Joe Hart on standby to start for Tottenham against Arsenal after doubts over Hugo Lloris’ fitness

Joe Hart is on standby to make his Premier League debut for Tottenham Hotspur in Sunday’s north London derby against Arsenal, despite his midweek Europa League horror show.

Hugo Lloris is a doubt for the visit of Arsenal, having not travelled with the rest of the squad for the LASK game on Thursday night, with Hart preparing to potentially make his first top-flight appearance for almost a year.

Tottenham have not confirmed whether or not captain Lloris is injured, but it is understood there is concern he could miss the Arsenal game in what would represent a major blow to head coach Jose Mourinho.

Hart was at fault for two of the LASK goals in Tottenham’s disappointing 3-3 draw, while his distribution was also below par.

The 33 year-old is yet to play in the Premier League for Spurs since signing on a free transfer in the summer, with his last top-flight appearance coming for Burnley in January when they lost at home to Norwich City.

Despite his questionable form and his long stretch without playing in the Premier League, Hart appears to be ahead of Tottenham’s other senior goalkeeper, Paulo Gazzaniga, in Mourinho’s pecking order.

The Argentine, who was expected to leave in the last transfer window, is yet to play a single minute of football this season, despite making 25 appearances and standing in for Lloris for three-and-a-half months while he was out with a dislocated elbow.

Mourinho has said that he is optimistic striker Harry Kane will be fit, while Spurs will also make a check on left-back Sergio Reguilon, who has been nursing a calf injury, and central defender Toby Alderweireld.

Tottenham go into Sunday’s game against Arsenal undefeated in the Premier League since the first game of the season and top of the table, eight points ahead of their opponents.