Tottenham Hotspur is preparing for an important Premier League match against London rivals West Ham. The team is eager to bounce back after a disappointing loss to Brighton, where they led 2-0 only to concede three goals in just 18 minutes during the second half. This defeat marked their third loss of the league season, breaking a streak of five consecutive victories in all competitions. The international break has provided manager Ange Postecoglou time to reflect on this setback, but unfortunately, many senior players have been unavailable for training during this period.
One player whose status remains uncertain is Lucas Bergvall. The Swedish winger had to withdraw from the national team for a Nations League match against Estonia due to a minor injury. The Swedish Football Association released a statement confirming that Bergvall returned to Tottenham earlier than planned for assessment ahead of the West Ham game. They indicated that he would not be able to participate in the match due to his injury and would need to continue his rehabilitation with the club. As of now, there is no timeline for his return, and the team will continue to monitor his condition.
Another player on the injury list is Richarlison. The Brazilian forward has been sidelined since sustaining a calf injury during training before Tottenham’s match against Newcastle last month. Postecoglou has asked the media to refrain from inquiring about Richarlison’s status until there are new updates. He noted that Richarlison is still “a fair way off” returning to action and has not yet rejoined first-team training. However, there have been recent developments, as Richarlison has been spotted training on the grass, suggesting that he may be closing in on a return to full training. While it is unlikely he will be ready for the West Ham match, he could potentially be available in the coming weeks, which would be a significant boost for the team’s attacking options.
Tottenham may also see the return of their captain, Heung-min Son. Son has missed the last three matches across all competitions due to a hamstring injury he sustained during a Europa League victory against Qarabag. To aid his recovery, he was not selected for South Korea’s World Cup qualification matches against Jordan and Iraq. This extra rest could enhance his chances of being fit for the clash against West Ham. The potential return date for Son is October 19, and his presence would be crucial for Spurs in this important London derby.
Another player recovering from injury is Wilson Odobert, a summer signing who suffered a hamstring issue in the Carabao Cup match against Coventry. Initially, he was expected to return by the end of October. However, reports suggest that he may be able to participate in training this week. If his rehabilitation progresses well, he could rejoin the matchday squad sooner than anticipated.
As Tottenham prepares for this weekend’s match against West Ham, the return of key players like Son and the potential return of Richarlison and Bergvall could significantly impact the team’s performance. The upcoming fixtures, including matches against AZ Alkmaar and Crystal Palace, as well as a Carabao Cup fourth-round tie against Manchester City, present a series of challenges. Each game will be crucial for Tottenham as they aim to climb the league standings and compete effectively across all competitions.
In summary, Tottenham is facing a critical moment in their season with injuries affecting several key players. The news about Bergvall and Richarlison leaves uncertainty about their immediate contributions, while Son’s potential return brings hope. With important matches on the horizon, the team will need to navigate these challenges and adapt accordingly. Fans will be eagerly watching to see who can return to the pitch and how their presence will influence the team’s performance moving forward.
