Tottenham Hotspur is currently facing a major setback with the news that their central defender, Kevin Danso, is likely to be sidelined for a period of time following a muscle injury sustained during the team’s 2-2 draw with Bournemouth in March 2025. This injury comes at a crucial point in the season, further intensifying the challenges that manager Ange Postecoglou has had to navigate with his squad. Danso’s potential absence not only raises questions about Tottenham’s immediate defensive options but also shines a light on the team’s longer-term needs, both in terms of player fitness and potential transfers.
Kevin Danso joined Tottenham Hotspur in the winter transfer window of 2025, coming from French club Lens on loan with the obligation to buy in the summer. His move was largely driven by Tottenham’s dire need for defensive reinforcement after a string of injuries to key players. The club’s defensive depth had been tested throughout the season, with key figures such as Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, and Ben Davies all spending significant time on the treatment table.
Danso, a 26-year-old Austrian international, was seen as a solution to the defensive crisis, providing depth and stability in the backline. Since his arrival, Danso quickly became a fixture in Postecoglou’s first XI. His versatility and physicality allowed him to step into the team immediately, and his calm composure under pressure was invaluable during a difficult stretch for the club.
As injuries to key defenders mounted, Danso found himself playing nearly every minute in the Premier League, Europa League, and other competitions. This kind of consistent involvement is rare for players arriving mid-season, especially when they are brought in as cover. However, Danso’s ability to adapt to Tottenham’s system and play a key role in the defensive setup was one of the few bright spots in a season marred by injuries.
The recent injury to Danso during the Bournemouth match has put a considerable dent in Tottenham’s defensive plans. In the final moments of the 2-2 draw, Danso appeared to be in discomfort. After the final whistle, he was seen heading straight down the tunnel, accompanied by medical staff, while holding his right hamstring. This injury has raised concerns about his availability for the upcoming fixtures, especially with the team still competing in both the Premier League and the Europa League.
For Tottenham, injuries have been a recurring issue throughout the season, particularly in their central defense. Romero, van de Ven, and Davies have all been sidelined at various points, forcing Postecoglou to make tactical adjustments and rely on younger players or less experienced defenders. While players like Archie Gray have stepped up admirably, the absence of a fully fit and experienced center-back like Danso would certainly be felt.
The timing of the injury could be particularly frustrating for Tottenham, as the international break is just around the corner. This brief hiatus in club football could provide some breathing room for recovery. Nonetheless, Tottenham must find a way to cover for Danso’s absence in the short term, especially as the team faces crucial matches in both domestic and European competitions.
Tottenham’s injury woes have been a constant theme throughout the 2024-2025 season. The club has struggled with a string of injuries to key players, particularly in defense. The absence of Cristian Romero, one of the club’s most reliable defenders, was felt throughout the first half of the season. Romero, who had been instrumental in Tottenham’s defense in previous seasons, suffered a lengthy injury that forced Postecoglou to adjust his defensive setup. His absence left a void in the center of defense that was hard to fill.
Similarly, Micky van de Ven, a highly regarded defender brought in to bolster the backline, has also spent significant time on the sidelines due to injury. Van de Ven’s presence was seen as key to Tottenham’s defensive cohesion, and his injury left a gap in the team’s defensive stability. Ben Davies, too, has been struggling with injuries and has had limited appearances in the first team.
In light of these injuries, the importance of players like Danso became clear. With his arrival, Tottenham was able to fill the void left by Romero and van de Ven and stabilize the defense. However, as his own injury now takes him out of the equation, Postecoglou is faced with the daunting task of managing an ever-decreasing pool of available defenders.
While the returns of Romero and van de Ven to the squad are welcomed, the absence of Danso leaves the team with one less reliable option. Fortunately, Ben Davies is back in training, which offers some relief. Still, the lack of consistent fitness from several key players raises questions about the long-term sustainability of Tottenham’s defensive line.
