You would be forgiven for not having paid much attention to the North London derby next week. Before that game, Spurs have two games, in two different competitions, that are far, far bigger priorities than the Premier League. Sure, one is against non league side Tamworth, but there is a Carabao Cup semi-final with Liverpool to deal with first.
Nevertheless, Ange's side have been given a boost, a little over a week before the game. Arsenal youngster Ethan Nwaneri is now going to miss the game, having picked up an injury in their draw against Brighton and Hove Albion last time out - a game that he had opened the scoring in himself.
Arsenal youngster will now miss the North London derby
They are already going to be without Bukayo Saka, who is set to be out until March at the earliest, having picked up an injury just before Christmas. In the previous North London derby, it was Saka who assisted the only goal of the game. In the one before that, he scored. Two vital contributions in games Spurs lost by just one goal.
Since the 23-year old picked up this injury, their goals from set pieces have began to dry up, when that was their main source of goals before that. The idea of Saka potentially going up against Reguilon felt pretty daunting. Even the idea of Nwaneri felt pretty concerning, so for him to be out too is just huge. They are now extremely short changed on the right hand side as a consequence.
Everybody knows the issues Spurs have had with injuries this campaign, and how it has, in part, derailed their season to date. So it does feel nice that an opponent is going to be without some key players too. Ideally by that game, one or more two will be in the door too.
Although the last two, aforementioned North London derby defeats at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium have been very painful, they did draw 2-2 in the only derby at the Emirates under Ange Postecoglu so far, back in September of 2023. That game was only last season, but feels like it could have been five years ago.
It can't be denied that a lot has changed since then, and that result is not going to have any bearing on the game. However, it does show how much Spurs can compete when they are at their best. Although you always want to win these games, and lord only knows how much they need wins, but you would probably be okay with another draw in that one.