According to Football.London, Tottenham Hotspur have received a massive boost in regards to their injury crisis. It is believed that Tanguy Ndombele is available for selection this weekend, after nursing a thigh injury. Another new signing Ryan Sessegnon also took part in the team training this week along with Eric Dier and Kyle Walker-Peters. In this article, we will discuss how each of these players, returning to full fitness, could benefit Mauricio Pochettino.
Tanguy Ndombele
Ndombele’s absence in the last two matches was a telling factor as Tottenham slumped to a defeat against Newcastle United while drawing 2-2 with Arsenal. The dynamism and creativity were missing in the middle third, with Moussa Sissoko appearing too one-dimensional.
The return of Ndombele, in that regard, will offer another dimension to the midfield. His ability to drive forward could also combine well with the more composing presence of Harry Winks in central midfield. But most importantly, the ex-Lyon star can distribute possession much better than Sissoko or Dier, thus making Spurs more controlled during possession phases.
Significance of return: 10/10
Kyle Walker-Peters
Tottenham are in dire need of a right-back, and the return of Walker-Peters could be a massive boon for Pochettino. Indeed, the young defender was the club’s first-choice right-back following the departure of Kieran Trippier while Sessegnon was injured.
For the short term at least, Walker-Peters’ presence in the side could be invaluable as Spurs lock horns with Crystal Palace on Saturday. There were fears that Wilfried Zaha will take advantage of Davinson Sanchez’s vulnerability at right-back to open up spaces in the Tottenham backline. And Walker-Peters is likely to handle that pressure more calmly given the fact that he is a full-fledged fullback.
Significance of return: 9/10
Eric Dier
Dier’s return to the pitch might be insignificant, especially given the fact that Ndombele is also returning. The English international seems to have lost his place in the side, often being overlooked in favour of Sissoko, who has now become a key member of the Spurs midfield department.
He will, however, provide Pochettino with some much-needed depth in the midfield department. But, his lack of proficiency in passing coupled with the absence of mobility and pace makes it difficult for him to integrate to the Argentine’s tactical setup. It is likely that he is already behind Oliver Skipp and Sissoko in the pecking order.
Significance of return: 6/10
Ryan Sessegnon
Last but not least, Sessegnon’s return to full fitness is exciting news for Pochettino. As iterated earlier, the club has lacked reliable options, especially in the right-back slot. Sessegnon, in regard, could be an ideal player to fix that problem.
The former Fulham prodigy is capable of playing on both flanks as well as featuring in both attack and defensive roles. He can, therefore, provide competition not only to Walker-Peters but also Danny Rose and Ben Davies on the opposite flank. We expect the youngster to make a substitute appearance against Crystal Palace this weekend, provided he makes the squad.
Significance of return: 8/10
