The mounting injury crisis at Tottenham Hotspur reached a new level this weekend, with Ange Postecoglou naming seven substitutes on the bench who had never started a Premier League game.
Tottenham’s clash with Fulham this weekend was always going to be a test of their resilience, but few could have predicted the sheer extent to which the squad would be stretched.
The absence of key players like Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven, both sidelined due to injuries, has left the defence in a fragile state, compounded by the extended absence of first-choice goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario.
The forward line has not been spared either, with Richarlison, Wilson Odobert, and promising youngster Mikey Moore all unavailable.
As if these setbacks were not enough, Tottenham were dealt another blow when Dominic Solanke, their primary attacking outlet, was ruled out due to illness.
Rodrigo Bentancur’s suspension only adds to their woes, leaving the Spurs side patched together with a mix of youth and necessity.
With injuries depleting the starting eleven, manager Ange Postecoglou had no choice but to turn to the club’s youth ranks to fill the bench.
This unprecedented situation highlights the thin margins the team is currently operating within, with little room for further setbacks.
For the first time this season, Tottenham’s bench featured seven players who had never started a Premier League match: Alfie Whiteman, Lucas Bergvall, Djed Spence, Archie Gray, Will Lankshear, George Olusesi, and Jaden Williams-Barnett.
The only two substitutes with prior Premier League experience were Dejan Kulusevski and Sergio Reguilón, the latter making his return after last playing for Spurs in April 2022.
This lack of top-flight experience speaks volumes about the challenges Postecoglou faces. The decision to include such a youthful bench was not one made lightly, but rather a necessity given the current injury crisis.
The growing injury list at Tottenham is a cause for concern not just in the short term but for the remainder of the season.
The strain on the fit players, who are being asked to play game after game with little rest, increases the likelihood of further injuries. This cycle of over-reliance and risk could see Spurs’ season unravel if steps are not taken to address the issue.
With the January transfer window fast approaching, there is an urgent need for Tottenham to bolster their squad. Reinforcements in defence, midfield, and attack are essential to provide cover and reduce the physical toll on the regular starters.
Failure to act in the transfer market could leave Spurs vulnerable, especially as they aim to finish in the top four of the Premier League table.
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