Thomas Frank provides significant news on nine Tottenham players in a huge injury lift ahead of the clash with Arsenal.
Thomas Frank offers a major update on nine Tottenham players in a huge injury boost ahead of the Arsenal showdown.
Frank brought plenty of positive news during his first North London Derby press conference of the Premier League season on Friday, as Spurs prepare for Sunday’s trip to the Emirates Stadium. Tottenham had initially been expected to head into the derby with 12 players sidelined, but the manager confirmed encouraging developments for several key names, including Mohammed Kudus, Lucas Bergvall, Archie Gray, Pape Matar Sarr, and Randal Kolo Muani — who may feature with a specially designed mask after fracturing his jaw in the draw with Manchester United earlier this month.
Eight points currently separate Spurs from Arsenal, with the Gunners sitting four clear at the top of the table. Tottenham are fifth, part of a tight pack of clubs all level on 18 points after a competitive start to the campaign.
Tottenham correspondent Alasdair Gold attended the press conference, where Frank gave a full breakdown of the squad’s condition and his thoughts ahead of the derby.
How’s the squad looking after the international break, especially Sarr, Lucas, Kolo Muani and Dom?
“They are good, most of them. Pape trained today — he’s ready and available. Lucas trained today — ready, available. Kolo Muani trained today — available, and he will play with a mask. Dom is not ready yet. We want to be absolutely sure there’s no setback when he returns. He’ll be ready soon, but I won’t put a timeframe on it.”
On the significance of the rivalry and his excitement for the derby:
“This is the real one. Super excited. Before I arrived, I knew about the North London derby, but being inside the club, you feel how important it is. From the fans, the staff, the players — this is the big one. Every game matters, but there are two a season that mean even more, and this is the first. We’re ready, we’re up for it, and we’ll do everything we can to win.”
On process, development, and comparisons to Arteta’s journey at Arsenal:
“It’s a good example of a club sticking to their process. There are many people involved, not just me, but staying committed to what we believe in over time is crucial. Six years is rare in football, but for Arteta, it really took three seasons before they started competing at the top in his fourth. That’s the way to look at it. The margins between success and falling short are small, but the process is what matters most.”
