After a cracking start to the new Premier League season under new manager Ange Postecoglou, injuries have decimated Tottenham Hotspur’s squad over the past weeks, leaving them with a fight to salvage their season.
Following consecutive losses to Chelsea and Wolverhampton Wanderers, Spurs have dropped from first to fourth in the table as injuries threaten to ravage their promising campaign.
Postecoglou’s side lost to Chelsea earlier this month in a match that brought multiple casualties as James Maddison and Micky van de Ven came off with injuries that will rule them out till 2024.
Richarlison also underwent surgery and is still recovering, while influential defender Cristian Romero is serving a suspension for his red card in the Chelsea clash,
The latest addition to their already worrying injury list is young midfielder Pape Matar Sarr. The young Senegalese sensation leaves a massive void in the centre of the park in his absence.
Postecoglou announced that the 21-year-old could miss the visit of high-flying Aston Villa this Sunday. Defender Ashley Phillips is also out for around a month to add to their woes.
How can Spurs cope without rejuvenated Pape Matar Sarr?
Matar Sarr has been a key figure for Postecoglou this term after struggling last season, featuring in all 12 of their Premier League games.
The former Metz star has bagged a goal and an assist while recovering the ball 5.6 times per game. He has also recorded 1.3 tackles and 0.7 interceptions per 90 in the league.
Postecoglou, who has been handling the injuries like a big boy rather than spitting his dummy out, could turn to Danish midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg to fill the hole in the squad.
The manager wanted to sell Hojbjerg this summer. But Maddison’s injury forced the Australian to turn to him for their last Premier League clash against Wolverhampton Wanderers, and he looks set to keep his place.
With Hojbjerg dropping deep into the pivot to partner Yves Bissouma, there might be a first league start for Rodrigo Bentancur, who has returned from a long-term injury and made a few substitute appearances to get up to speed.
In the face of mounting challenges, Tottenham must dust themselves off and refocus for the journey ahead. Spurs can turn the tide and salvage their season with strategic adjustments and a collective spirit.
