Jess Naz is back in contention for Tottenham Women’s north London derby against Arsenal on Saturday, after around ten months out with an anterior cruciate ligament injury. The club confirmed the news ahead of the match at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, which kicks off at 12.45pm UK time.
Jess Naz returns to contention after ACL injury
According to the club website, the forward was last involved against Aston Villa in December 2025, when she suffered the injury. She has since worked through her rehabilitation and impressed in training over the last ten days, so she could be in the matchday squad for the derby.
Head coach Martin Ho said in his pre-match press conference: “Jess Naz is in contention to be in the squad. She has been exceptional in the last 10 days in terms of training, attitude and confidence in her rehabilitation and how she feels physically.”
Martin Ho speaking before the north London derby. Photo: Tottenham Hotspur.
He also admitted it is a hard call. “A big decision for me now that I have to leave people out of the squad,” he said. That is all the club has said, and it is only contention. Being named in the squad is not confirmed, and nothing here says whether she would start or come off the bench.
Ahtinen out with a knock, Hunt still recovering
There was less good news elsewhere. Midfielder Olga Ahtinen is still out with a knock, and Ho said it “will take a bit of time”. The club also says Clare Hunt continues to recover from her injury. No return dates were given for either player.
Spurs come into the derby after an unbeaten September. See how that went in our piece on the Martin Ho WSL award, and read the Players Cup preview against Brighton. We also have a guide to the October internationals.
Source: Tottenham Hotspur, Team news | Naz back in contention for north London derby (23 October).
