Thomas Frank is facing fresh concern as an 84%-fit Tottenham standout picks up yet another injury setback right before the Arsenal showdown.
Pape Matar Sarr was among the Tottenham players called up for international duty this November. While most of Spurs’ stars impressed for their national teams — including Guglielmo Vicario, who earned his first start for Italy and kept a clean sheet against Moldova in their latest World Cup Qualifier — Sarr’s situation has taken an unfortunate turn.
Thomas Frank is hoping his squad returns unscathed, but Sarr may not offer that comfort. The midfielder is now a potential doubt for the North London Derby against Arsenal on 23 November at the Emirates Stadium, joining a growing list of players whose availability is uncertain.
Tottenham already have 12 players sidelined, and Sarr could become the 13th. At one stage in November, Frank had just 14 senior players available. Sarr’s concern comes after he was taken off during Senegal’s friendly with Brazil in the 49th minute. He went down following a challenge from Manchester United’s Matheus Cunha and was replaced by Bayern Munich forward and Chelsea loanee Nicolas Jackson.
His fitness for the Arsenal clash remains unclear, and his absence would be another major setback as Tottenham’s injury problems continue to mount. Lucas Bergvall has also returned early from Sweden’s camp after suffering a setback in his concussion recovery from the defeat to Chelsea earlier this month.
With Arsenal currently leading the Premier League, going into the derby without both Bergvall and Sarr could be damaging. Sarr has contributed two goals and two assists in the league so far, boasts a 57% dribble success rate, completes 84% of his passes, and averages 3.1 ball recoveries and 1.5 clearances per game, according to Sofascore.
Their potential absence may force Frank to field Joao Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur together in a defensive double pivot — a combination he previously abandoned due to poor performances. Without their key midfielders, Tottenham could be heading toward a difficult outcome at the Emirates on Sunday.
