Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou has no sympathy for Arsenal and their injury concerns as he prepares his depleted squad for tomorrow’s north London derby.
Spurs have struggled for bodies for most of the season and will once again be without three quarters of their front four with Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Destiny Odogie missing, as well as goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, Ben Davies and Rodrigo Bentancur.
Arsenal also have some worries, but Postecoglou is not worried about anyone else’s problems.
He said: “I don’t think they have any sympathy for us. I have empathy, not compassion.
“We have been in this situation for some time. There is some light at the end of the tunnel.”
Team news from Ange ahead of the North London Derby tomorrow night 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/a7uepXNHC1
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) January 14, 2025
Twelfth-placed Spurs have won just one of their last eight league games and Postecoglou would like to start their season with a win against their arch-rivals.
The Australian added: “I’ve put a lot of emphasis on it (the rivalry) from the first game and this year is as big as it’s ever been, especially for us and our season.”
“We need to start winning games in the league and there is no better place to start.”
“With the position we are currently in in the league, regardless of turning points, we need to start winning games and moving up the table. Even though it’s a big challenge for us tomorrow night, there’s a chance for us to do that.”
Arsenal have had two disappointing cup results: defeat to Newcastle in the EFL Cup last Tuesday, followed by a penalty shootout defeat to Manchester United in the FA Cup on Sunday.
Boss Mikel Arteta suggested a derby game is exactly what his players need to get back on track.
He said: “It’s the best game of the season because of the atmosphere and the meaning it has for people – for us and everyone involved.”
“The atmosphere is something the fans can contribute to and something we can do by giving them something to feed off of.”
News about Arsenal’s team against Tottenham
Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus suffered a suspected cruciate ligament tear at the weekend and is expected to be sidelined for a long period alongside Ethan Nwaneri, Bukayo Saka and Ben White.
Riccardo Calafiori is questionable but Jorginho and Jurrien Timber are expected to be fit.
There was some rare good news for Postecoglou after he confirmed Richarlison is back in contention and the Brazilian striker is likely to start on the bench.
Dejan Kulusevski, Dominic Solanke and Son Heung-min are expected to return to the starting XI after missing Sunday’s FA Cup game at Tamworth.
Timo Werner is not available.
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Expected lineups between Arsenal and Tottenham:
Arsenal: Raya; Timber, Gabriel, Saliba, Lewis-Skelly; Odegaard, Rice, Partey; Sterling, Havertz, Martinelli
Tottenham: Kinsky; Pedro Porro, Dragusin, Gray, Spence; Bissouma, Bergvall, Sarr; Kulusevski, son, Solanke
Here’s how to watch Arsenal vs Tottenham
The game will be shown on TNT Sports 1, with the broadcast starting at 6:30 p.m. Kick-off is at 8 p.m.
