EPL Index
·13 Januari 2025
In partnership with
Yahoo sportsEPL Index
·13 Januari 2025
Tottenham Hotspur is bracing for the pulsating challenge of the second North London derby of the season, albeit hampered by a lengthy injury list featuring nine first-team players. The timing is less than ideal, with key fixtures on the horizon, underscoring the depth and resilience of the squad managed by Ange Postecoglou.
In the heart of Tottenham’s defence, the absence of Cristian Romero has been palpable. The Argentine, sidelined since a challenging fixture against Chelsea on December 8 due to injury, has been a cornerstone of Spurs’ defensive strategy. Known for his robust presence and tactical acumen, Romero’s absence was immediately felt, but fans can take solace in knowing his return is projected for the latter part of January 2025.
Photo IMAGO
Similarly, Micky Van de Ven’s situation mirrors that of his defensive counterpart. Forced to leave the pitch during the same match, Van de Ven has been sorely missed on the field. The synergy he shares with Romero has become a pivotal element of Tottenham’s defensive setup. The duo’s anticipated return before the end of January could not come at a more crucial time, as the team looks to solidify their backline heading into a series of critical matches.
The midfield maestro, Rodrigo Bentancur, suffered a concussion in a recent clash against Liverpool, which saw him exit the pitch prematurely. The incident, occurring in a Carabao Cup tie, resulted in Bentancur missing subsequent matches, including an FA Cup journey to non-league Tamworth, as he adheres to strict concussion protocols. The timeline for his return is cautiously set for a fixture against Hoffenheim on January 23, 2025.
Photo IMAGO
“He obviously went to hospital after the game,” Postecoglou detailed. “He was concussed and they did every check needed to do and I understand he’s gone home now. So that’s real positive news for us because it was a bit of a distressing situation to deal with for everyone. Now it’s just about recovery for him. There are set protocols in place but aside from those set protocols, we’ll make sure we give him as much time as he needs to get back.”
In the goalkeeping department, Spurs have faced challenges as well. Fraser Forster, the stand-in goalkeeper, has missed important fixtures against teams like Newcastle and Liverpool due to a stomach bug, leaving his return date currently uncertain.
As Tottenham navigates this tricky period, the team’s depth is tested, but the recovery track for several key players looks promising. The squad’s resilience and adaptability will be crucial as they approach a congested fixture list, where every point is pivotal in their quest for domestic and European success.
Photo: IMAGO
The return of pivotal players like Cristian Romero, Micky Van de Ven, and Rodrigo Bentancur will undoubtedly boost the squad’s capabilities and morale. As these players reintegrate, Tottenham’s strategic options will expand, hopefully culminating in a robust lineup ready to tackle the challenges of the Premier League and beyond.
With the North London derby looming, Spurs fans will be eager to see their team back at full strength, reinforcing the club’s resolve to compete at the highest levels. The anticipation of having a fully fit squad offers a beacon of hope as Tottenham Hotspur aims to navigate through this testing period with determination and flair.