Tottenham vs Arsenal team news: Mousa Dembele could return for derby, says Mauricio Pochettino

Fitness battle: Dembele could return against Arsenal
2016 Getty Images
Tom Collomosse3 March 2016

Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino hopes to have Mousa Dembele available for Saturday's north London derby against Arsenal at White Hart Lane.

The Belgian was taken off at half-time of the FA Cup defeat by Crystal Palace on February 21 due to a groin injury, and has not featured for the club since.

The 28-year-old has missed two top-flight fixtures during his recovery but Pochettino has not ruled out the midfielder returning to fitness in time for the visit of Arsene Wenger's side.

“He has a chance,” insisted Pochettino. “We will assess him tomorrow after the last training session.”

Dembele has scored three goals in 21 Premier League appearances and was in a rich vein of form before his injury.

His return would provide Spurs with a timely boost after they missed the chance to move to the top of the table due to a 1-0 defeat to West Ham.

Spurs are currently second, three points behind leaders Leicester, and could open up a six-point gap over rivals Arsenal with victory this weekend.

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