Tottenham nightmare international break scenario if key trio injured for Arsenal

Tottenham return from their international break with a huge fixture: the North London Derby against Arsenal. Ange Postecoglou will be hoping to return to winning ways after a mixed start to the Premier League season.

Spurs began with a draw away to newly-promoted Leicester City having taken the lead and thoroughly dominated proceedings, only to concede a second-half equaliser to Jamie Vardy. They followed this with a 4-0 thumping of Everton to add plenty of encouragement to the start of the season.

However, after once again dominating on their away trip to Newcastle, Spurs fans made the long trip back to London with no points to show for it after a late winner from Alexander Isak.

A large chunk of the Spurs squad have since joined up with their respective national teams, with Spurs in action after the international break on Sunday, September 15.

Key trio still not back

It’s not been an ideal start, but a win against Arsenal would go a long way to changing perceptions about the beginning of their season. To do that, Postecoglou will need all resources at his disposal.

But new signing Dominic Solanke missed the last two games due to an ankle injury, while Micky van de Ven and Richarlison were both absent from the trip to Newcastle with their own issues. Postecoglou will be hoping all are available for the huge clash against Arsenal.

The absence of a recognised striker has arguably already cost Spurs, with a number of chances missed in the away game at Newcastle. Solanke and Richarlison both being absent for the clash against Arsenal would undoubtedly be a massive loss for Spurs.

More injuries

An unfortunate reality of the international break is that some players will develop injuries while away with their countries. Be it pushing themselves to the max in a new setup or travelling thousands of miles, players are put under stress and fatigue in a short period of time – which could be especially relevant just weeks after starting a brand new season.

One man Spurs are always wary about is captain Son Heung-min, who regularly traverses the globe to represent South Korea. The 32-year-old has managed to keep himself relatively injury-free over the last few years despite a huge volume of minutes played, but it will only be a growing concern as he advances in years.

Elsewhere, there will be concern in the unlikely event that Guglielmo Vicario picks up an issue while away with Italy. More injuries for Spurs would certainly be a problem ahead of the clash against Arsenal.

No deal

While the English transfer window has closed, there are a few remaining open as Spurs look to seal any more departures – with Alfie Devine recently leaving on a short-term deal for Westerlo.

The club also want to move on Sergio Reguilon for the rest of the season, with the Spanish international seemingly having no part in Postecoglou’s plan for the season. The defender stayed away from the pre-season tour to try and secure a move, but it still has not come to pass.

Spurs should be fine to meet financial obligations for the season, but with a keen eye on the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability rules they’ll be keen to move on a player unlikely to feature who is currently earning first-team wages.

If a deal can’t be agreed for Reguilon’s exit, it helps nobody: a player knowing he stands little chance of featuring will be an issue to manage at the training ground, and will become a talking point for the manager should performances of other players dip at all.