Spurs suffer major injury blow on the eve of Arsenal clash as Ange Postecoglou confirms devastating news
Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglu has been handed a major injury blow ahead of the crucial Premier League clash with rivals Arsenal.
On Wednesday, Spurs will travel to the Emirates to face their local rivals Arsenal in an eagerly-anticipated North London derby.
Although Arsenal remain favourites for the match, Postecoglu will hope that his side can capitalise on back-to-back wins in domestic cup competitions, including the 1-0 win over Liverpool.
However, just one day before the crucial game, the Australian manager has confirmed that he will have to do without one player who featured in both matches.
Advert
Speaking in a press conference before Wednesday's match, Postecoglu confirmed that forward Timo Werner will be absent after picking up a hamstring injury during Sunday's 3-0 win over Tamworth in the FA Cup.
"The only one who picked up an injury was Timo," Postecoglu revealed on Tuesday.
"He picked up a hamstring injury. We're just waiting on the results for that scan."
Although the extent Werner's injury are not yet known, it is likely that the winger will miss several matches in the coming weeks or months.
The 28-year-old joins Tottenham's extensive list of injuries, including Guglielmo Vicario, Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero, Ben Davies, Destiny Udogie, Rodrigo Bentancur and Wilson Odobert on the sidelines.
However, Postecoglu also confirmed that Brazilian striker Richarlison will be available to feature for the first time since sustaining a hamstring injury in the match against Aston Villa in November.
Confirming the news, the Spurs boss added: "In terms of incomings, Richy is available.
“We've taken our time with him for sure. He's been harassing me for the last 10 days to be involved. He's looked really good in training."
Meanwhile Arsenal will also be without several key players for the clash including Gabriel Jesus, who has to be stretchered off during the FA Cup victory over Manchester United after suffering an ACL injury.
"We need to review one more specialist. I don't want to confirm anything until we have the final report this afternoon," said Gunner boss Mikel Arteta on Tuesday morning.
"It's the doctor's job to do that. But we were very worried after the game and we are very worried today."
Topics: Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, Premier League, Timo Werner, Richarlison
Ben McCrum