Uruguay have an injury concern over Tottenham Hotspur’s Rodrigo Bentancur making it to Marcelo Bielsa’s squad for the World Cup.
The midfielder last made an appearance for Tottenham in their 3-2 league defeat to AFC Bournemouth on January 7th. He suffered a hamstring injury in the same tie, forcing him to go under the knife.
Bentancur has been on the sidelines since then, meaning he didn’t play under Igor Tudor, who replaced Thomas Frank in February.
Spurs endured a difficult spell under Tudor [one point in the league] and appointed Roberto De Zerbi as his successor earlier this week.
On March 13th, Sport Witness relayed news the Uruguay international was 15 days ahead in his rehabilitation. The same source indicated he could return to the pitch with Tottenham at the end of April.
Fresh injury concern for Tottenham and Uruguay
ESPN Deportes have a report on the players that Marcelo Bielsa could select for the World Cup.
A few have their place assured due to their status under the manager while some have to still fight.
Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde, Manchester United’s Manuel Ugarte, and Flamengo’s Giorgian De Arrascaeta are all untouchable in midfield. Flamengo’s Nicolás De La Cruz and Rodrigo Bentancur also have the same status.
However, the 28-year-old has been out of action due to an injury and is ‘doubtful for the World Cup’.
This indicates he wouldn’t be ready before the tournament kicks off in June, meaning he may not feature again for Tottenham Hotspur this season.
After the draw against Algeria on Tuesday, Bielsa spoke to reporters and Montevideo have relayed his comments. The manager insists his plans could change depending on the situation.
“Plans are one thing, and reality is another; sometimes they clash,” he said.
“Maximiliano Araújo hadn’t made his debut in three years, and those mentioned, like Ronald Araujo, Rodrigo Bentancur, Nicolás De la Cruz, and Darwin Núñez, are players who have faced different situations
“Bentancur suffered a long-term injury and is currently recovering. Darwin hasn’t played competitively for some time, and De la Cruz is a player who was crucial during Uruguay’s best period and is now trying to find his form and become a starter for Flamengo, which is what we want. Plans always have nuances that arise from reality.”
What next for Bentancur
Roberto De Zerbi’s immediate task is to help Tottenham Hotspur avoid relegation. He is unlikely to be able to rely upon Rodrigo Bentancur and the chances of utilising him this season now seems low.
The South American has played 2,072 minutes from 28 matches for the Premier League side this season. De Zerbi may well see a role for him next season, if that’s not one of the areas he wants to bring his own choice in.