Tottenham will need all hands on the pump when they host Arsenal in the biggest game of the season on Sunday. The North London Derby is always a must not miss event but given Antonio Conte's push for a top four finish and the chance to dampen the high-flying spirits of their fierce rivals this clash has the extra bite to it.
A win would add pressure on Manchester United and Newcastle as well as keeping the distance from Liverpool and the chasing top four pack behind. More than that though it would be revenge for the 3-1 loss at the Emirates Stadium earlier this season and a blow to Mikel Arteta's growing title hopes.
With a strong recent record in the fixture, and an even better one when playing at home, Conte's men should go in with confidence, especially after two wins in a row leading into the match. They will have to get over a spate of injuries to be at their strongest though.
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Here, football.london brings you a roundup of the latest from the treatment room at Hotspur way.
Yves Bissouma
Yves Bissouma picked up an injury in the pre-match warm-up ahead of the FA Cup third round tie against Portsmouth. But, he has now returned to full training ahead of the North London Derby
What Conte has said: "It's an injury that came from the last match. Bissouma has an ankle problem. He tried to push himself and we worked to have Bissouma on the pitch, but he was mature to say the truth and he was not 100%.
"It's very good when the player speaks and tells us they are not 100% and it's better to use a player that is available 100% as Skippy was and he played a good match. We are happy that Bissouma spoke the truth and we could make the right choice."
Return date: January 15 - Arsenal (H)
Dejan Kulusevski
Swedish forward Dejan Kulusevski has been a key player since joining from Juventus last January, meaning any absence from the side is often felt throughout. He has suffered with a muscular injury since the return of the Premier League from the World Cup break, but there has since been positive news as he has now returned to first-team training.
What Conte has said: "The news is for sure the situation is going to improve, especially for Deki, for Kulusevski. He had a training session in the last few days with us. I think he is going to be ready to play.
"I think in this moment Deki is much more ready to play and especially don't take risk because for us it is very important to have patience, especially because these are important players for a long period. Now to accelerate the process to risk to recovery and to lose them for a long period again, is not good, is not positive. For this reason we'll see."
Return date: January 15 - Arsenal (H)
Richarlison
Another of the forwards currently missing is summer signing Richarlison, who picked up a thigh injury during his time at the World Cup with Brazil. The versatile striker has been a miss for the Lilywhites since the return but has posted on Instagram hinting at a return in the derby.
What Conte has said: "We have another training session tomorrow to monitor the situation well about Rodrigo and Richy."
Return date: January 15 - Arsenal (H)
Rodrigo Bentancur
Tottenham midfielder Rodrigo Betancur has been in fantastic form this season when he's played, finding some goal scoring form to his game too. His injury at the World Cup with Uruguay came as a huge blow to Spurs, who will be hopeful of a return soon as he steps up his recovery, however, he missed first-team training on Tuesday.
What Conte has said: "Now to accelerate the process to risk to recovery and to lose them for a long period again, is not good, is not positive. For this reason we'll see. We have another training session tomorrow to monitor the situation well about Rodrigo and Richy."
Return date: January 15 - Arsenal (H)
Lucas Moura
Brazilian forward Lucas Moura has been out with a tendon issue that continues to plague him throughout the season, with it currently being unknown when he will return.
Return date: N/A
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