Spurs loan watch: Club considering recalling defender

The current Tottenham Hotspur injury, and quite how brutal it is, has been well documented. Manager Ange Postecoglu described it as the worst he has experienced in his career by a “fair stretch”. This is from someone who has been managing since 1996, by the way. 28 years of management, and this is still the worst crisis he has seen.

We have seen Cristian Romero be ruled out for six weeks, whilst partner Micky van de Ven is set to miss the next two to three weeks. Just to cause further misery, usual deputy Ben Davies is also out injured, with no time frame given on his return yet.

Spurs are likely to play with a central defensive duo of Radu Dragusin and Archie Gray. There you have a natural centre-back, who has struggled in a number of games, at least this season, and has clear limitations on the ball. Next to him, an 18-year old midfielder, who is being tasked with playing just about everywhere other than his natural position.

Spurs considering recall of defender due to injury crisis

Owing to such a crisis, the club are reportedly considering recalling Ashley Phillips from his loan spell at Championship side Stoke City. After a slow start, due to injuries and a change of manager, Phillips has started all of the Potters last ten games, both in a back three and in a back four.

The feedback from Stoke fans has generally been positive. They do concede quite a few goals, but the consensus is this is due to the very open style of play, that often leads them exposed defensively, with their goalkeeper often being extremely busy. Well, at least he’s well equipped with what to expect, ahead of a potential return to the first team.  

The young centre-back is averaging 6.5 clearances per game, and wins over 2.5 aerial duels per game. He has shown promise on the ball, with a passing completion of 89%, despite Stoke often attacking in a direct style.

According to the report, despite the agreement being a season long loan, Spurs have a recall clause in the loan agreement, and can do so from January the 1st, should they want to. At the moment, it feels more and likely, given the sheer lack of numbers in that position. It would be a shame for his development to come back and sit on the bench, rather than playing every week at Stoke – but needs must. Plus, at this rate he could even get some minutes of his own.