Dele Alli set for emotional Tottenham return as struggling Spurs brace for defining derby

Tottenham Hotspur will welcome back one of their modern icons this weekend when Dele Alli returns to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as a special guest for the north London derby against Arsenal.

The occasion offers a rare moment of nostalgia for a club enduring a turbulent Premier League campaign.

Spurs find themselves languishing in 16th place, just five points above the relegation zone after managing only seven victories this season. The pressure has intensified around the club, with supporters increasingly restless as results continue to disappoint.

Interim manager Igor Tudor faces a daunting assignment against an Arsenal side still chasing the title, even if their recent form has faltered.

Against that backdrop, Alli’s presence is expected to lift spirits inside the stadium. An official club statement confirmed: “Dele returns to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday as our special guest for the north London derby.”

The statement further hailed the attacking midfielder as “One of the most popular players of the modern era – 67 goals in 269 appearances in all competitions,” noting the deep bond he forged with fans during his seven-year spell in north London.

Signed from MK Dons in 2015, Alli quickly became central to Spurs’ rise under Mauricio Pochettino, combining flair, intelligence and an eye for goal.

His chant echoed around the ground during some of the club’s most memorable nights, including their run to the 2019 Champions League final. According to the club, “Supporters will be able to serenade him again at half-time on Sunday,” in what promises to be an emotional reunion.

Now 29, Alli is without a club after departing Serie A side Como in September, where he made just one appearance under Cesc Fabregas. His career has stalled in recent seasons, but his return to N17 serves as a reminder of brighter days for Tottenham.