Spurs’ Defensive Crisis: Injuries and Absence of Forgotten Star for 2 Months
Tottenham Hotspur’s hopes of securing three points against Wolves tomorrow have taken a hit, as manager Ange Postecoglou confirmed that Pedro Porro, Destiny Udogie, and reserve goalkeeper Fraser Forster will be unavailable due to injuries. Currently sitting in fourth place in the table, Spurs are just one point ahead of Aston Villa.
Porro, who plays as a right back, picked up a strain during training and is expected to be out of action for a couple of weeks. Udogie, who occupies the left flank, suffered a knock but is not facing a serious injury and should be back in time for the next weekend’s game. On the other hand, Forster has fractured his foot and is likely to be sidelined for a couple of months.
The absence of both Porro and Udogie will be a blow to Postecoglou’s tactical approach, as they play crucial roles in the team’s style of play. However, the loss of Forster, who has only made one appearance this season in the Carabao Cup, poses less of a threat.
In response to the injuries, Postecoglou explained in a press conference, “Pedro Porro picked up a strain at training. Probably a couple of weeks for him.” Regarding Udogie’s injury, he stated, “Destiny Udogie picked up a knock, not too serious. Game next weekend, should be back.” Finally, addressing Forster’s situation, the manager said, “Fraser Forster – fracture in his foot, probably a couple of months.”
With Porro out, it is likely that Emerson Royal will take his place at right-back, while Ben Davies could step in on the left flank in Udogie’s absence. However, these replacements may not fully replicate the impact and contributions of the injured players.
Unfortunately for Spurs, injuries have plagued their season thus far. James Maddison, a £40 million summer signing, spent a significant amount of time on the bench due to an ankle injury and only recently returned to full fitness. Similarly, Dejan Kulusevski suffered a hamstring injury in September, further exacerbating the team’s injury woes.
In addition to these injuries, Tottenham faced pressure from international competitions such as the Asia Cup, which deprived them of their influential captain Son Heung-min. Furthermore, the AFCON temporarily took away Pape Matar Sarr and Yves Bissouma from the squad.
As Spurs face Wolves tomorrow, their defensive crisis looms large. The absence of key players and the lack of depth in certain positions will undoubtedly challenge Postecoglou’s side. However, it will also provide an opportunity for other players to step up and make their mark on the team. Ultimately, it will be a test of the squad’s resilience and ability to adapt in the face of adversity.