Ange Postecoglou faces yet another depleted Tottenham squad ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash against Manchester City. With key players sidelined by injuries, Rodrigo Bentancur became the latest casualty, succumbing to an ankle ligament injury during the Aston Villa defeat.
The absence of Pape Matar Sarr further compounds their woes, as Postecoglou hinted at Sarr’s ongoing recovery compared to Richarlison’s progress, revealing a potential return for the summer signing just before the Etihad Stadium showdown.
“Richy’s probably the closest… looking to get him involved in training, hopefully tomorrow,” shared Postecoglou. “He’s done his rehab well, feels good, and is next in line among the injured.”
However, Sarr seems to trail behind Richarlison’s recovery timeline, with Postecoglou expressing a potential return for both over the coming weeks, while the rest of the sidelined players might not feature until the new year.
Amidst these setbacks, the Tottenham squad for the Man City clash is poised to mirror the backline from the Aston Villa match. Postecoglou dismissed suggestions of changing the back four, emphasizing their defensive improvements despite aerial challenges. Expecting continuity, the lineup might see Guglielmo Vicario guarding the goal, flanked by Pedro Porro, Emerson Royal, Ben Davies, and Destiny Udogie in defense.
With Bentancur’s injury, Yves Bissouma is set to step into midfield alongside Giovani Lo Celso, backed by Dejan Kulusevski in the No.10 role. However, Postecoglou might consider bolstering the midfield by introducing Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg for Bryan Gil.
On the bench, limited options might force a selection of two goalkeepers, Brandon Austin and Fraser Forster, while defensive alternatives include Eric Dier and Alfie Dorrington. Oliver Skipp, Hojbjerg or Gil, Jamie Donley, and Alejo Veliz are poised to cover midfield and attack. There’s a possibility of Richarlison’s inclusion on the bench, depending on his Saturday training session.
In the event of Richarlison’s absence, academy prospects Max Robson, Jude Soonsup-Bell, and Tyrese Hall may emerge as potential considerations for Postecoglou.
Possible Tottenham starting XI and subs vs Man City
Tottenham XI: Vicario; Porro, Emerson, Davies. Udogie; Bissouma, Lo Celso, Kulusevski; Johnson, Son, Gil.
Subs: Forster, Austin, Dier, Dorrington, Hojbjerg, Skipp, Donley, Veliz, Richarlison.