Blow for Tottenham as FA suspension charge doesn’t go their way

Tottenham Hotspur’s preparations for their upcoming Premier League trip to Wolverhampton have just become significantly more complicated with confirmation that Matheus Cunha will be available for selection.

The Brazilian forward’s disciplinary situation has been resolved, handing Wolves a major boost while presenting Spurs with an unexpected defensive headache.

Many expected Cunha to face an extended suspension following his explosive FA Cup exit against Bournemouth last month. The 25-year-old received a straight red card for kicking and headbutting defender Milos Kerkez before compounding his mistake with a furious outburst directed at match officials and his own teammates during his dismissal.

While the Football Association has indeed imposed additional punishment – a one-match ban and £50,000 fine – the sanctions only rule him out of Wolves’ April 5th fixture at Ipswich Town.

This disciplinary decision clears Cunha to return precisely in time for Tottenham’s visit to Molineux on April 13th, handing Gary O’Neil his most dangerous attacking weapon for a crucial mid-April encounter.

The timing couldn’t be worse for Ange Postecoglou, who was likely banking on rotating his squad during this congested period. With European commitments and domestic cup runs stretching Spurs’ resources, facing a Wolves side without their talismanic forward would have significantly lightened the load.

Instead, Tottenham must now prepare to contain a player who has contributed 13 goals and 4 assists this Premier League season, including a match-winning brace against Chelsea in December.

Cunha’s availability also presents an intriguing subplot to Tottenham’s long-term transfer plans. Multiple reports have linked Spurs with a potential £62 million move for the Brazilian when his release clause becomes active this summer. However, his recent disciplinary issues may give the North London club pause for thought.

Postecoglou has consistently emphasized the importance of recruiting players with the right character to fit his system and club culture. Cunha’s Bournemouth meltdown – where he lashed out physically before turning on his own support staff – directly contradicts the composed, team-first mentality the Australian manager prizes.

While there’s no questioning the forward’s technical quality, this incident could see Tottenham’s hierarchy reconsider whether his talent outweighs the potential risks.

The coming weeks will prove telling. Should Cunha demonstrate maturity and professionalism upon his return – particularly in Wolves’ clash with Spurs – it may reassure potential suitors about his temperament.

Conversely, another outburst could cement concerns about his ability to handle pressure at an elite club. For Postecoglou, the April 13th encounter now serves as both a crucial league fixture and an unexpected scouting opportunity, with Cunha’s performance under the spotlight carrying implications far beyond the three points at stake.

As Tottenham navigate this challenging period of fixture congestion, they must now account for a motivated Cunha looking to make amends. The Brazilian’s return transforms Wolves from manageable opponents into dangerous underdogs, ensuring Spurs’ squad rotation plans will need careful recalibration.

Meanwhile, the club’s recruitment team faces equally complex calculations about whether Cunha’s undeniable quality justifies what could be a £62 million gamble on his character.