Mohammed Kudus was absent from the Champions League match, a noticeable gap in the lineup that left fans concerned about his condition.
However, there was encouraging news regarding Cristian Romero and Destiny Udogie, both of whom successfully returned to action after recent injury spells and started in the midweek victory.
The manager confirmed both players had reacted positively to the game, indicating they would be fit and available for selection in the upcoming weekend’s fixture.
Dominic Solanke’s season has been significantly impacted by an ankle injury, ultimately requiring surgical intervention to correct the problem.
The international break presents a crucial opportunity for Solanke, with the coaching staff planning to push him through intensive training over the next two weeks.
The aim is to have him back in contention immediately following the break, but the priority remains ensuring a complete and lasting recovery so he can contribute effectively to the team.
The team recognizes the importance of Solanke’s return, acknowledging the significant boost he would provide.
This weekend’s match offers a chance to redeem themselves after a disappointing performance against their London rivals.
Currently, the team holds the fourth-worst home record in the league, a statistic the manager is determined to improve.
Despite this, he expresses confidence in his squad’s ability to secure a positive result against a strong opponent.
The manager believes that, generally, the team’s performances throughout the season have been commendable, with only a couple of matches – against Bournemouth and Chelsea at home – falling short of expectations.
He sees the right ingredients within the squad: a positive attitude, a desire for improvement, and the necessary ability to achieve success.
The team is fully prepared for the challenge ahead, eager to harness the energy of their supporters and fight for a victory.
The manager is optimistic, believing they can deliver a strong performance and secure a much-needed win.
