No Doubt: Postecoglou now affirms Spurs best to miss 3 games & six others

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou has revealed that defender Cristian Romero is unlikely to feature in the upcoming match against Fulham, marking what would be his third consecutive absence.

Despite leaving the door slightly open for a potential return, the likelihood of Romero recovering in time remains slim. The 26-year-old has been dealing with a series of fitness concerns, complicating his availability for both club and international fixtures.

Romero’s struggles began before the international break when he missed Tottenham’s Europa League defeat to Galatasaray. Although he returned for the Premier League loss to Ipswich Town, he subsequently traveled to South America to join Argentina for international duty.

During this period, he played only half of the match against Paraguay and missed the following game against Peru. Upon his return to England, Romero was unavailable for Tottenham’s dramatic win over Manchester City and their 2-2 Europa League draw against AS Roma.

While Postecoglou has not ruled Romero out entirely for Sunday’s clash, the defender’s participation seems improbable given the limited progress in his recovery.

Postecoglou expressed cautious optimism about Romero’s situation, emphasizing that the player was the closest to making a comeback among Tottenham’s injured squad members.

However, the manager admitted there are still hurdles to overcome before declaring Romero fit to play. Reflecting on the unpredictable nature of injuries, Postecoglou highlighted how quickly situations can change, citing goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario’s unexpected surgery as a recent example.

He explained that while the squad emerged unscathed from Thursday’s game against Roma, previous experiences have taught him to remain vigilant until the final assessments are complete.

The ongoing injury challenges extend beyond Romero. Key players such as Micky van de Ven, Richarlison, Wilson Odobert, Mikey Moore, and Guglielmo Vicario remain sidelined, while Rodrigo Bentancur continues to serve a seven-game suspension.

These absences have forced Postecoglou to adapt his squad selections and tactical approach, relying on depth and resilience to navigate a demanding fixture schedule. The manager did provide some positive news regarding Dominic Solanke, confirming that the striker avoided any significant injury after a challenge during the Roma match.

While Solanke appeared uncomfortable at times, Postecoglou reassured fans that the issue was not serious and described the player as “a bit sore” but capable of contributing to the team.

Among the long-term absentees, goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario’s situation has been a significant blow for Tottenham. The Italian underwent ankle surgery earlier in the week and faces an extended period on the sidelines.

Reflecting on the injury, Postecoglou acknowledged the initial shock of learning the severity of Vicario’s condition. Despite playing 60 minutes with the injury during the match, the goalkeeper’s toughness and determination stood out.

However, the subsequent diagnosis confirmed the need for surgery, ruling Vicario out for several months. Postecoglou praised Vicario’s resilience and leadership qualities, emphasizing the impact his absence will have on the squad. He also noted that Vicario’s recovery process will be closely monitored, with updates likely to come as he progresses through rehabilitation.

The timeline for Vicario’s return remains uncertain, as Postecoglou refrained from setting definitive expectations. He explained that recovery milestones are often fluid, particularly in the early stages of rehabilitation, and he aims to avoid placing undue pressure on the player.

While the goalkeeper’s absence presents a challenge, Postecoglou expressed confidence in the squad’s ability to adapt and manage setbacks, drawing on previous experiences to maintain momentum in the season.

In the face of these injury setbacks, Tottenham continues to push forward, displaying resilience and determination under Postecoglou’s leadership. The manager’s ability to adapt his strategies and integrate different players into key roles has been instrumental in keeping the team competitive across all competitions.

However, the absence of several first-choice players highlights the importance of depth and rotation in navigating a grueling schedule. Postecoglou’s approach reflects a balance between immediate results and long-term planning, ensuring that the team remains focused despite the challenges.

As Tottenham prepares to face Fulham, the uncertainty surrounding Romero’s fitness adds another layer of complexity to the team’s defensive setup. While the squad has shown the ability to perform admirably in his absence, Romero’s return would undoubtedly bolster their defensive stability and provide additional leadership on the pitch. Until then, Postecoglou must continue to rely on his available resources to maintain Tottenham’s positive trajectory in the Premier League and beyond.

The ongoing injury challenges serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of football and the importance of adaptability in managing a team. Postecoglou’s measured approach to these setbacks reflects his experience and understanding of the demands placed on players at the highest level.

By prioritizing recovery and avoiding unnecessary risks, he aims to ensure that key players like Romero and Vicario can return to full fitness without compromising their long-term well-being. This strategy, combined with the squad’s resilience, will be crucial as Tottenham navigates the challenges ahead and strives to achieve their goals for the season.