Serge Aurier injury highlights Tottenham’s problematic position

Serge Aurier, who, potentially by default, could end up as Tottenham’s first choice right back suffered yet another injury in the Africa Cup of Nations today. 

The Ivory Coast captain endured a disappointing, injury-filled season with Spurs in 2018-19, and it looks as though things are going to get drastically worse before they get better.

With Kieran Trippier touted for a summer exit to a suitor like Juventus, Aurier’s recent injury scare is gravely concerning for Tottenham, who can ill-afford, with their confounding lack of reinforcements, another first team injury.

The injury could, if diagnosed as yet another tear, cast a shadow over the start of Aurier’s 2018-19 Premier League season. Sure, we’ve still got about six weeks before Tottenham starts their campaign, but the repetitive nature of Aurier’s injuries should act as a stark warning for the club.

If this doesn’t light a fire under Daniel Levy’s belly, it’s hard to conceive what will. Ryan Sessegnon is being monitored by Spurs, but the Fulham teenager’s preferred position is on the left. Spurs are also reportedly interested in Marseille’s Hiroki Sakai, a sturdy, seasoned, reliable right back.

Tottenham, until they secure a Kieran Trippier replacement, are now ensnared in the unenviable position of having to hold on to the Bury Beckham. With Aurier’s latest injury scare, Tottenham can’t entertain the idea of selling their current first choice right back.

Can you imagine a scenario where Trippier is sold, Aurier is out indefinitely with a bum leg and no contingency is in place? Although that outcome is unthinkable, it isn’t, if Spurs aren’t extremely careful, inconceivable.

Juan Foyth and Kyle Walker-Peters are next in the pecking order; quite clearly neither player is ready to take on that mountainous responsibility.

Daniel Levy simply cannot rest on his laurels, as it’s no embellishment to suggest his club, at right back anyway, is in crisis mode.

There is another issue Aurier’s injury brings to the fore: Trippier, although his desire is to play elsewhere, might be forced to stay at Tottenham, a scenario that rarely ends well. Unless Levy gets his act together, and quickly, this grim situation could manifest and become reality.

And even if Aurier does recover fully before the start of the season, are we supposed to bank on a player whose legs are as reliable as a butter-based suntan lotion?

And if Trippier goes down with an injury, or if he goes through a spell of uninspiring, abject form like he did last season, what then?