Wolves v Tottenham preview: Spurs boss facing defensive issues for Molineux clash
Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou is facing a defensive headache for his side’s clash at Wolves
Prior to Monday night’s match against Chelsea, Ange Postecoglou was already missing Ryan Sessegnon, Manor Solomon, and Ivan Perisic due to long-term injuries, but with that defeat, he had even more difficulty choosing his starting lineup.
Cristian Romero will miss the matches against Wolves, Villa, and Manchester City as he serves the first of a three-game suspension following his straight red card against Chelsea.
Alongside him, Destiny Udogie received two yellow cards on Monday; as a result, he will miss the trip to Molineux due to a one-game suspension.
Moreover, more injury worries make Spurs’ alternatives less viable.
It is quite doubtful that Micky van de Ven will play against Wolves after he pulled up against Chelsea with a hamstring strain and required assistance going off the field.
James Maddison had an ankle knock during the same game, so he is doubtful, but if it’s not a catastrophic injury, he could be able to play again soon.
Ben Davies missed Chelsea’s match due to an ankle injury he sustained against Crystal Palace, which is still bothering him.
Davies’ availability to play against Wolves is still unknown, but Spurs would gain from having him on the field because three of the starting back four on Monday night will be sidelined.
Furthermore, Richarlison disclosed that he would have surgery to treat a pelvic problem after “struggle[ing] for eight months.”
The Brazilian stated, “I think the time has come to rest, take a break,” which might suggest he would miss tomorrow’s game. However, he did not specify when the operation will take place.
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Tottenham fear will face a LONG time out with his ankle injury worse than expected
James Maddison’s ankle injury is worse than initially thought, and Tottenham is worried he may need a lengthy layoff.
Maddison was replaced during the first half of Tottenham’s Monday night loss to Chelsea; following the game, head coach Ange Postecoglou said that the player had an ankle injury.
The attacking midfielder seemed to ease concerns that he might miss a significant amount of time on the sidelines when he was included in the England team on Thursday.
Madison’s withdrawal from the international team to play Malta and North Macedonia, however, has raised questions about his fitness.
Additionally, Mail Sport has discovered that Spurs are quite concerned about Maddison’s extended absence given his rapid success since joining from Leicester.
When Postecoglou does his pre-match news conference ahead of the Wolves encounter this Saturday, questions regarding Maddison’s fitness will be raised.
However, the possibility of losing Maddison—who has grown to be such an important member of the team—will cause great stress behind closed doors.
Over the past three days, Maddison has had a number of tests to determine the extent of the injury to his ankle.
Gareth Southgate, the manager of England, stated on Thursday: “He seems positive.” Clearly, there is some room for uncertainty. However, I believe that since they had only reduced to 10 players at the time of the decision (to substitute him in the first half against Chelsea), the manager may have been thinking, “I have a player who might have a knock and we’re only down to 10 players anyway.”
However, Spurs confirmed this morning in a statement that James Maddison had been left out of the England team because of an ankle issue.
“The midfielder will stay at Hotspur Way for rehabilitation with the Club’s medical staff and will not play in the Three Lions’ UEFA EURO 2024 qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia.”
A developing injury issue has resulted in Richarlison being ruled out following pelvic surgery and star defender Micky van de Ven missing months of play due to a hamstring ailment. This raises questions about Maddison’s long-term health.
