EPL Index
·31 October 2024
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·31 October 2024
Tottenham Hotspur’s narrow 2-1 victory over Manchester City in the Carabao Cup fourth round proved to be a bittersweet milestone in Ange Postecoglou’s evolving tenure. This hard-fought win offers Spurs fans a glimmer of hope for silverware, yet the intensity of the game has exposed the toll it’s taken on key players. Injuries are piling up, with concerns around Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero, and Heung-min Son posing questions about Tottenham’s resilience in the weeks ahead.
Micky van de Ven, starting in his usual role at left-back, displayed his trademark speed early on, racing back to thwart Savinho’s attack in the first half. However, the young defender was quickly seen clutching his leg, which left fans concerned. Postecoglou confirmed van de Ven experienced discomfort in his hamstring but held off on specifics.
Photo: IMAGO
“Micky felt something in his hamstring. I haven’t got the full update on him, but he definitely felt something, and we’ll see how he is,” the Tottenham manager stated. While the full extent of the injury remains undetermined, his absence will be felt keenly, especially given his recent stellar performances and growing importance to Tottenham’s backline.
Potential return date: Unknown
Argentine centre-back Cristian Romero also drew concern during the clash against City. Known for his relentless energy and imposing defensive skills, Romero’s recent workload appeared to catch up with him. Despite finishing the first half, Postecoglou admitted he had been tempted to substitute Romero earlier.
“Cuti was tired,” Postecoglou explained. “I contemplated changing him at half-time, but after losing Micky as well, I didn’t want to lose another centre-half. He said he felt ok, but my gut was telling me there’s no point taking a risk as we had Benny [Ben Davies] who could come on.”
Photo: IMAGO
The comments suggest a cautious approach for Romero moving forward, with Spurs aiming to balance his recovery without pushing him too hard. While Romero’s minor fatigue-related issues are less severe than van de Ven’s injury, Tottenham will need to manage his fitness carefully, especially as they look to sustain their current form.
Potential return date: November 2024
Tottenham’s talisman, Heung-min Son, missed a recent stretch of games due to a hamstring injury sustained in the Europa League win over Qarabag on September 26. Following his setback, Son was also unavailable for South Korea’s international fixtures, opting to focus on rehabilitation instead. He made a brief return, scoring in Tottenham’s win over West Ham, only to be subbed off again after feeling further discomfort in the match against AZ.
Photo: IMAGO
With Villa on the horizon, Son’s return could provide the spark Tottenham need. His energy and leadership on the pitch have been instrumental, and his potential reappearance this Sunday could bolster Spurs’ frontline. If fully fit, Son’s inclusion would be a significant boost, offering Tottenham more attacking firepower and versatility.
Potential return date: Sunday, 3 November 2024, vs Aston Villa
Youngster Wilson Odobert, a recent addition from Burnley, returned to action last week after a month-long absence due to a hamstring issue. Unfortunately, he suffered a further setback, as Postecoglou confirmed a serious recurrence in a similar area, leaving his immediate future uncertain.
“The only other one missing out, which is a bit of a disappointment, is Wilson, who has had a setback during the week, and it seems like it is a serious one, so we’re just waiting for more information,” the Tottenham manager explained.
Odobert, valued for his pace and skill, has shown flashes of his potential in his limited appearances since his £25 million move. Yet his latest injury raises questions about his immediate impact on the team.
Potential return date: Unknown
Tottenham Hotspur face mounting injury challenges as they navigate the season under Ange Postecoglou’s dynamic management. The Carabao Cup victory over Manchester City marks a significant achievement, but the growing injury list highlights the demands on Spurs’ squad depth.
As van de Ven, Romero, and Son work towards recovery, Postecoglou will need to rely on the squad’s depth, with players like Ben Davies stepping in when required. The manager’s careful management of Romero and Son’s fitness, coupled with a potentially lengthy spell on the sidelines for van de Ven, will likely shape Tottenham’s strategy in the coming weeks.
With aspirations of a strong league finish and possibly silverware, Spurs must keep pace while managing these setbacks. As the return dates for Tottenham’s key players become clearer, the next few weeks will be a true test of the club’s resolve and adaptability in the face of adversity.