Matt Doherty will miss the rest of the season after rupturing his MCL against Aston Villa, but what impact will the loss of the Irishman have on the remainder of Tottenham’s season?
It’s a testament to Doherty and his recent sensational form that we’re even discussing the implications of his absence. Kudos also goes out to Doherty for trying to play through what has since been defined as a rupture to his MCL.
Based on Doherty’s initial reaction after the heavy collision, you could tell something was wrong. But it felt like the injury, the way he battled through the following few minutes, wasn’t quite as serious as it has turned out to be.
You have to feel for Doherty, who had finally found the form he was playing with at Wolves when Spurs purchased him. He was one of Tottenham’s best players in recent weeks and losing him will certainly impact Spurs, but to what extent?
BREAKING: Tottenham's Matt Doherty is out for up to 12 weeks. pic.twitter.com/hmA0Gpe3Jb
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) April 11, 2022
What impact will Doherty’s absence have on Spurs?
Sergio Reguilon is healthy again, a saving grace in this otherwise difficult scenario. Reguilon played admirably off the bench in rather challenging circumstances on Saturday at Villa Park.
The Spaniard will be called upon incessantly for Spurs’ remaining seven matches. Let’s hope he’s physically prepared for what’s coming.
What’s more concerning is the prospect of having to rely on Emerson Royal to pick up his bootstraps and provide a like-for-like replacement for the injured Irishman. If we’re being kind, the Brazilian hasn’t exactly settled seamlessly into life in the Premier League.
He’s struggled mightily with consistency at times this season on both sides of the ball, but has shown recent signs of improvement, even scoring his first goal for Spurs a few weeks back against Newcastle.
Losing Doherty is unquestionably a detriment to Tottenham, even if Royal and Reguilon both play out of their skins. If anything happens to either wingback, Spurs are desperately devoid of viable options. Ryan Sessegnon is still out injured and his return date is unconfirmed.
Japhet Tanganga is out for the remainder of the season, leaving Spurs particularly short. If need be, Ben Davies can fill in, leaving either Davinson Sanchez or Joe Rodon to come in and replace him in the three-man backline.
Heaven forbid that possibility becomes reality. That unthinkable scenario could prove catastrophic.
Fingers crossed Spurs suffer no further injuries and both Royal and Reguilon play half as good as Doherty did before suffering the devastating injury setback.
Because as we’re all well aware, there is absolutely no margin for error if Spurs are to return to the Champions League for the first time since the 2019-2020 season.