Tottenham are now “fighting” to keep a star who is “eager to move on.”

The player is planning to leave in January.

Tottenham are now “battling” to keep a player who is “eager to move on,” as injuries highlight manager Ange Postecoglou‘s squad’s lack of depth.

Full Spurs injury list
Spurs‘ absentee list has grown so long in the previous 11 days that it has called into doubt their capacity to compete near the top of the Premier League standings. Manor Solomon, Ivan Perisic, Ryan Sessegnon, and young goalkeeper Alfie Whiteman were already on the treatment table when both Micky van de Ven and James Maddison were killed off.

Both players were pulled off in Tottenham‘s 4-1 loss to Chelsea the week before last, with Maddison sustaining ankle ligament damage and van de Ven suffering a catastrophic hamstring injury. At the heart of Tottenham’s defensive, the latter has forged an incredible relationship with Cristian Romero, and his pace is considered as crucial to Postecoglou’s high line. Meanwhile, Maddison’s ingenuity in midfield has been a godsend since joining from Leicester City for £40 million.

Tottenham‘s star two are scheduled to return in early 2024, by the time the January transfer market opens, but there is a strong case to be made that sports director Johan Lange has to provide the Spurs manager with extra alternatives in critical areas.

 

The Lilywhites may not be able to rely on their usual starting eleven all of the time as the season progresses. Indeed, when Postecoglou‘s preferred players are unavailable for selection, the Australian must have quality alternatives to choose from.

Tottenham are now “battling” to keep Hojbjerg.
Contrary to recent suggestions that Spurs are open to selling midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg in January, TEAMtalk now believes the north Londoners have reversed their mind.

According to the report, Tottenham is now “battling” to keep Hojbjerg in January, despite their severe lack of squad depth. Both Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr will be away for the Africa Cup of Nations early next year, leaving Postecogloiu with only Rodrigo Bentancur and Oliver Skipp as senior alternatives in midfield if Hojbjerg departs.

The Denmark international, on the other hand, is “eager to move on” after being used little before a slew of Tottenham injuries gave him greater playing time.

Postecoglou has described Hojbjerg as a “very important” player at Tottenham, calling him “sensational” by the press (Seb Stafford-Bloor).

“It is obvious someone that has played regularly would have wanted to play more but ultimately our performances have been strong and he has had to bide his time,” Postecoglou said on Hojbjerg in February.

“He’s also been crucial in many of the games that we’ve won late or had to shore up late.” He was one of the people that assisted us, and he did not participate insignificantly. He’s played a critical role for us.”