Kulusevski, Bentancur and Richarlison: Tottenham manager provides injury updates ahead of Arsenal

Tottenham manager Antonio Conte is optimistic he will have Dejan Kelusevski back for the north London derby this sunday.

The Gunners are favourites but the return of assist king Kulusevski will provide a different kind of ammunition for the Spurs boss as he looks to rock the boat of Mikel Arteta.

Kulusevski hasn’t played since Boxing Day while Rodrigo Bentancur has been battling injury since returning from the World Cup last year.

Richarlison signed from lots of wads of cash, has also not played since the World Cup and doesn’t look like he will be ready for this derby.

Spurs have won their last three home games against Mikel Arteta’s side but they have never won four games in a row against the Gunners.

Tottenham boss Antonio Conte, who confirmed he was getting players back, admits he will have to wait a little longer to make a decision on Bentancur- but he was certain Kulusevski would be fit enough to play a part.

He told reporters ahead of the game on Sunday: “ The news for sure the situation is going to improve, especially for Deki, for Kulusevski.

“He had a training session in the last few days with us. He’s going to be ready to play. About Richy and Rodrigo, both situations are improving.

“I think at this moment Deki is much more ready to play and especially not to take risks. For us, it is important to have patience ahead of this period and not to risk accelerating and losing them for a long period. We will see.

“We have another training session tomorrow to monitor the situation with Rodrigo and Richy.”