Rodrigo Bentancur receives an update from Ange Postecoglou regarding Tottenham’s double injury blow against Aston Villa.
Spurs injury update: Ange Postecoglou is dealing with yet another major issue following Rodrigo Bentancur’s forced departure.
Things became worse before the half, with the team already finding it difficult to produce a lineup that was recognised due to a number of problems throughout the roster. Not even 30 minutes into his first game back in more than a month, key midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur was substituted out.
During the international break, the Uruguayan international made two appearances for his country in South America. Four days later, he played the most of a victory against Bolivia after starting the game off the bench against Argentina in the second half of a contentious match.
He had also provided a spark in Spurs’ explosive opening period, helping them create chances at will and take a 1-0 lead. However, his afternoon was cut short as he was taken to the ground and treated following a late Matty Cash tackle. The Villa defender was met with fierce opposition from the home crowd, who began to jeer him whenever they had the chance.
Before attempting to continue, Bentancur received medical assistance on the pitch, although he was only able to endure a minute. And with that, he was lifted off and trudged off the pitch. Postecoglou had already been forced to operate with a patchwork team that day, so this comes as a significant blow.
Postecoglou provided an update on the former Juventus player following the game, saying, “Yeah, not sure.” It’s probably his ankle. The tackle wasn’t very well.
“He seemed to start the game so brilliantly, and I believe that’s why we were able to take a strong lead early on. He plays with such originality. Another injury is the last thing we need. We’re still not sure how much it will hurt, but we’re really sad to lose him.”
He continued: “We’ll get Biss [Yves Bissouma] back for next week but we might have lost Bentancur.” Manor Solomon, Micky van de Ven, Ivan Perisic, James Maddison, and Postecoglou are already without them—at least until the new year.
This season, Ryan Sessegnon has yet to participate, and Ashley Phillips and Richarlison were also absent from the match. Yves Bissouma and Cristian Romero were both given match suspensions.
Shortly after, as Pedro Porro stumbled while attempting to stop a Villa onslaught, things almost got out of control. It took him some time to return to his feet after getting grabbed on the ankle in a 50-50. Even though he played the entire game, the Spaniard was unable to prevent Spurs from suffering their third straight defeat.
Giovani Lo Celso had put the home team ahead, but Pau Torres levelled the score immediately before halftime with a strong header. The situation was reversed by Ollie Watkins halfway through the second half, as Tottenham was unable to get past Emiliano Martinez in the Villa goal. After Pape Matar Sarr was also ruled out of the game, Postecoglou has a lot to think about.
