Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou said ahead of Wednesday’s north London derby that he felt more sympathy for Arsenal’s injuries than any sympathy.
Already without key players including Bukayo Saka and Ben White, Arsenal now have Gabriel Jesus in place behind the Brazil striker. Suspected injury suffered by “Manchester United” in the FA Cup last sunday
Postecoglou’s side have endured their own injury scare and head into the Emirates Premier League with just one win in their last seven games, leaving them 12th in the table heading into midweek.
“I don’t know how much sympathy they all have for me. I’m not really sure…” Postecoglou said when asked if he had any sympathy for Mikel Arteta following the news of Jesus’ injury.
“I certainly have empathy, that’s probably a better word.
“I understand how difficult it is for any team, regardless of size or quality.”
Since joining Spurs from Celtic in the summer of 2023, Postecoglou has lost two and drawn one of his three north London derbies.
On Wednesday, he described himself as “as big as he’s ever been” and while admitting his side must return to league winning ways quickly, said there would be “no better place to start” than at the Emirates.
“You understand it’s a game on its own because it means a hell of a lot to our fans and our club,” Postecoglou said.
“So that’s the focus and that’s what we have to hone in on in terms of we want to really put on our best performance on the day so we can make our supporters happy.
“It’s like being in Glasgow, you know it well and you know what it means and the implications of the positives and the negatives.
“I’ve been in it in the first game. This year is as big as they’ve ever come, especially for us and our season. We’ve got to start winning the league and there’s no better place to start.”
Richarlison returned but Werner was out
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Postecoglou expressed hope that Spurs can get over the worst of their injury woes, saying “I hope there is some light at the end of the tunnel for us”.
They will have Richarlison He suffered a muscle injury for the first time in Wednesday’s 4-1 win Aston Villa in November though Timo Werner will miss out with a hamstring injury.
“The only one injured (in the FA Cup game against Tamworth) was Timo.
“All but sore. As for access, Richie is available.”
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