Ange Postecoglou, who took over as Tottenham’s head coach in 2024, has had to navigate a season filled with adversity and injuries. His defensive strategy has been tested multiple times, and with the current injury to Danso, Postecoglou must adapt once again. While the manager has made great strides in other areas, such as improving Tottenham’s attacking play, the team’s defensive stability has remained an ongoing issue.
Despite the injury setbacks, Postecoglou has managed to keep the team competitive. His tactical approach focuses on a fluid, attacking style of football, but the foundation of any successful team starts with a solid defense. Tottenham’s inability to keep a fully fit backline throughout the season has led to lapses in concentration and vulnerability at the back.
With the return of key players like Romero and van de Ven, Postecoglou has some defensive depth to work with, but the lack of consistency in player fitness makes it difficult to build a stable back four. The coach will likely have to rotate his defenders carefully, making the most of the available talent while mitigating the risks associated with player injuries.
Furthermore, the injury to Danso presents an opportunity for Postecoglou to experiment with different defensive combinations. The manager may opt for a more defensive-minded formation to shore up the backline or explore new tactical approaches to make up for the absence of Danso’s physical presence.
While the immediate challenge for Tottenham is navigating their defensive issues for the remainder of the season, there is also the looming question of how the club will address their long-term defensive needs. Given the injury history of several key defenders, there is a growing consensus that Tottenham must reinforce their backline during the upcoming summer transfer window.
The club has already been linked with several defensive options, and one player who stands out is AFC Bournemouth’s young defender, Dean Huijsen. Huijsen, who has been a standout performer for Bournemouth, has a £50 million release clause in his contract. While the price tag may seem steep for a player who would likely serve as a backup, the potential benefits of securing a young, talented defender with room to grow are undeniable.
Huijsen’s potential to develop into one of the top defenders in the Premier League makes him an attractive option for Tottenham. He could provide valuable depth to the squad while learning from experienced players like Romero and van de Ven. In an injury-prone squad, having a reliable backup centre-back who can step into the team when needed is crucial for long-term success.
The signing of Huijsen would also allow Postecoglou to rotate his defensive options more effectively, reducing the risk of burnout or further injuries to his first-choice defenders. Moreover, a player like Huijsen could help Tottenham maintain a high level of defensive performance across all competitions, which would be vital as the team competes on multiple fronts
As the March international break approaches, Tottenham will have a brief period of rest, which could prove vital for the recovery of their injured players. The break gives the club’s medical staff a chance to reassess their injury list and provide targeted rehabilitation to players like Danso, Romero, and van de Ven.
While international breaks can sometimes disrupt team momentum, they also offer a much-needed opportunity for players to recover and regain their fitness. In Danso’s case, the break could provide him with the time needed to heal from his muscle injury. However, Postecoglou will be hoping that the recovery period for Danso, as well as the other injured players, will be effective enough to ensure they return to action as soon as possible.
The remainder of the 2024-2025 season will be a crucial test for Tottenham Hotspur, especially in terms of how they handle their defensive issues. The injury to Kevin Danso has certainly complicated matters, but the team is not without options. The returns of key defenders like Romero and van de Ven offer hope that the team can regain some defensive stability. However, Tottenham must continue to manage their injury concerns and ensure that they have adequate squad depth moving forward.
The upcoming summer transfer window will likely be a pivotal moment for Tottenham. If the club hopes to compete at the highest level, especially for titles, they will need to address the issue of defensive depth. A signing like Dean Huijsen could provide the team with much-needed cover, allowing Tottenham to better cope with the demands of a long and grueling season.
Ultimately, the combination of a healthy squad, effective tactical planning, and smart transfers will determine whether Tottenham can remain competitive in both the Premier League and European competitions. While Danso’s injury is a setback, it also serves as a reminder of the importance of squad depth and planning for the future.
Tottenham Hotspur’s defensive strategy will need to evolve, but with Postecoglou at the helm, the club will look to find solutions and continue their push for success in the years ahead.
