In a fresh blow to Tottenham Hotspur’s ambitions, an “outstanding” player from their ranks has once again fallen victim to injury this weekend, compounding the club’s already challenging season under Ange Postecoglou.
Tottenham’s Injury Woes in 2023/24
The injury curse seems relentless for Spurs in Ange Postecoglou’s inaugural season, sidelining key figures and new signings alike. Notably, Micky van de Ven and James Maddison, two of the summer’s high-profile acquisitions, have been absent for significant stretches. Ryan Sessegnon and Manor Solomon have also spent extended periods on the treatment table.
Despite these setbacks, Postecoglou has managed to keep Tottenham in the hunt for a top-four Premier League finish. However, a 2-1 defeat to Wolves at home has left them trailing Aston Villa by two points.
As of the start of the year, Spurs had tallied 12 separate injury incidents, culminating in a staggering total of 625 days lost to injury. Now, it seems another player has been struck by misfortune.
Ryan Sessegnon’s Latest Injury
Ryan Sessegnon, who was hoping for a comeback, featured in Tottenham’s U21 squad against West Ham on Saturday. Unfortunately, his return was cut short after just 35 minutes on the pitch due to an injury sustained while making a run into the box, necessitating his early substitution. The incident was described as “heart-breaking news” by The Spurs Web’s commentators.
Since his transfer from Fulham in 2019, Sessegnon, capable of playing as a left-back, midfielder, or winger, has seen his promising career at Tottenham hindered by injuries. His maximum Premier League appearances in a season stand at 17, far from the expectations set upon his arrival.
Pundit Noel Whelan once praised Sessegnon as an “outstanding” talent and a “£50m player in the making” back in 2020, expectations that have since loomed large over his tenure at Spurs without full realization.
“He was probably the best player in the Championship a few years ago. He’s young and has time on his side. I expected him to make a quicker impact at Spurs, but you often get these teething troubles with young players, especially when they’re competing with top internationals,” Whelan remarked.
With less than 18 months left on his Tottenham contract, Sessegnon’s persistent injury issues might force the club’s hand into considering his sale this summer to recoup some investment.
