Misses 3-4 matches – Ange confirms new injury setback ahead of Sunday’s clash with Newcastle
Tottenham Hotspur entered the new season with high hopes of overcoming the injury challenges that plagued them last year. However, those aspirations have been dampened early on, as injuries continue to impact key players in crucial moments. With an important fixture against Newcastle United on the horizon, Spurs face significant challenges in their squad selection.
Rodrigo Bentancur, one of Tottenham’s standout midfielders, suffered a head injury in the season opener, forcing him to miss the following match against Everton. Bentancur’s absence was felt, as his dynamic presence in the midfield often dictates the tempo of the game. Although he has since recovered and returned to training, his injury serves as a reminder of the physical toll the Premier League takes on players.
Micky van de Ven also experienced a knock in a recent match. Thankfully, his injury is not severe, and he is expected to be available for the upcoming clash against Newcastle. Van de Ven’s return will be a relief for Ange Postecoglou, as the Dutch defender has been a reliable figure in Tottenham’s backline since the start of the season.
One of Tottenham’s major summer signings, Dominic Solanke, picked up an injury during the game against Leicester City. This injury saw him miss the subsequent 4-0 victory over Everton, and unfortunately, he is expected to sit out the match against Newcastle as well. Although his injury is not deemed serious, Postecoglou has confirmed that the club is taking precautions to ensure his full recovery before bringing him back into the squad.
In a more troubling development, Richarlison has been ruled out for several weeks due to an injury sustained in training. This setback is particularly frustrating as Richarlison had been carefully managed throughout the pre-season to avoid precisely this scenario. The Brazilian forward has struggled with recurring injuries, even before his arrival at Tottenham, and his latest issue further complicates his integration into the team.
Speaking to SPURSPLAY, Postecoglou shared his thoughts on Richarlison’s fitness challenges:
“The only other one we got midweek is Richarlison, who unfortunately picked up an injury in training, so he’ll probably miss the next few weeks.”
Postecoglou emphasized the need to revisit the approach taken with Richarlison, noting that the coaching staff had already adopted a conservative strategy to manage his fitness. Despite these efforts, the forward’s recurring injuries continue to be a concern.
The injuries to Solanke and Richarlison have forced Postecoglou to rethink his attacking options ahead of the Newcastle game. Despite these setbacks, Tottenham remains the favorite for the match, largely due to the versatility of their remaining attackers.
Dejan Kulusevski, who has shown his ability to play as a false 9 during pre-season, is likely to step into the role in the absence of Solanke and Richarlison. Additionally, Heung-min Son, known for his adaptability and goal-scoring prowess, may also be called upon to lead the line.
Tottenham’s options on the left-wing, bolstered by recent signings, provide some flexibility in adjusting to these injuries. However, the lack of depth in the forward positions is a concern that could affect the team’s performance in the coming weeks.
Tottenham’s start to the season has been marred by injuries to key players, posing significant challenges for Ange Postecoglou and his squad. While the team has shown resilience in overcoming these obstacles, the long-term impact of these injuries remains to be seen. As Spurs prepare to face Newcastle United, their ability to adapt and strategize will be crucial in securing a positive result.
With the international break approaching, Tottenham will hope to use the time to recover and regroup, ensuring that they can continue their pursuit of success in the Premier League. However, the management of player fitness, particularly for those like Richarlison who are prone to injury, will be critical in maintaining momentum throughout the season.
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