Mohammed Kudus has been dealt a setback ahead of the showdown with Arsenal.

Mohammed Kudus has been handed a setback ahead of the Arsenal clash. Few players are expected to be as vital for Tottenham Hotspur in Sunday’s North London Derby as Kudus, who has been one of the standout Premier League signings of the 2025 summer window. While many of Spurs’ attacking additions have struggled, Kudus has consistently been the brightest spark, and his return from injury is a major lift for Thomas Frank’s side. However, Arsenal have received good news of their own that could make Kudus’ task far more difficult.

According to Fabrizio Romano, concerns over Arsenal left-back Riccardo Calafiori have been dismissed. Although the Italian defender withdrew from the national team during the November break with an apparent injury, Romano reports that Calafiori is not injured and will be fully available for Sunday’s derby.

Calafiori’s availability is significant. He has been one of the Premier League’s top defensive performers this season—strong in duels, sharp in his marking, and excellent in possession. His all-round quality at left back has made him a key figure in Arsenal’s defensive structure. Tottenham fans will also be aware of the significant gap between Calafiori and Myles Lewis-Skelly in terms of technical and tactical level, meaning Kudus now faces a far sterner challenge down Arsenal’s left flank than initially expected.

Spurs head into the derby as clear underdogs against an Arsenal side that has been the league’s best so far this season, while Tottenham sit in fifth largely thanks to Kudus’ influence. With Calafiori set to line up against him—and with Arsenal still sweating on the fitness of Gabriel Magalhães—Kudus will have a demanding afternoon as he looks to make a decisive impact.