Tottenham star pulls out of international duty with hamstring injury

Tottenham Hotspur’s defensive options have suffered another setback, with Kevin Danso ruled out of action due to a hamstring injury.

The 26-year-old center-back, who was already a major doubt for Thursday’s Europa League clash against AZ Alkmaar, has now withdrawn from the Austria national team squad for the upcoming international break.

The injury occurred during Tottenham’s recent match, with Danso seen clutching his right hamstring and heading straight down the tunnel accompanied by medical staff. Such signs are rarely positive, especially for a player who has only recently joined the club.

Muscular injuries are notoriously unpredictable, and given Tottenham’s ongoing fitness struggles this season, there is growing concern that Danso could be sidelined for an extended period.

While the club has yet to issue an official statement, the Austria national team confirmed the news via their official X account. The statement read: “Kevin Danso will miss the Nations League playoff against Serbia due to injury.

Samson Baidoo will replace him in the squad.” This announcement leaves no doubt that Danso will be unavailable for Tottenham’s crucial Europa League fixture against AZ Alkmaar.

Despite Danso’s absence, manager Ange Postecoglou still has several defensive options to call upon. Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Ben Davies, and versatile youngster Archie Gray are all available to fill the void.

However, losing Danso at this stage of the season is far from ideal, particularly as Tottenham aim to progress in the Europa League and secure a strong finish in the Premier League.

The Austrian’s physicality and composure had made him a valuable addition to the squad, and his injury adds to the growing list of fitness concerns plaguing the team.

Danso’s injury raises further questions about Tottenham’s ability to manage player fitness effectively. The defender has only been at the club for a short time, yet he has already succumbed to a muscular issue.

This latest setback follows a pattern of similar problems affecting other players throughout the season, highlighting a recurring issue that the club must address. Danso’s injury record shows that his last muscular problem occurred during the 2022/23 season, when he was sidelined for 17 days.

While this latest injury may not be as severe, it underscores the fragility of Tottenham’s squad and the need for better injury prevention and management strategies.

The timing of Danso’s injury is particularly frustrating, as Tottenham are entering a critical phase of the season. With the Europa League knockout stages and a congested Premier League schedule, Postecoglou will need all hands on deck to navigate the challenges ahead.

While the likes of Romero and van de Ven provide quality cover, the lack of depth in defense could become a significant issue if further injuries arise.

For Danso, the focus will now shift to recovery and rehabilitation. The defender will hope to return to action as soon as possible, but Tottenham’s medical staff will need to proceed cautiously to avoid aggravating the injury. In the meantime, Postecoglou will rely on his remaining defenders to step up and deliver consistent performances.

As Tottenham prepare for their upcoming fixtures, the club’s fitness concerns remain a pressing issue. The recurring injuries to key players have disrupted the team’s rhythm and forced Postecoglou to constantly reshuffle his lineup.

While the manager has shown adaptability in dealing with these challenges, the long-term solution lies in addressing the root causes of the injury crisis. Whether through improved training methods, medical interventions, or strategic squad rotation, Tottenham must find a way to keep their players fit and available for selection.

For now, the focus will be on overcoming AZ Alkmaar without Danso and maintaining momentum in the Premier League. The coming weeks will test Tottenham’s resilience and depth, but with the right approach, they can still achieve their objectives for the season.

Danso’s injury is a setback, but it also presents an opportunity for others to rise to the occasion and prove their worth. As the club navigates this challenging period, the support of the fans and the determination of the players will be crucial in keeping their ambitions alive.