Tottenham Hotspur have been handed a major blow with Rodrigo Bentancur set to miss the rest of the season with an ACL injury, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Uruguay international picked up the knock during Spurs’ 4-1 thumping against Leicester City at the King Power Stadium on Saturday after clashing with Nampalys Mendy.
Bentancur, who was Spurs’ best player on the pitch, went down in the second half and was replaced by Pape Matar Sarr in the 65th minute. He is expected to be sidelined for six to seven months.
Bentancur’s injury is a significant blow to Antonio Conte, who only returned to work on Thursday following an operation to remove his gallbladder.
Tottenham’s injury list continues to grow at an alarming rate, with first-choice goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, Ryan Sessegnon, and Yves Bissouma already sidelined.
Just two days earlier, Spurs had confirmed Bissouma would miss up to three months after a stress fracture to his left ankle required surgery.
There is no timeline for the return of the Ivory Coast international, leaving Conte incredibly short on midfield options.
Spurs will travel to Italy to take on reigning Serie A champions AC Milan on Tuesday night, with Oliver Skipp and Sarr the only viable midfield options for Conte. Pierre-Emile Hojberg is suspended for the tie.
The injuries could not have come at a worse time for Spurs, who are facing a battle to finish in the Premier League’s top four.
Having suffered a humiliating defeat to Brendan Rodgers’ Foxes, the Lilywhites are currently fifth on the log, two points behind Newcastle United, having played one more game.
Bentancur has been a pivotal part of Conte’s setup this season, making 18 league appearances and contributing five goals and two assists.
