice vs Tottenham?
Rice receiving a red card against Brighton and being suspended for the North London derby leaves Mikel Arteta with a real selection headache.
Mikel Merino is set to miss several months with a shoulder injury, Joringho hasn’t played much football recently and ideally, Arsenal would want to keep Kai Havertz up front.
So the Spanish coach is certainly short of options to replace Rice and he may be forced into bringing Joringho back in from the cold.
The 32-year-old is yet to appear for the North London club this season and starting away at Spurs in his first game would be quite an ask.
Arsenal could drop Havertz into midfield and have either Raheem Sterling or Leandro Trossard take his place leading the line.
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