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Spursvs.Arsenal

sportsmole.co.uk, 26 April 2024, 13:59
Tottenham Hotspur head coach Ange Postecoglou has revealed that both Pedro Porro and Richarlison will be available for Sunday's North London derby against Arsenal.

Porro emerged as a major doubt for the Premier League contest when he was forced off with a hamstring issue in the early stages of the second half against Newcastle United on April 13.

Richarlison has been absent from the team's last two matches due to knee problem, meanwhile, and the Brazil international was also seemingly facing an uphill task to be ready for the derby.

However, speaking during his pre-match press conference on Friday, Postecoglou confirmed a double fitness boost for the top-four hopefuls.

"Pedro [Porro] and [Richarlison] have trained well this week so they're both available," the Tottenham head coach told reporters when asked for an update on his squad.

Pedro Porro, Richarlison both available for Arsenal clash

Tottenham will again be missing Fraser Forster, Ryan Sessegnon and Manor Solomon, though, while Destiny Udogie is out for the season after undergoing a thigh operation.

Postecoglou also revealed on Friday that Oliver Skipp would not be a part of the squad for the North London derby due to a knock.

"Losing Destiny [Udogie] in this period is disappointing for him and for us, he's been such an important player for us. Unfortunately he's picked up an injury that means the end of his season," added the manager.

"It was an unfortunate incident in training. He's had the operation, it's gone well so hopefully that gives him time come pre-season to get back into it. We will miss him.

"[Oliver Skipp] has got a minor knock and he'll miss the weekend."

Ange Postecoglou refuses to play down importance of North London derby

Postecoglou also insisted that the focus for his side this weekend should be on securing all three points for their own ambitions rather than putting a dent in Arsenal's title hopes.

"It's fair enough [to want to stop Arsenal winning the lead]. I am not going to dictate how our fans feel and what they feel is important," he added.

"We understand the importance of the game and understand the importance of being at home in these kind of games to not let our biggest rival win in the biggest derby for us.

"We understand the consequences of that but ultimately it is about us trying to measure ourselves against the teams we want to be challenging on a more consistent basis. It's a great opportunity to be doing that on Sunday."

Tottenham are currently fifth in the Premier League table, six points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa, who have played two games more than the capital side.

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