Phillips could return to Tottenham in January as defensive crisis bites | OneFootball

Tottenham Hotspur are considering bringing back young Ashley Phillips from his loan spell in the January transfer window.

The Spurs defender joined Stoke City on loan in the summer window, but the club are looking to recall him amid the current defensive injury crisis.

According to the Standard, there is a recall clause in Phillips’ season-long loan deal, and Tottenham are looking to trigger it at the start of January.

The 19-year-old defender joined Spurs from Blackburn Rovers in a £3 million deal in 2023.

He has yet to play a game for the senior side but could come into Ange Postecoglou’s plans in the second half of the season.

Tottenham Hotspur struggling with injury crisis

Spurs lost both Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven through injuries during the 4-3 loss against Chelsea last week.

While Postecoglou has yet to put a timeline of when they could return, there are suggestions that Romero could be out for at least six weeks.

With Ben Davies also currently out injured, Spurs do not have enough back-up options.

Radu Dragusin remains the only recognised centre-back at the club at the moment, and he hasn’t played enough football.

Archie Gray, who joined from Leeds United last summer, played as a centre-back after coming off the bench against Chelsea.

He has previously played as a full-back and will be asked to play alongside Dragusin in their Europa League clash against Rangers.

Phillips has made 13 appearances for Stoke City this season, and Spurs need to be very careful with their decision.

If he is recalled and features for Tottenham, he won’t be able to play again for any other club this season.

Spurs probably will not delve into the market to buy another centre-back as they feel it could block the pathway for Phillips’ development.