Tottenham Hotspur would suffer a ‘blow’ if defender Ben Davies is unable to play any part in the upcoming clash against Arsenal, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

Davies has become a key player under manager Antonio Conte in recent months but may be forced to miss the first north London derby of the season through injury.

What is the latest news involving Davies?

The 29-year-old is facing a short period on the treatment after sustaining a hairline fracture to the bone just below his knee against Sporting CP in Tottenham’s recent Champions League defeat.

Davies played on in the Portuguese capital after receiving treatment in the opening period but was absent last time out against Leicester City and now could be sidelined for the next three weeks at least.

"He had an injury in his knee in the game against Sporting Lisbon, and he played with this injury," Conte told Sky Sports (via Football.London).

"Not a serious injury, I think, after the international break because, with the national team, he is not available. But I think after the international break, he will be available for us."

Consequently, Davies will miss out on Wales' UEFA Nations League matches against Belgium and Poland and faces a race against time to fully fit for the visit to the Emirates Stadium on 1 October.

What has O’Rourke said about Davies?

O’Rourke believes that Davies has been an ‘unsung hero’ throughout Conte’s reign, making the left-sided centre-back role his own in the Italian tactician’s 3-4-3 setup.

He told GiveMeSport: “Yeah, I think it would be a blow. I think Ben Davies has been a bit of an unsung hero in that Spurs team since Antonio Conte’s arrival.

“He’s slotted into that left-sided centre-back spot well and made it his own, keeping Clement Lenglet out of the team as well. So, his versatility will be missed as well as his experience.”

How well has Davies been playing?

Davies has made seven appearances in all competitions for Tottenham so far this season, providing one assist while putting up some impressive underlying numbers.

The 5 foot 11 ace, who earns £93,000-per-week, has won 2.4 aerial duels, more than any of his teammates, and has also averaged four clearances, with only Davinson Sanchez producing more, as per WhoScored.

His absence from the trip to Arsenal could be detrimental to Tottenham’s chances of securing a victory, therefore, and Conte will surely be hoping he can make a quick recovery.