Mousa Dembele a major doubt for Arsenal clash as Tottenham learn condition of defensive trio

Tottenham midfielder Mousa Dembele faces a race against time to be fit for his side's clash against Arsenal after suffering an ankle injury during his side's win over Crystal Palace on Wednesday night (26 April). The talismanic Belgian will continue to be assessed by the club's medical team, who will make a decision on his availability before the clash at White Hart Lane.

Dembele's knock is not the only injury problem that has hit Tottenham; young defender Cameron Carter-Vickers has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee injury. Spurs did receive more encouraging news regarding Danny Rose and Michel Vorm, who are both back in training, but the game against the Gunners is likely to come too soon for the pair.

Despite the bumps and bruises Tottenham go into their clash with Arsenal full of confidence. They are yet to taste defeat in the league at White Hart Lane this season and bounced back from their FA Cup semi-final loss to title rivals Chelsea with a crucial victory over Crystal Palace.

The win at Selhurst Park means Mauricio Pochettino's men will finish above Arsenal for the first time in 21 years if they beat their north London rivals on Sunday, but the Argentine was keen to stress that Tottenham have loftier ambitions than simply finishing above their neighbours.

"At that moment I will start to think about all the good things this season and be realistic to analyse the season," Pochettino said in his press conference. "But I really don't think about which position Arsenal are in. My view and focus is to try to win every game and try to win the Premier League.

"For me (finishing above Arsenal) is not a motivation. The motivation for me is to win because it's a derby and I know what it means to win a derby. My motivation is to try to win some titles with Tottenham, and my players improve every day and show we are better than the opposition."

Tottenham will know how leaders Chelsea fared against Everton at Goodison Park when they step out to face Arsenal. Pochettino admits the Blues' result will be hard to ignore, but believes his side have it within them to put it to one side and secure another vital three points.

"You cannot ignore the (Chelsea) game," Pochettino added. "But it's true against Palace we played the day after Chelsea and it didn't affect our preparation. That is the maturity we got from last season. We learn a lot, we improve a lot, and now we are focused on winning games."