Ahead of Friday night’s match away at Crystal Palace, Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou has given an update on his squad’s fitness.
In Monday’s win over Fulham, both Destiny Udogie and Pape Sarr were substituted early through fitness concerns.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Postecoglou addressed the fitness of both players while providing updates on the other injured members of his team.
Kick-off at Selhurst Park takes place at 8pm (BST).
Tottenham injury news ahead of Crystal Palace match:
Destiny Udogie
James Maddison doubled Spurs’ lead against Fulham less than 10 minutes into the second half on Monday night. Shortly after, Destiny Udogie, who has been one of the club’s star performers this season, was taken off by Postecoglou.
The Australian said that the left-back had been feeling “a bit of tiredness” at half-time.
When questioned on the Italian’s availability for the Lilywhites’ trip to south London, the manager explained: “We’re still going to have a look at it and assess (his fitness). Obviously it’s a short turnaround (from Monday) so we’ll see how he goes and make a decision (on match-day).”
Pape Sarr
Just minutes later, Pape Sarr, another Spurs player who has defied expectations this term, was forced off the pitch.
Postecoglou later confirmed that the midfielder had been ill prior to the match but was “really keen” to start.
“It was just fatigue in the end,” he explained, “Pape’s fine. He’s bounced back well, he’s trained well.”
The latest team news from Ange ahead of tomorrow's trip to Selhurst Park 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/whce2XRY3o
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) October 26, 2023
With Yves Bissouma returning from suspension against Palace, the north London side look set to have their first choice midfield pairing available again.
Ben Davies
Welsh defender Ben Davies missed the Fulham match altogether.
Postecoglou confirmed that the 30-year-old had “just a knock” and that he was available again for the Crystal Palace clash.
The former Celtic boss explained: “Unfortunately he copped a nasty one in training. But he’s training fine and ready to go.”
Ryan Sessegnon
Fellow left-back Ryan Sessegnon’s wretched luck with injuries has continued; the Englishman remains sidelined with a hamstring problem.
When asked to provide a time frame on his return, Postecoglou confirmed that Sessegnon’s injury was “long-term” and that there was “still a way to go.”
Postecoglou told the media: “It’s tough for him. He’s got a lot of support here, the medical team and sports science staff work hard with him and he’s still part of the team on a daily basis so we’ve got to get him back to a space where he’s ready to participate again.”
Rodrigo Bentancur
Having missed several months due to a knee injury, Rodrigo Bentancur is finally back in training for Tottenham.
Postecoglou said last week: “We’ve got to be careful with him. He’s looking good in training and we’re looking forward to having him back.”
It’s still too soon to entertain the thought of a return for the Uruguayan but the Lilywhites will certainly be excited after a training video emerged on Wednesday in which the midfielder scored a lovely goal.
The touch and finish from Lolo 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/MaQeG1LRF9
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) October 25, 2023
Ivan Perisic, Manor Solomon and Hugo Lloris
Elsewhere in the Spurs squad, Ivan Perisic and Manor Solomon are still nursing long-term knee injuries which will keep them out of action for a further few months. Hugo Lloris also remains sidelined.
