Tottenham Hotspur are facing a selection crisis ahead of their Carabao Cup semi-final against Liverpool. Up to ten first-team players are currently unavailable due to injury and illness. Manager Ange Postecoglou confirmed that several players, including Radu Dragusin and Fraser Forster, were sidelined due to a sickness bug that swept through the squad.
Radu Dragusin lasted only the first half against Newcastle after suffering from the sickness bug. Postecoglou said Radu and Archie Gray literally got off sickbeds to play today and Radu was shattered at half-time. Fraser Forster is only a stand-in goalkeeper these days himself but was ruled out of the Newcastle game, having also caught the bug. Postecoglou revealed that Fraser, obviously he’s still bed-ridden and struggling with it, there’s a couple of others struggling.
Destiny Udogie was forced off against Wolves and is now facing up six weeks of action. Postecoglou confirmed before playing Newcastle that Destiny obviously with his hamstring looks around the six-week mark for him missing.
In a major boost for Spurs, Postecoglou has confirmed key defender Micky van de Ven is expected back towards the end of January. Postecoglou said Ben Davies, Micky van de Ven, Romero all around the same time, the back end of January they’re slated to return.
Cristian Romero is also tipped to return at the end of January.
A third defensive boost for Spurs is imminent, with Ben Davies seemingly set to come back towards the end of this month.
Tottenham have been without their first-choice goalkeeper for a number of weeks and will continue to be so for a little to come. Guglielmo Vicario underwent surgery on a fractured right ankle last month having played with the issue for an hour in a win over Manchester City, making his performance all the more impressive. Asked for an update last week, Postecoglou said It’s going well. Typical Vic. He’s pushing every boundary. He’s still a fair bit away, but whatever timeline it is he’ll make sure he’s back as soon as possible. He’s still very much around the group. You saw him last night. He’s at training every day. He’s one of the leaders, and he’s progressing well.
Mikey Moore hasn’t played since October but is expected back in the Spurs squad at some point this week. Postecoglou said at this stage, Richy and Mikey Moore are the two next cabs off the rank, hopefully next week at some point.
Richarlison is also expected to return to the Spurs squad imminently.
Summer signing Wilson Odobert is facing an extended spell on the sidelines after suffering a serious setback in his recovery from a hamstring injury. A club statement released on November 16 said We can confirm that Wilson Odobert underwent surgery to his right hamstring yesterday. The 19-year-old will continue to be closely monitored by our medical team to determine when he can return to training.
These injuries have significantly impacted Tottenham’s squad depth and will pose a significant challenge for Postecoglou as he prepares for the crucial two-legged tie against Liverpool.
