Tottenham's season has been plagued by an alarming injury crisis, with several key players sidelined for extended periods.
While injuries are part and parcel of football, the sheer duration of some absences has sparked speculation among fans and pundits alike.
Ben Foster, the former Manchester United and Watford goalkeeper has offered a rather controversial take on Tottenham’s ongoing fitness woes.
His claim? Some players might be taking their time returning to action—not necessarily because they are injured, but because they prefer to stay out of the firing line.
It’s an explosive suggestion, one that questions the mentality of professional footballers.
Are Spurs players delaying their comeback?
Speaking on The Ben Foster Podcast, the retired shot-stopper didn’t hold back when discussing Tottenham’s injury situation.
He suggested that, in some cases, the problem isn’t purely physical but psychological.
"We spoke about it on the show a few weeks ago. A lot of injuries are in people’s heads as well, you know. So a few hiding, potentially," Foster claimed.
His argument is that some players may actually prefer to remain injured, as it removes them from the responsibility of being part of a struggling team.
“Without a doubt. Players want to be injured. Players prefer to be injured, because then they’re out of the firing line, and then it’s nothing to do with them."
Foster even recounted personal experiences from his career where teammates hesitated to return, despite medical scans showing no significant issues.
“Like, I’ve seen so many players that when we’re losing games week in, week out, I’m like, mate, are you going to be back soon or what? And he’s like, still feel it. I still feel it.
"And I was talking to the physio, and I’ll go, what’s the scan saying? The scan says it’s like fine, really. And I’ll go, is it in his head? And he’ll go, yeah, it’s in his head. Of course, it’s in his head."
A psychological or physical battle?
Tottenham’s injury list has been unusually lengthy this season, with several players missing for months rather than weeks.
Some of the biggest absences include key defensive figures, which has left Ange Postecoglou scrambling for options.
Statistically, Spurs players have logged some of the highest minutes in Europe since November, which could explain the high number of injuries.
Fatigue leads to a higher risk of muscular problems, and rushing back too soon can cause further complications.
Could Foster’s theory hold weight? While no player has publicly admitted to delaying their return, psychological barriers in injury recovery are well-documented in professional sport.
The fear of re-injury or the pressure of performing at peak levels could be contributing factors.
Ultimately, Tottenham’s fitness concerns remain a significant talking point. Whether Foster’s claims are justified or merely provocative, they certainly add another layer to the club’s ongoing struggles.