Destiny Udogie’s Fitness in Doubt Ahead of Tottenham vs Chelsea
Destiny Udogie has been given a 50-50 chance of playing when Tottenham host Chelsea on Monday night by Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou. The Italy international came off shortly before the hour mark in Tottenham’s win over Fulham on 23 October and missed the victory over Crystal Palace last time out.
While it was thought to be a minor muscular problem, the full-back is still a doubt for the London derby next week, although Postecoglou is not ruling him out just yet. Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, the Australian said: ‘Obviously a bit unusual because we’ve still got a few days. But at this stage from last week everyone got through the (Crystal Palace) game ok. Benny Davies, who came off at half-time, still has a bit of an ankle problem and hasn’t trained with the team yet so he’s touch and go. Destiny is still working his way through it. Haven’t ruled him out yet. 50-50 at this stage as to whether he will be available.’
Ben Davies was the man to replace Udogie in the starting XI in the 2-1 win over Crystal Palace, so with both struggling for fitness, Postecoglou is a little short at left-back. Emerson Royal replaced Davies at half-time against the Eagles and is an option to start there against Chelsea if required. Ivan Perisic and Manor Solomon remain long-term injury absentees for Spurs.
Monday will be the first time Mauricio Pochettino takes on his former club with Chelsea and Postecoglou was full of praise for his opposite number. ‘It’s undoubted that he had an unbelievable impact on this football club,’ said Postecoglou. ‘For all of us that’s our ultimate goal. He had an undeniable impact on this club. His work is unquestioned. People I speak to here who worked with him can’t speak highly enough about him.
I can’t imagine there will be anything but respect for Mauricio from the people at this club and the fans. He’s not going to get a guard of honour or anything because we want to win the game and he won’t expect that, but there will be respect for him.’
Tottenham vs Chelsea: Destiny Udogie’s Fitness in Doubt Ahead of London Derby
Tottenham Hotspur will face off against Chelsea in a London derby on Monday night, but their chances of victory could be hampered by the fitness of Destiny Udogie. The Italy international came off shortly before the hour mark in Tottenham’s win over Fulham on 23 October and missed the victory over Crystal Palace last time out.
Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou gave an update on Udogie’s fitness at a press conference on Thursday, saying: ‘Destiny is still working his way through it. Haven’t ruled him out yet. 50-50 at this stage as to whether he will be available.’ Ben Davies was the man to replace Udogie in the starting XI in the 2-1 win over Crystal Palace, so with both struggling for fitness, Postecoglou is a little short at left-back. Emerson Royal replaced Davies at half-time against the Eagles and is an option to start there against Chelsea if required.
Monday will also be the first time Mauricio Pochettino takes on his former club with Chelsea and Postecoglou was full of praise for his opposite number. ‘It’s undoubted that he had an unbelievable impact on this football club,’ said Postecoglou. ‘For all of us that’s our ultimate goal. He had an undeniable impact on this club. His work is unquestioned. People I speak to here who worked with him can’t speak highly enough about him.
I can’t imagine there will be anything but respect for Mauricio from the people at this club and the fans. He’s not going to get a guard of honour or anything because we want to win the game and he won’t expect that, but there will be respect for him.’
With Udogie’s fitness uncertain and Tottenham facing off against their former manager, Monday’s London derby promises to be an exciting match-up between two of the Premier League’s top teams.
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