Tottenham injury update – Kudus, Bergvall & Solanke return hopes before Arsenal

Tottenham Hotspur are anxiously monitoring the fitness of several first-team players ahead of their crucial north London derby against Arsenal on 23 November 2025. Thomas Frank faces a mounting injury list that could significantly affect his starting XI, with key figures such as Mohammed Kudus, Lucas Bergvall and Dominic Solanke all under assessment.

The fixture at Emirates Stadium comes at a pivotal stage in Spurs’ campaign, as they look to consolidate their position near the Premier League summit. According to team insiders, Spurs’ medical staff have worked intensively during the international break to manage multiple injury cases and ensure the squad remains competitive.

Mohammed Kudus, Tottenham’s £55 million summer signing from West Ham, missed the final games before the break due to a knock sustained in early November. Frank confirmed that the Ghanaian international was “touch and go” for the Manchester United clash but ultimately wasn’t risked.

Having spent the break rehabbing at Hotspur Way, Kudus is expected to return to full training this week. Sources close to the player say Spurs are “very confident” he will be ready for the derby. His creativity and direct running could prove vital in breaking down Arsenal’s compact defensive setup.

Potential return date: 23 November 2025 vs Arsenal (A)

Lucas Bergvall, who suffered a concussion during the 1–0 defeat to Chelsea on 1 November, looked on track for a comeback until he experienced a reaction during training with Sweden. National team official Stefan Pettersson confirmed the setback, stating they “didn’t want to take any risks”.

It’s another frustrating delay for the 18-year-old midfielder, whose energetic pressing had become a key feature of Frank’s system before his injury.

Potential return date: Late November 2025

Midfielder Pape Matar Sarr was substituted in the first half of Senegal’s friendly defeat to Brazil at Emirates Stadium after taking a heavy knock. National boss Pape Thiaw described the incident as precautionary, suggesting “it’s not a big deal”.

Sarr will be assessed by Tottenham’s medical team this week to determine his availability for Arsenal.

Potential return date: Unknown

Summer signing Dominic Solanke continues to nurse an ankle injury picked up in pre-season. Thomas Frank previously highlighted the international break as “a big deciding factor” in his recovery timeline, but there’s been little sign of a full return.

Spurs remain cautious, with the striker yet to rejoin full training sessions.

Potential return date: Unknown

In our view, the timing of these injuries could hardly be worse for Spurs. Facing Arsenal without full fitness across midfield and attack threatens to disrupt Frank’s rhythm-based system. The hope is that Kudus and Drăgușin’s returns will inject dynamism and leadership, but if Bergvall and Sarr remain out, Tottenham may lack balance in transitions.

This situation underlines how fragile the squad depth remains despite an impressive recruitment drive last summer. Fans will be eager to see if young players like Archie Gray or Alfie Devine can seize the moment.

Tottenham return to Premier League action against Arsenal at the Emirates on 23 November 2025, followed by a home fixture against Bournemouth the following weekend. Training updates later this week should confirm the availability of Kudus and Bergvall. If both return, Frank could deploy a more attacking lineup, though Spurs’ medical staff will prioritise caution with any head injury recoveries.

👉 Tottenham fans — which player’s return do you think will make the biggest difference in the north London derby?