Thomas Frank to breathe huge sigh of relief as Arsenal star suffers injury setback
Thomas Frank has been handed a welcome boost ahead of Tottenham’s trip to face Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
Tottenham drew 2-2 with Man United ahead of the international break, hit with a similar result to that of their direct rivals after Sunderland hit back in a 2-2 draw at the Stadium of Light.
The results meant that the Gunners’ lead at the top of the Premier League table was cut to four points, while the Lilywhites are in fifth, one point off the Champions League qualification spots.
While there are still 11 days until the two rivals kick off on Sunday, 23 November, the Spurs boss has been handed a couple of blows, especially now that Randal Kolo Muani could be sidelined for months.
He joins an ever-growing list on the treatment table, but the Lilywhites are not alone.
Mikel Arteta suffers yet another injury blow at Arsenal
Mikel Arteta remains without Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus, while Viktor Gyokeres and Gabriel Martinelli will hope to return following the international break this month.
It was suggested that Martin Odegaard could return from injury to face Tottenham, having been sidelined since the beginning of October, or at least that is what many experts predicted.
In eight meetings with Spurs, the Norwegian has been on the winning side six times, scoring twice and assisting once, all while clearly being a huge thorn in their side, home or away.
That is exactly why Frank will be jumping for joy following the latest update on the midfielder’s progression, with a timely return at the Emirates Stadium now hugely unlikely.
Martin Odegaard is unlikely to return against Tottenham
Norway head coach, Stale Solbakken, has played down the player’s fitness return [Football London], saying: “It is steady. It is going in a steady direction, but he is some distance away.”
It is believed that Odegaard is now at a crucial period of his recovery, and if he were to be thrown straight into the lineup, it could do him much more harm than good.
Of course, this will only mean that the Lilywhites have to prepare for other dangerous stars, such as Eberechi Eze, but history would suggest that Spurs hate playing against the injured midfielder.
Spurs will be hoping for just their second victory against the Gunners in the last eight meetings, and no Odegaard is certainly a boost to achieve that feat.