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Tottenham’s current defensive woes have left fans clamouring for fresh options, and one name has emerged from the shadows: Alfie Dorrington.

The young academy prospect could be on the brink of a significant Premier League opportunity, a development driven by an injury crisis that has crippled Ange Postecoglou’s backline.

With uncertainty looming over Sunday’s clash against Wolves, Dorrington’s inclusion could be a necessity rather than a choice.

At just 19 years old, Dorrington has already caught the eye of Tottenham supporters, and his recent appearance on social media has sparked fresh speculation.

Could Alfie Dorrington be the answer to Tottenham’s defensive woes?

Tottenham’s defensive problems have reached alarming levels. Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven, who had only just returned from injuries, are sidelined again.

Ben Davies has suffered a setback in his recovery, and Radu Dragusin, a key figure in recent matches, sustained an ankle injury during the defeat to Nottingham Forest. This leaves Postecoglou with severely limited options for the upcoming fixture.

While Yves Bissouma and Archie Gray could be forced to play out of position as makeshift centre-backs, academy graduate Alfie Dorrington might be Tottenham’s best hope.

The young defender has been named on the bench in recent weeks and made a brief but solid appearance in Spurs' emphatic 5-0 victory over Southampton earlier this month.

Postecoglou has so far been cautious with Dorrington due to the teenager's injury history, but the current circumstances might compel the manager to hand him his first Premier League start.

Speaking about Dragusin's injury, Postecoglou remained noncommittal, saying, "He tweaked his ankle and felt like he couldn't continue, so we'll have to wait and see. We'll wait until he gets in today (Friday) and assess him from there."

A bubtle hint or mere coincidence?

Speculation about Dorrington’s involvement intensified after the youngster posted a video of himself getting a haircut on Instagram, a ritual many footballers follow before matches.

Although the post was later deleted, it has fueled rumours about his potential inclusion in Sunday’s squad.

For Tottenham, the possibility of seeing a homegrown talent take the field offers a glimmer of hope amid a turbulent season.

However, outlets like Daily Hotspur have reported today that the club does not actually plan to utilise Alfie Dorrington. Instead, Yves Bissouma has been training.

Whether Dorrington starts or not, his presence in the squad underscores the importance of nurturing young talent during times of crisis.

Tottenham’s journey this season has been anything but smooth.

Under the leadership of Ange Postecoglou, Spurs have showcased moments of dazzling attacking football, yet they find themselves grappling with a series of disappointing results.

While fans admire the Australian's commitment to his bold philosophy, questions are being raised about whether his approach is sustainable in the unforgiving Premier League.

The Boxing Day clash against Nottingham Forest was a stark reminder of Tottenham’s struggles. A narrow 1-0 loss marked their fourth defeat in eight matches, highlighting the inconsistency that has marred their campaign.

Despite flashes of brilliance earlier in the season, including a resounding 5-0 win against Southampton, the club now sits 12th in the league—a position unbefitting of their ambitions.

Former players and pundits are voicing their concerns, with one ex-Spurs star suggesting a radical shake-up might be needed to steer the team back on course.

Marco Silva tipped as potential new Tottenham boss

Former Tottenham midfielder Jamie O’Hara has not held back in his criticism of Postecoglou’s tactics.

Speaking on The Sports Bar, O’Hara lamented Spurs’ recent performances, pointing to their nine Premier League defeats this season as evidence of deeper issues within the team.

"We’ve actually fallen apart," O’Hara said. "Everyone is saying we’ve got injuries, and I get that, but if you look at our team today it’s not an injury-hit team. That’s not far off our best, apart from our centre-backs in Romero and Van de Ven."

O’Hara also criticised Tottenham’s defensive vulnerabilities, blaming Postecoglou’s stubbornness in sticking to his high-risk strategy.

"Carry on being stubborn and you’re going to get the sack, I don’t care how far you go. You can’t be 11th in the table," he warned.

O’Hara proposed a surprising solution: bringing in Marco Silva, Fulham’s disciplined and resourceful manager. "I’m starting to come around to the fact that we should nick Fulham’s manager Marco Silva. He’s good.

"They are organised, have a structure. They haven’t got world-beaters, but they have good players." O’Hara argued.

Is a managerial change needed at Tottenham?

Tottenham’s struggles highlight the tension between maintaining a long-term vision and delivering immediate results.

While Postecoglou’s attacking philosophy is refreshing, it has exposed defensive frailties, particularly with key players like Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven sidelined.

Despite the mounting criticism, Spurs have reaffirmed their commitment to Postecoglou, opting to prioritise stability over reactive changes.

However, with tough fixtures ahead, including a clash against Wolves, the pressure to deliver results is mounting.

