Kieran Trippier injury exposes flaw in Tottenham’s transfer strategy

Kieran Trippier hobbled out of Wembley fashioning a fitted air cast after suffering a lower leg injury against Juventus, highlighting a potentially fatal flaw in Spurs’ transfer methods.

Tottenham’s reluctance to buy reinforcements could cost the club dearly if Trippier’s injury is more serious than initially thought. Hopefully Trippier is wearing the air cast purely out of precaution, as the Lilywhites can ill-afford to lose their first-choice right back.

Armed with one of the best starting eleven’s in the Premier League, Tottenham – in a vacuum seal – wouldn’t have to concern themselves with shopping for players. But football is as far from a vacuum seal as it gets.

Injuries are an unavoidable part of the beautiful game. Just look at last season as Exhibit A. Spurs, at one point or another, were forced to play without Harry Kane, Victor Wanyama, Harry Winks, Toby Alderweireld, Jan Vertonghen, Hugo Lloris, Danny Rose and Mousa Dembele.

Am I missing anyone?

Spurs aren’t eradicating the injury bug any time soon, either.

Son Heung-Min suffered a broken arm which, although ahead of his recovery schedule, was originally expected to keep him out of the lineup for up to three months. Erik Lamela hasn’t played since the Cretaceous Period, or so it seems, while Danny Rose’s long-term absence adds to Pochettino’s current roster headache.

That headache, with the latest injury woes, could quickly escalate into a writhing migraine. Kyle Walker-Peters, Trippier’s 20-year-old understudy, is nowhere near ready to take on permanent first-team duties. That is by no means a slight on Walker-Peters, who has about the same first-team experience as Donald Trump does in the political arena.

I am not suggesting Spurs jeopardize their team chemistry by splashing out on bundles of new personnel. A new addition or two would suffice.

I realise that buying a player isn’t as straightforward as going down to the off-licence and picking your favourite nightcap.

But it is naive to presume Tottenham can challenge for the Premier League and Champions League titles without adding experience and depth.

As an ambitious club, Daniel Levy will know this. There is no failsafe, no contingency in place and that lack of foresight might ultimately cost Spurs that ever-elusive Premier League crown.

Fatigue, even if Tottenham’s starters miraculously avoid the injury bug, will play a factor during the gruelling winter months.

Hopefully Trippier recovers in time for Newcastle, or, at the very worst, is ready for Chelsea in two weeks.

Next: Tottenham display class in 2-0 win over Juventus

But even if he does recover in time, what’s to say this type of injury conundrum won’t rear its ugly ahead again? History tends to repeat itself, especially during a season that could – with favourable results – exceed 60 games.

Time, to add necessary depth, isn’t on Tottenham’s side. But Spurs have faced tougher battles and prevailed, so there’s no reason to think the resilient Lilywhites can’t overcome the ever-growing odds once more.