Tottenham Hotspur were ravaged by injuries last season, which almost jeopardised their Premier League campaign. The scene has remained more of the same this term, with the Lilywhites notably being dealt with a fresh injury setback for new signing Giovani Lo Celso.
In this article, we will discuss the players who are out injured for Spurs at the moment and what measures Mauricio Pochettino can take, to replace them.
Juan Foyth
Juan Foyth is currently suffering from an ankle injury that he picked during the summer. He is expected to return to training this month. But, his absence has left a void in the defensive department.
It would perhaps be safer for Pochettino to persist with a four-man backline, due to the lack of any reliable central defensive options. That means Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen could form the central defensive pairing, with Davinson Sanchez starting on the bench. It would nullify the need for an additional backup at the heart of the backline.
Significance of absence: 9/10
Giovani Lo Celso
Lo Celso has been ruled out until the second week of October after picking up a hip injury against Chile during the international break.
The Argentine international didn’t necessarily play a vital role in the first-team in the early parts of the campaign. But, his absence means Pochettino will now be devoid of any backups in central and attacking midfield areas. Dele Alli’s return has been a blessing, however, and the ex-Southampton coach will be hoping that the duo of Harry Winks and Moussa Sissoko remains fit.
Significance of absence: 7/10
Tanguy Ndombele
Tanguy Ndombele is one of the three new signings for Spurs, who is currently facing a spell on the sidelines. The Frenchman has started on-field rehabs, but his return remains unknown.
Ndombele’s absence has been a massive blow for Pochettino, who has continued to rely on the services of Sissoko. The ex-Newcastle United star has done a good job so far, but it’s needless to say that Spurs need a tad more creativity from their midfielders.
Therefore, Pochettino should look to deploy Christian Eriksen in a deeper midfield role, especially with Alli back to full fitness. The England international can operate as the number nine, with Son Heung-Min and Lucas Moura/Erik Lamela also featuring in the final third.
Significance of absence: 10/10
Ryan Sessegnon
Ryan Sessegnon was an exciting buy from Fulham. But, the youngster has been out since June due to a hamstring problem. He hasn’t even returned to training yet, and it’s unsure when exactly he will make his comeback.
Sessegnon’s absence has denied Pochettino from having an additional option in the fullback department, especially with Kieran Trippier leaving for Atletico Madrid this summer. As a result, the Argentine has had to rely on Kyle Walker-Peters at right-back. It won’t perhaps be a bad idea to embrace Serge Aurier for the time being, even though Pochettino doesn’t rate him too highly.
Significance of absence: 8/10
Kyle Walker-Peters
Walker-Peters became the first-choice right-back for Tottenham following the departure of Trippier. But due to injury issues, Pochettino used Sanchez as a fullback in the game against Arsenal. But, the Colombian international was horrendous and appeared extremely complacent at the back.
Therefore, it’s high-time the Spurs manager starts to utilise the quality of Aurier, at least until the return of either Sessegnon or Walker-Peters, who is undergoing on-field rehab.
Significance of absence: 9/10
