According to BBC Sport, Ryan Sessegnon has suffered an injury setback yet again just after returning from a long-term injury layoff. It is believed that the new signing from Fulham, who is yet to make his debut for Tottenham Hotspur, has picked up an injury in training and his return now remains unknown.
This recent development could be a huge blow for Mauricio Pochettino, especially after a disappointing start to the campaign. The Lilwyhites have already been one of the worst-performing teams in this calendar year and recently got stomped by Bayern Munich 7-2 in the UEFA Champions League.
In this article, we will discuss what could this new injury to Sessegnon mean to the Spurs and how it could further disrupt their campaign.
More problems for Pochettino at right-back
Tottenham looked quite comfortable following the departure of Kieran Trippier to Atletico Madrid in the summer. It was largely thanks to a couple of good performances from Kyle Walker-Peters, who became the club’s first-choice right-back, with Serge Aurier struggling with fitness problems.
However, that was until Walker-Peters got injured, forcing Pochettino to look at alternatives. The Argentine tried to deploy Davinson Sanchez at right-back, but that move failed miserably. Then, he started with Aurier, who performed exceptionally well in the first couple of matches.
But, the Ivorian has been one of Spurs’ worst performers in recent weeks, notably picking up a red card against Southampton. He also got completely bamboozled by Serge Gnabry in midweek. The ex-Arsenal star scored four goals on the night and it was Aurier, who should have done a lot better in dealing with Gnabry.
As for Walker-Peters, his horrible display at right wing-back against Colchester United was enough to pose questions as to whether or not he is a reliable option in that position. And that’s where Sessegnon could have been useful.
How he could have fit in at Spurs
The ex-Fulham star is quite versatile and could play anywhere across the flanks. The right wing-back role, in particular, is a perfect position for him as it allows him to get forward at every given opportunity. He could have, therefore, been utilised as an alternative to Aurier.
In addition, Sessegnon could also cover the opposite flank, meaning he could be used as an alternative for Danny Rose as well, especially with Ben Davies struggling due to inconsistency.
But most importantly, the presence of a pacy wide player like Sessegnon would have helped Spurs become much more potent on the counter. Moreover, it would have allowed Pochettino to built the blueprint of a new look Tottenham squad, especially with their current stars nearing the final phase of their careers
