Tottenham in ‘almost impossible’ situation after James Maddison injury
Spurs appear to be in serious danger due to their current injury list. Ange Postecoglou, the manager of Tottenham Hotspur, has a difficult challenge ahead of him in managing the injuries to Micky van de Ven and James Maddison during the vital winter season. The impact of the £74 million pair at Tottenham was abruptly curtailed by consecutive losses and player injuries.Journalist Dean Jones speculates that since Postecoglou is now up against a “almost impossible” challenge, he would need to modify his strategy.
Due to injuries to both James Maddison and Micky van de Ven, Tottenham Hotspur boss Ange Postecoglou faces a “nearly impossible” assignment ahead of a tough winter season, according to journalist Dean Jones.
Due to injuries to both James Maddison and Micky van de Ven, Tottenham Hotspur boss Ange Postecoglou faces a “nearly impossible” assignment ahead of a tough winter season, according to journalist Dean Jones.
In the summer, Maddison and van de Ven made their way to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Maddison signed a £40 million contract from Leicester City, while van de Ven signed a £34 million contract from Wolfsburg. With the north London team shooting to the top of the Premier League table, the £74 million pair made an immediate impression at the club and immediately won over the Spurs fans.
That, however, came crashing down as Spurs’ improbable title challenge was undermined by back-to-back losses, which also resulted in the injury withdrawal of several important players.
Pressure mounts on Postecoglou despite flying start
It’s hard to imagine a more ideal way for Postecoglou to begin the season. Tottenham had gone undefeated in their first ten games of the season; their two losses came on the opening day away to Brentford and during a mid-September trip to local rivals Arsenal. Apart from that, the Lilywhites had started the season with a bang, winning eight out of ten games.
After a miserable campaign the previous year, Postecoglou changed the atmosphere inside Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, inspiring dreams of a title push among the team’s supporters. The club had already had a crisis in the spring when temporary manager Cristian Stellini was fired before the summer, forcing Ryan Mason to finish the season in charge. Antonio Conte was also fired from his position as manager.
But even with the positive energy that permeated the NW1 terraces, there were several high-profile injuries to important players, including summer acquisitions Maddison and van de Ven.
Injury assessment not looking good for £74 million Tottenham duo
Last week, Postecoglou disclosed that the diagnosis was more serious than initially believed, adding to the agony around Maddison and van de Ven’s ailments. Reporters questioned the former Celtic manager about the issues facing the pair as well as fellow Spurs player Richarlison. He responded as follows:
Looking ahead to the New Year, Maddison, Van de Ven will be absent for several months; things have gotten far worse than we had anticipated. Most likely through the New Year. A month should pass before Richarlison returns.
With Spurs’ entire approach centred around getting the best out of Maddison and van de Ven, the fans were worried given how dependent they had been on those players early in the season. Additionally, there have been hints that Postecoglou may have to alter his strategy in the wake of these revelations in order for Tottenham to win some crucial matches.
| Tottenham Injuries | Expected Return Date (via SportsGambler) |
|---|---|
| Hugo Lloris | Late November |
| Ryan Sessegnon | Late November |
| Ivan Perisic | Early May |
| Manor Solomon | Early February |
| Richarlison | Late December |
| James Maddison | Mid-January |
| Micky van de Ven | Early January |
Dean Jones update – Tottenham injuries
Journalist Dean Jones acknowledged that the injuries to Maddison and van de Ven are a serious concern for Spurs in an interview with GIVEMESPORT after the team’s loss to Wolverhampton Wanderers last weekend. In addition to suggesting that a change in tactics could be required before their next games, the trustworthy source suggested that Harry Kane’s absence might be more felt during this time:
“I think it’s really difficult actually, to see them coping without them in terms of playing in the same style of football. I think that it’s almost impossible for them to do that.
“I thought that Tottenham did well at the weekend, given the circumstances that they were up against, and defensively, they almost held out. It’s Maddison, I think that it’s going to be the biggest loss here because you really can’t replicate what he was bringing to the team. And actually, this is probably the time when the loss of Harry Kane becomes felt even more. Because Kane obviously used to drop deep, and he used to open up opportunities for the forwards around them.”
Tough spell ahead for Spurs amid injury crisis
Tottenham is undoubtedly fortunate that the international break has arrived, as it ensures that players cannot sustain injuries while Spurs are losing. After two straight defeats, Postecoglou is probably glad for a little break, but the Australian-Greek manager will still be crossing his fingers that his international players return unscathed.
It’s a good thing they do, too, since Spurs come back from the international break with a few early holiday surprises. First up for the capital club is the formidable Aston Villa, followed by a trip to the Etihad Stadium to take on the reigning champions, Manchester City.
Spurs’ December schedule doesn’t get much easier, either, as Postecoglou’s rebuilt Tottenham club still has to play West Ham United and Newcastle United.
