Tottenham suffer new injury concern before Frankfurt clash as attacker sent for scans on hamstring issue
Tottenham Hotspur’s preparations for their crucial Europa League quarter-final against Eintracht Frankfurt have suffered an unexpected setback, with emerging talent Wilson Odobert undergoing emergency scans on a suspected hamstring injury.
The 20-year-old winger, who has become increasingly influential in recent weeks, reported discomfort during final training preparations, casting doubt over his immediate availability.
This development comes at the worst possible moment for manager Ange Postecoglou, who had been relying on Odobert’s electric form following his match-winning brace against AZ Alkmaar in the previous round.
The French youngster’s absence creates a significant void in Tottenham’s attacking options, compounding existing selection headaches that include long-term absentees Dejan Kulusevski, Radu Dragusin, and Kevin Danso.
Odobert’s Potential Absence Timeline
- Best Case Scenario: Muscle tightness (3-5 days recovery)
- Grade 1 Strain: 10-14 day absence (misses both Frankfurt legs)
- Recurrence Concern: Previous surgery on right hamstring
Medical staff are urgently assessing whether this latest issue relates to the same right hamstring that required surgical intervention earlier in the season – an injury that sidelined Odobert for three months between October and January.
While initial reports suggest this may only be minor tightness, the club’s caution is understandable given the player’s history. A grade one strain would likely rule him out until late April, depriving Postecoglou of a player who has contributed to goals in three of his last five appearances.
The timing couldn’t be more delicate. With suspension risks looming over key players in Thursday’s first leg and a congested Premier League schedule featuring clashes against Wolves, Nottingham Forest, and Liverpool, Tottenham’s squad depth faces its sternest test yet.
Odobert’s ability to change games from the bench had become a valuable weapon in Postecoglou’s arsenal – his direct running and composure in front of goal offering a different dimension to Tottenham’s attacking play.
As the medical team awaits scan results, all eyes turn to how Postecoglou will reshuffle his options. The potential silver lining? An opportunity for other young talents to step up, continuing Tottenham’s season-long theme of unexpected heroes emerging when needed most.
For Odobert personally, this setback represents another frustrating hurdle in what promised to be a breakthrough campaign following his summer move from Burnley.
With Frankfurt’s physical approach likely to test Tottenham’s resilience across both legs, the loss of Odobert’s creativity could prove pivotal. As the club balances European ambitions with domestic consistency, these next 48 hours of medical assessment may significantly influence their season’s trajectory.
One thing remains certain – in a campaign already defined by injury challenges, Spurs must once again demonstrate their adaptability.