Injury-hit Gunners line out v Spurs

Arsenal’s Thierry Henry, Ashley Cole and Alexander Hleb were all out injured and Robert Pires, a regular marksman against Tottenham, was consigned to the bench for today’s Barclays Premiership clash at White Hart Lane.

Jose Antonio Reyes and Freddie Ljungberg were back from knocks, however, and Sol Campbell – after a midweek Carling Cup run-out – returned to face the usual trial of nerve against his old club.

The hosts, third in the table and seeking their first north London derby win over Arsenal in six years, were without suspended midfielder Edgar Davids - Teemu Tainio replacing him in the only change from last week’s 1-1 draw at Manchester United.

Tottenham: Robinson, Stalteri, Dawson, King, Lee, Lennon, Jenas, Carrick, Tainio, Mido, Defoe. Subs: Cerny, Naybet, Pedro Mendes, Keane, Reid.

Arsenal: Lehmann, Lauren, Campbell, Toure, Clichy, Ljungberg, Flamini, Silva, Fabregas, Bergkamp, Reyes. Subs: Pires, Van Persie, Cygan, Almunia, Eboue.

Referee: S Bennett (Kent)