Destiny Udogie is uncertain to play in Thursday’s Carabao Cup quarter-final against Manchester United, adding to Tottenham’s growing injury list. Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero will both be out until January.
Udogie had to leave the field during the first half of Sunday’s 5-0 victory at Southampton and was substituted by Pedro Porro, with Djed Spence moving to left-back for an impressive debut. Postecoglou provided an update, stating, “Destiny has no injury but is still sore from the game. We’re not ruling him out, but we’ll see how he feels with the quick turnaround.”
Van de Ven and Romero both sustained new injuries after returning for the 4-3 loss to Chelsea on December 8. Van de Ven aggravated his hamstring issue, while Romero suffered a quad injury. Postecoglou said of his main defensive duo, “I think both will return in the new year. Micky’s injury isn’t as serious as the last one, but the medical team will make sure he’s fully recovered.”
In more positive news, Mikey Moore has returned to training after illness, and Ben Davies (hamstring) should also be back soon. Postecoglou added, “Mikey is back, so he’s not far away. Ben and Mikey could be back next week, and Richarlison maybe in the first week of the new year.”
Rodrigo Bentancur remains suspended, but Spurs will have Yves Bissouma available after serving a one-match ban. Wilson Odobert (hamstring) and Guglielmo Vicario (foot) are also out.
Despite a difficult run of just two wins in the last nine matches, Postecoglou remains optimistic about Tottenham’s potential. He believes the team will improve once the injury list begins to clear. “I haven’t lost any resolve or optimism because I see plenty of growth in this group,” he said. “People may focus on our league position, but considering the injury challenges, we’re probably one result away from people thinking we’re doing well in the league.”
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