Tottenham Hotspur are likely to be without Toby Alderweireld for this weekend's North London Derby, as the Belgian centre-back continues to nurse a knee injury.
The update, issued on Monday morning, will come as music to the ears of Arsenal fans, now gladly in the knowledge that their rivals' star centre-back is probably going to miss out on one of the most heavily anticipated games of the season for each side.
Belgian battling knee troubles
Alderweireld injured his knee in Spurs' 1-1 draw away at West Bromwich Albion just over two weeks ago, with many fearing the worst after he was stretchered from the field of play.
However, those fears were eased when Mauricio Pochettino revealed that the Belgian international wouldn't be out for more than a matter of weeks, indicating that last Saturday's game against Leicester City was a possible comeback point.
Unfortunately, that didn't happen as Tottenham drew a third consecutive league game, and Alderweireld will now also miss Wednesday's Champions League game against Bayer Leverkusen, leaving him touch-and-go for Sunday's derby. If he misses out,Tottenham fans will have to wait until after the international break to see their defender back in action.
Dier alongside Vertonghen, Kane in line for a return
Eric Dier will continue to fill in alongside Jan Vertonghen during Alderweireld's continued absence, leaving Kevin Wimmer remaining frustrated at his lack of first team action, following a promising campaign for the Austrian last season.
There was some good news, medical-wise, for the Lilywhites on Monday, as Pochettino revealed that Harry Kane is 50/50 to feature against Leverkusen on Wednesday after weeks out with an ankle injury. The striker, who has been missed desperately by his side, is almost certain to be in the squad against Arsenal.