09 January 2023 , 08:05
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Tottenham Hotspur are in line to receive a major injury boost ahead of this weekend’s North London derby with three first-team stars reportedly set to return.
Antonio Conte ’s men welcome their fierce rivals Arsenal on Sunday afternoon in a clash that looks crucial to the hopes of both sides and their respective targets for the campaign. The Gunners sit top of the table following an electric start to the season and could potentially be set to move up to eight points clear.
In the meantime, victory for Spurs could potentially move them into the Champions League places at the expense of Manchester United amid what has been an inconsistent run of results over recent weeks. Their hopes of beating the current Premier League leaders could be bolstered by the return of three established first-team stars.
After returning from an ankle injury in the recent 1-0 win over Portsmouth in the FA Cup, summer signing Yves Bissouma is in line to return to a Premier League matchday squad having missed out on the thumping win over Crystal Palace. Spurs assistant boss Cristian Stellini has already confirmed that the midfielder will “absolutely” be fit enough to play a part.
Meanwhile, Swedish forward Dejan Kulusevski could potentially be called upon again with football.london reporting that the former Juventus man ‘best-placed’ to return. The 22-year-old has been key since his arrival from Turin 12 months ago but has not appeared in the Premier League since Boxing Day.
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He could also be joined by Rodrigo Bentancur. The Uruguayan midfielder has missed the last three Premier League games with an Adductor issue having previously enjoyed a bright start to the campaign.
Rodrigo Bentancur and Dejan Kulusevski could return for this weekend's North London Derby (Getty Images)What starting XI should Antonio Conte name for this weekend's North London Derby against Spurs? Share your thoughts in the comments below
The returns of the trio could provide Spurs with a huge boost ahead of the North London Derby. They have found themselves on the losing side in three out of the last four meetings - a run that includes a 3-1 defeat at the Emirates Stadium during their most recent showdown last October.
Speaking earlier this month about the injury issues currently affecting his side, Italian boss Conte said: "My hope is to recover players who are in this moment injured, because we are talking about important players.
“I hope in these 10 days to have the possibility in the next game against Arsenal to have all of the players available."
Ahead of the latest instalment of the North London Derby, opponents Arsenal still have one game still to navigate. The Gunners travel to the Kassam Stadium on Monday evening to take on League One outfit Oxford United in the third round of the FA Cup.
Eight Premier League sides have already been eliminated at the first hurdle in the competition - four of those defeats coming at the hands of lower league opposition.