Pedro Porro has been a standout player for Tottenham Hotspur since he joined the club initially on loan from Sporting CP. From right-back, he has managed 11 goals, with 25 assists in 139 games for the club. This is a lot of matches, considering Porro has only been at the club since 2023.
The Spain international is rarely injured, but it appears Spurs' over-reliance on him is taking its toll. Porro posted on Instagram today, "Time to stop for a few days, I'll be back soon. Good luck tonight, team. Bring back the three points.
This is bad timing for Porro to have to miss a game as Spurs play Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League. Tottenaham need a win to ensure they progress automatically into the round of 16. However, a draw could be enough.
Porro came off at half-time in Spurs' 2-2 draw with Burnley in the Premier League last weekend. He was replaced by Destiny Udogie, who went to left-back with Djed Spence moving across to right-back. It helps that Spence is right-footed, although he is usually used at left-back.
Pedro Porro's situation has led to fan outrage
A lack of a natural replacement for Porro has left Tottenham supporters fuming. One fan posted on Reddit, "Ran into the f****** pavement because they didn’t want to buy a left back to cover Udogie for 2 years. If the senior leadership were players, they would’ve been sacked ages ago. Absolute gross mismanagement."
Much of the blame will always go on Daniel Levy. However, he is no longer the club's chairman.
Spurs were recently linked with bringing in Andy Robertson from Liverpool. That said, the full-back is now set to stay at Anfield.
It is unclear if Spurs will be able to bring in another full-back who is ready for first-team soccer this transfer window. They have signed Souza from Santos, but he is only 19 and considered one for the future.
Tottenham need to strengthen if they are to improve under Thomas Frank. Spurs are as low as 14th in the Premier League, and there is huge pressure on their manager. Success in the Champions League is biding Frank with time.
Despite being successful in Europe, Ange Postecoglou still lost his job with Spurs at the end of last season due to a poor domestic campaign. The same could be the case with Frank, especially with top coaches, including former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino, potentially being available after the World Cup.