Tottenham are preparing to host Manchester City this Tuesday in a game that could unite North London. Spurs, who are fighting tooth and nail to pip Aston Villa to a top-four finish, will want to win to bolster their UEFA Champions League hopes while Arsenal wish to see Guardiola's men stumble in the title race ahead of the final round.
Unfortunately, Spurs will have to welcome the reigning Premier League champions in the absence of another key player. That man is Yves Bissouma, the Malian midfielder who has played a crucial for Ange Postecoglou's side this season.
The 27-year-old started Tottenham's most recent fixture, a 2-1 win at home to Burnley to relegate the Clarets back down to the Championship officially. However, the former Brighton ace picked up an injury during that fixture and was subsequently subbed off.
Speaking ahead of Tuesday's clash with Manchester City, Postecoglou revealed the details surrounding Bissouma's issue, stating that it is a knee problem and that the Malian will miss the final two games of the season as a result.
"Bissouma picked up a knee injury in the last game and he's out for the season," the Australian tactician said, as per the Evening Standard.
And that's not all. Bissouma is not the only player to be ruled out for the final two matches of the season as Richarlison will join his teammate on the sidelines due to a calf issue.
"Not good, he'll miss the next two games. Nothing serious but enough to keep him out for the next two games," Ange said in regards to his Brazilian forward.
The pair join Destiny Udogie, Ben Davies, Timo Werner, Manor Solomon, Fraser Forster, and Ryan Sessegnon on the sidelines, thus leaving the manager with a huge problem.
Spurs are currently fifth in the table and while they trail fourth-placed Aston Villa by four points, Unai Emery's men face Liverpool on Monday and could easily lose their penultimate game of the season. This means a win over Manchester City could take Tottenham within a point of Villa ahead of the final day.
Furthermore, while Watkins and Co. travel to Selhurst Park to face an in-form Crystal Palace on the final day, Spurs will visit the relegated Sheffield United.
Meanwhile, Arsenal fans will want to see their North London rivals get the better of Manchester City to aid their title hopes. The Gunners are currently top of the table with a one-point advantage over the Cityzens, but Guardiola's men have a game in hand.
While Arteta's side only have the Everton fixture remaining, Haaland and Co. will play Tottenham and West Ham. If Man City win both games, then they will lift the Premier League trophy for a fourth straight season.