Some “sources” believe he’s ready to intervene.
Following the hamstring injury to defender Micky van de Ven, it has been reported that one Tottenham player is ready to fill in as a makeshift center-back.
Postecoglou’s Spurs injury woes
Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou had the best start of any new manager in Premier League history last week, but injuries and suspensions from their 4-1 loss to Chelsea have brought the Australian back to earth.
Destiny Udogie and Cristian Romero, two key players in Tottenham‘s early-season success, are now suspended, having received red cards on Monday, while James Maddison and van de Ven are both injured.
Spurs have officially confirmed that Maddison will undergo rehabilitation for an ankle injury, with the Lilywhites manager later revealing that his problem is worse than first thought and that he could be out until 2024.
Van de Ven, who hobbled off the pitch clutching his hamstring earlier this week, is also set to miss time. van de Ven will be out until January, causing Postecoglou to be without both of his star centre-backs against Wolves and later in the season. The pair join Ivan Perisic, Manor Solomon, Ryan Sessegnon, and Richarlison on the injured list, with the latter undergoing surgery for a pubic bone problem.
Hojbjerg is prepared to fill in as a makeshift centre back.
Postecoglou will have to be creative given his severe lack of depth at center-back, with the previously out-of-favor Eric Dier serving as his only senior option for the time being. Ashley Phillips, a summer signing, could also be called upon, with the youngster another candidate to fill in for van de Ven and Cristian Romero.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, who had only recently been given league minutes, had been linked with a move away in January but is now reportedly ready to contribute.
According to TEAMtalk, some “sources” believe Hojbjerg “will be up” to fill van de Ven’s vacated central defensive role. Hojbjerg was a regular under Antonio Conte, and WhoScored ranked him among Tottenham’s top tacklers and interceptors per 90 minutes in the final third.
Reporter Seb Stafford-Bloor has called Postecoglou “sensational” at times, and he has also called the former Southampton star a “very important” player, which may be more true now than ever.
“He has also been very important in a lot of the games that we’ve won late or had to shore up late,” Postecoglou said of Hojbjerg.
“He has been one of the people who has helped us, and he has not contributed in any way.” He’s played a critical role for us.
“We wouldn’t be in this position if we relied solely on our starting lineup.” We emphasise to all of the guys that just because you didn’t start doesn’t mean you won’t play. You’re still on the pitch at some point, and what you do with those minutes will help us succeed while also advancing your own cause.”
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