Destiny Udogie update: Not called up for Italy, but could feature vs Villa

Destiny Udogie was not called up by the Italian National Team for this international break. Italy head coach Luciano Spalletti said it was because Udogie was injured. The left-back featured in the starting XI for Tottenham’s game against Chelsea on November 6th, and following that he served a one-match ban after picking up a second yellow card in the 4-1 loss.

Udogie had been dealing with a small injury prior to the match against Chelsea. Ange Postecoglou said it was touch-and-go with the Italian before the Chelsea game, but it kept him out of the team against Crystal Palace on October 27. The Athletic’s Charlie Eccleshare says the club believes the hamstring knock is not serious, and Udogie will be ready when league play resumes on November 25th.

No international duty will definitely help Spurs fans breathe a sigh of relief. The squad’s current injury woes are well documented, and after the loss to Wolves this past weekend, they can’t wait to get more of the preferred starting XI back to full fitness.

The international break has been a source of ire for fans, as key players have been known to go down with knocks while playing for their country in the past.

Udogie will now use this two-week break to heal his hamstring injury. There’s little doubt Ange will want his first-choice left-back in the team sheet for the clash against Aston Villa on November 25. The Australian is seeking to right the ship after back-to-back losses.

Without James Maddison’s creativity through the middle, inverted full-backs feel like the best way to create chances in the box for Spurs’ attackers. Udogie’s dynamic runs and crossing were sorely missed against Wolves, as well as his recovery speed on defense. If Tottenham want to create more chances and hold their late leads, having Udogie back will be crucial.