Mikel Arteta and Arsenal will get massive injury boost ahead of upcoming NLD. (Credit: Getty Images)

Opposition Watch: Mikel Arteta handed five reasons to be optimistic ahead of crunch Tottenham clash

Originally posted on To The Lane And Back
By Jainil Shah | Last updated Nov 12, 2025 5:32 PM ET

Tottenham Hotspur will roll into Emirates Stadium after the ongoing international hiatus in what is expected to be a one-sided North London derby, given how Arsenal have been playing this season (and how the Lilywhites have been struggling).

Thomas Frank has seen his side put in some underwhelming performances of late. While there has been a structure to the defence, there is no flow to the offensive side of things, making it frustrating for the supporters.

But while the home form has been gloomy, the Dane head coach has found his side push through with impressive performances on away grounds. And that is one thing that would get the Spurs supporters hopeful going into the upcoming derby.

Arsenal receive massive boost ahead of Tottenham game

Though Thomas Frank will have more head scratches going into the game given that as many as five Gunners players could return from injury in time for the kickoff after the international hiatus. According to a recent report by The Standard, all of Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Ødegaard are pushing to be fit in time for the North London Derby. And having those players back will turn this clash into a very different tactical picture for Thomas Frank to prepare for.

Noni Madueke was said to be near to full fitness to make it against Sunderland last weekend. But Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta did not want to take any risks with him. So he should surely be involved against Tottenham in some capacity.

While the quartet of Gyökeres, Havertz, Martinelli and Ødegaard are all pushing to be ready.

Even if three of the aforementioned five make it, it will add more pace and variability to Arsenal’s attack.

TTLB Opinion

Tottenham Hotspur will have their work cut out with all the players coming back for Arsenal. Mikel Arteta’s side are anyway looking like the best in the league in all facets of the game without having those players, and it is almost scary to think about facing a side with a few of those names back.

But Tottenham do have a strong away form this season, complemented by a compact defensive structure. Hopefully that is enough to go and get a result away at the Emirates Stadium.

This article first appeared on To The Lane And Back and was syndicated with permission.

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