#Arsenal have been handed another major boost ahead of the first North London derby of the season, with Jan Vertonghen being the latest Spurs player to withdraw from international duty with an Injury. Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino's injury worries have deepened with the news that the Belgian is set to join a host of players on the sidelines this weekend, with Harry Kane and Harry Winks already being forced out of the England squad after complaints.
The news comes after Dele Alli, Hugo Lloris, Michel Vorm and Toby Alderweireld all missed their laboured win over Crystal Palace on Sunday, following the impressive win over Real Madrid.
Arsene Wenger is sure to be delighted by the news with his side facing a visit from them fierce rivals on the 18th looking to bounce back from their 3-1 defeat to Manchester City last weekend, leaving them four points adrift of Pochettino's men and three points off the Champions League spots.
Vertonghen Withdraws From Belgium Squad
Vertonghen was joined up with his national side for fixtures against Mexico and Japan looking to add to his record of 97 caps for his country, but has since stopped training after feeling discomfort in his ankle whilst training earlier in the week and but has stayed in the camp receiving treatment for his injury, with the hope of facing the Gunners in just over a week's time.
Belgium manager Roberto Martinez confirmed the news saying he would take no part in the game against the Mexicans and could be a major doubt for the grudge match next Saturday, which will bolster the Gunners chances of taking a much needed three points.
Speaking to the press before his sides friendly on Friday evening the former Everton manager revealed the news, saying: "Jan will not be in the squad tonight either, he is suffering from a slight discomfort in his ankle, but that’s nothing serious." Michy Batshuayi has already returned to Chelsea following an injury, but there is hope of Vertonghen recovering in time to feature against the Japanese on Tuesday, which will give Spurs fans hope of seeing their much relied upon defender feature next weekend.
Despite their injury concerns Pochettino will expect to have captain and number one Lloris and Dele back in time for the match against Arsenal and it was revealed early in the week by England manager Gareth Southgate, that the Argentine will risk the inclusion of Kane and Winks after the duo pulled out of the Three Lions friendlies against Germany an Brazil to focus on being fit for the showpiece at the Emirates.