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Tottenham Injury News Update: Midfield Woes

By Alexander Balano

Jul 27, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Tottenham Hotspur head coach Mauricio Pochettino speaks during an All-Star press conference at Grand Hyatt. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 27, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Tottenham Hotspur head coach Mauricio Pochettino speaks during an All-Star press conference at Grand Hyatt. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports /
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The injury bug has begun for Tottenham, can they recover in time?

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Looking ahead to Tottenham’s clash against FK Qarabag in the Europa League Group stage, and even further than that, facing Crystal Palace in the Premier League and Arsenal in the League Cup. Tottenham are dealing with nagging injuries to their midfield and will be in deep trouble for the next seven days as they look to scrape by three different competitions with some much needed points.

From Tottenham’s official Twitter account, Mauricio Pochettino discussed some injury news that will impact Spurs’ chances of winning their next three fixtures.

Because this will be Tottenham’s first match in the Europa League — and with injuries piling up — Mauricio Pochettino would be wise to rest his starters in favor of youth players who haven’t gotten much playing time this season. It should be expected that both Dele Alli and Eric Dier will be unavailable for selection as they must be rested for a big game versus Crystal Palace at White Hart Lane.

Clearly this is the time to use Harry Winks and Miloš Veljković as the double pivot. With Emmanuel Adebayor’s release, a roster spot is open, could the Serbian defender be deployed in the Europa League? A starting midfield trio behind Clinton N’Jie as the striker should see Alex Pritchard, Josh Onomah and Tom Carroll from left to right. The only problem with this lineup is none of these players have the strength to wrestle the ball away from their man if they’re caught in duels.

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If Pochettino is serious about trying to win the Europa League this year, to help boost their chances of securing an automatic qualification spot to the Champions League next season. It wouldn’t be surprising to see the Argentine coach continue to deploy Eric Dier as his holding mid and Dele Alli as the attacking midfielder, or both used as the double pivot following Ryan Mason’s injury.

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With Chrisitian Eriksen most likely being held out for another game, if Alli starts alongside Dier, Alex Pritchard or Josh Onomah could get the start.

However, risking full fitness with Tottenham’s starters (Alli and Dier) would be ill-advised as Crystal Palace who are currently 6th in the league table shouldn’t be taken lightly.

Another draw or loss could put more pressure on Spurs to go on a winning streak to secure a mid-table finish by the end of September. If players like Tom Carroll, Clinton N’Jie, Josh Onomah, Alex Pritchard and Miloš Veljković aren’t going to play this Thursday or even Wednesday against Arsenal. Then it’ll be interesting to see who Pochettino lines up in his starting eleven for two of these three matches.

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