Spurs Star Offers Positive Injury Update But 9 Others Remain Doubts For Arsenal

Mauricio Pochettino has been handed a boost as Mousa Dembele says he is fit and raring to go ahead of Tottenham’s huge trip to Arsenal this weekend.

Dembele has endured a frustrating season so far as a niggling foot injury has restricted him to making just three starts for Tottenham in all competitions this campaign.

The midfielder returned to action with a substitute appearance during the 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace last weekend and has been away with the Belgian squad during the international break.

It seems Dembele is now eyeing his first start in two months as he’s declared himself fit and raring to go ahead of Tottenham’s trip to the Emirates to take on north London rivals Arsenal on Saturday.

He told Sky Sports News:

“My injury is much better. I played 45 minutes in the last game (against Crystal Palace) so it is good. Of course, I want to be playing for the team and adding my value but right now I am very optimistic and feel good.

“For us every game is important but we know there is some extra vibe the for this kind of game (v Arsenal), it’s very important for us.

The news will come as a boost to Pochettino as Dembele was a key player for Spurs last season so the Argentinean coach will be hoping he’s put his injury woes behind him and can start playing some regular football again.

However, it’s not going to be an easy task for Dembele to regain his first team place as Harry Winks has excelled alongside Eric Dier during his absence in recent weeks.

While news of Dembele’s fitness is a relief for Spurs, Pochettino still has plenty of other players to worry about as Hugo Lloris is struggling with an abductor injury while Michel Vorm also missed the Palace games with a knee issue.

Toby Alderweireld is also nursing a hamstring injury, Jan Vertonghen picked up an ankle concern playing for Belgium while Harry Kane, Harry Winks and Dele Alli all withdrew from the England squad because of knocks.

With Victor Wanyama still out with a long-term knee injury and Erik Lamela still working his way back to full fitness from a serious hip problem, Pochettino certainly has plenty to worry about ahead of the Arsenal game.

Tottenham head in to the weekend action sitting third in the Premier League – four points ahead of sixth-placed Arsenal – so they’ll be looking to extend their lead over their rivals with another win at the Emirates on Saturday.