Season-ending Lucas Bergvall injury means huge opportunity for one Tottenham man | OneFootball

Lucas Bergvall has been one of the few bright spots for Tottenham this season, but just days after he signed a six-year extension with the club, the Swedish international is set to be shut down for the remainder of the campaign.

Prior to the first leg of the Europa League semifinals against Bodo Glimt, Bergvall could be spotted on the sidelines in a walking boot and cast, and Yves Bissouma was named a starter in his absence, putting in a strong shift in the process.

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou has confirmed the fears of a Bergvall injury, affirming initial reports that Bergvall will miss the remainder of the 2024/25 season with an eight-week injury. It's a sad way for Bergvall to end a great season, and it means Tottenham won't have his help for the crucial Europa League knockout fixtures ahead.

Archie Gray is the next man up

But from a Premier League standpoint, the league is already a lost cause for Spurs. The key now is unearthing more Bergvalls, and his injury is, naturally, an opportunity for another up-and-coming player to get the minutes he needs to stand out and build momentum.

Alongside Bergvall, Archie Gray was the other big center midfield signing by Tottenham this past summer, and the two teenagers are expected to be the future building blocks of a Spurs midfield that hasn't been a strong suit for the club in years.

Gray is the next man up, and while he has gotten opportunities in midfield this season, Postecoglou hasn't given him nearly enough consistency in one position to build the momentum he needs to get his spot. The former Leeds man has been starting at center back, and while that does show his versatility, it's not ideal for a young player to be constantly switching his positions when he's just trying to figure things out at this level.

Tottenham vs. West Ham will be the first opportunity

This weekend, Tottenham will return to Premier League action to take on West Ham, another side stuck with them at the bottom of the league table. This matchup, along with the others in the league, represent opportunities for Gray to get something going, which could be especially important if he's called upon in a big spot as a starter or off the bench in the Europa League matches.

Gray hasn't been able to shine as much as Bergvall this season, but he's the more raw prospect. Now, Postecoglou has no excuse not to play him in the Premier League before the campaign closes. Here is his chance.