Tottenham Hotspur Injury Update Ahead of Chelsea Clash: Romero, Richarlison and More | OneFootball

Tottenham Hotspur vs Chelsea: Predicted Lineup, Injury Updates, and Key Talking Points

Premier League clashes between Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea have often been thrilling, and this Sunday’s fixture promises to follow suit. With injuries impacting both squads, Ange Postecoglou faces significant selection dilemmas as his side aims to maintain their impressive form.

Romero’s Potential Return Could Be a Game-Changer

Cristian Romero’s availability is a pressing concern for Spurs. The Argentine defender, who has been a rock at the back this season, is set to train on Saturday, with Ange Postecoglou hopeful of his return. His absence was keenly felt during Tottenham’s 3-1 loss at Bournemouth, where Ben Davies, deployed as a makeshift centre-back, suffered a hamstring injury.

Photo: IMAGO

If Romero is unable to feature, 19-year-old Archie Gray may be tasked with partnering Radu Dragusin in central defence. While Gray has shown promise, facing Chelsea’s potent attack in a high-stakes derby is a daunting challenge for the teenager.

Adding to Tottenham’s defensive headaches, Micky van de Ven remains unavailable despite making strides in his recovery. His return to full fitness will come as a relief in the coming weeks but arrives too late for this crucial fixture.

Injury Woes and Squad Rotation Loom Large

Postecoglou’s options are further limited by an ongoing injury crisis that includes goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario (ankle) and forwards Richarlison and Wilson Odobert (both hamstring). Mikey Moore, meanwhile, continues to recover from a debilitating virus that has kept him sidelined for weeks.

Midfield dynamo Rodrigo Bentancur is also suspended, compounding Spurs’ selection issues. However, there’s good news up front as Heung-min Son is set to return to the starting XI after being rested during the midweek defeat at Bournemouth. James Maddison and Brennan Johnson are also expected to be rotated into the lineup, offering fresh legs and creativity in attack.

Postecoglou has hinted that Dejan Kulusevski could feature either in the midfield three or as part of the forward line. The Swedish international’s versatility could prove invaluable, especially with Chelsea’s midfield boasting significant quality.

Predicted Tottenham Lineup

Ange Postecoglou is likely to stick with his preferred 4-3-3 formation despite the absences. Here’s the predicted XI for Sunday’s showdown at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium: Forster; Porro, Romero (if fit), Dragusin, Udogie; Bissouma, Sarr, Kulusevski; Johnson, Son, Solanke.

Fraser Forster will deputise in goal, while Destiny Udogie and Pedro Porro take up the full-back positions. Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr are expected to anchor the midfield, with Kulusevski operating in a more advanced role. Up front, Son and Brennan Johnson will provide pace and directness, flanking striker Dominic Solanke.

Photo IMAGO

Key doubts remain over Romero’s fitness, and his absence would likely see Gray stepping in. For Chelsea, this could offer opportunities to exploit Tottenham’s defensive vulnerabilities.

Tactical Insights and Key Matchups

Tottenham’s high-pressing, attacking style under Postecoglou has drawn plaudits this season, but injuries have left gaps in their defensive structure. Chelsea, under Mauricio Pochettino, have shown glimpses of resurgence, and this London derby could prove pivotal in shaping their season.

Son’s return adds a lethal edge to Tottenham’s counter-attacks, while Maddison’s vision and creativity will test Chelsea’s defensive organisation. On the other hand, Spurs’ makeshift defence will need to contain Chelsea’s dynamic forwards, with Raheem Sterling and Nicolas Jackson likely to target any inexperience at the back.

Match Details

With both teams eyeing crucial points in the Premier League table, expect a fiercely contested affair. Whether Spurs can overcome their injury woes to claim bragging rights remains to be seen, but the stage is set for a gripping encounter.