This Sunday, the 29th of December, there is another full slate of fixtures across the Premier League – and the three tiers in the English Football League. As a result, there are games for a number of Tottenham Hotspur loanees. Let’s take a look at the forthcoming action.Â

How this Sunday's set of fixtures look for Tottenham loanees

In the Championship, there is action for Dane Scarlett’s Oxford United and Ashley Phillips’ Stoke City. To begin, Scarlett’s side will be looking to build on their first win since the 5th of November last time out, when they host Plymouth Argyle, in their second game under new manager Gary Rowett.Â

During the win over Cardiff City on Boxing Day, Scarlett remained an unused substitue. With the intense festive period schedule, he could be in line for a start - or at least significant minutes - in this one here.

Elsewhere, Phillips and his Stoke City side are in action at home to Sunderland. After their defeat at home to Leeds United last time out, the club sacked manager Narcis Pelach – and are now looking for their third manager of the season. This could be Phillips’ final, or penultimate game on loan for the Potters - with talk of a recall in January. Both games kick off at 15:00 GMT.Â

In League One, Josh Keeley, Jamie Donley, and Leyton Orient are looking to continue their superb form of late, as they host Cambridge United. In goal, Keeley has not conceded a goal since the 30th of November, whilst Donley has nailed down the number ten position. His sublime through ball lead to one of Orient’s goals last time out.Â

Meanwhile, Matthew Craig’s Barnsley side are on the road against Peterborough United. Due to a lack of game time in the last couple of months, there have been reports that the club are going to recall him in January – before sending him to another side on loan. Both games are 15:00 GMT kick offs.

Finally, in League Two, George Abbott and his Notts County side are in action away to Cheltenham Town. In their last outing, the young midfielder scored his first ever league goal, as he helped Notts to a big 2-0 victory on the road against MK Dons. Kick off here another15:00 GMT. Â

This is it for Spurs loanees this weekend, with both La Liga and the Belgian Pro Leagues currently partaking in their winter breaks.

Tottenham Hotspur’s injury-riddled backline has reportedly led them to explore reinforcements, with whispers of interest in Ben Godfrey gaining traction.

The former Everton defender, now playing for Atalanta, could offer the versatility Spurs desperately need as they navigate a challenging Premier League season.

Godfrey, who moved to Italy in the summer, hasn’t quite settled into his new surroundings.

Despite his adaptability across multiple defensive roles, his limited playing time has raised questions about his future with Atalanta. A January move to Tottenham could be the solution both parties need.

Ange Postecoglou eyes Atalanta's Ben Godfrey

Ben Godfrey joined Atalanta just months ago for £10 million, signing a contract that keeps him tied to the Serie A club until 2029.

However, the 25-year-old has only clocked 93 minutes across five appearances this season, suggesting he might be open to a move that guarantees more playing time.

Ange Postecoglou was asked about the rumours but remained cryptic, leaving fans speculating about what might come next.

According to TBR, Postecoglou stayed tight-lipped when quizzed about the potential signing. "Sorry? We’re starting naming players, are we? Let’s wait till after Christmas for that.” the Spurs boss quipped, before hinting at January reinforcements:

“Thanks, we’ll just see mate, I’m kind of hoping, I’ve been really good this year because I’ve got a fair Christmas list for Santa so we’ll see what I get.”

For Tottenham, Godfrey’s ability to cover all defensive positions—and even slot into holding midfield—makes him an appealing prospect.

With Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Ben Davies, and Destiny Udogie sidelined by injuries, Spurs find themselves lacking depth at the back. Godfrey could provide much-needed cover during a critical part of the season.

While Atalanta may not be keen to let go of a player they recently signed, a loan deal appears more realistic than a permanent transfer.

What can Ben Godfrey offer to Tottenham?

Godfrey’s versatility is his biggest asset. During his time at Everton, he played as a centre-back, full-back, and even a defensive midfielder, earning two England caps along the way.

Statistically, Godfrey’s aggressive style—averaging over 2.5 tackles per 90 minutes during his Premier League tenure—could complement Spurs’ defensive setup.

Moreover, his Premier League experience would ease his transition back to English football, potentially making him a short-term solution to Tottenham’s injury crisis.

With the Spurs prepare for a crucial January transfer window, securing a player like Godfrey could be key to maintaining their ambitions for the season.

As the new year approaches, Tottenham Hotspur finds itself facing a crucial crossroads.

One of their most important players, Heung-Min Son, is entering the final year of his contract, with no official renewal announcement yet.

The South Korean forward, who has been a key figure for Spurs since his arrival in 2015, is now in a position to negotiate with clubs outside of the Premier League starting from January 1st, 2025.

This looming uncertainty surrounding Son’s future has placed extra pressure on Tottenham, who must act quickly if they hope to avoid losing one of their most iconic players.

While rumours of a contract extension have circulated, nothing has been confirmed. With several top clubs in the Premier League and abroad likely watching closely, Spurs are at a critical juncture.

Heung-Min Son’s situation at Tottenham

Heung-Min Son is set to become a free agent in the summer of 2025 unless Tottenham secures a renewal soon.

The 32-year-old has been one of the Premier League’s standout players in recent years, and his departure would be a huge blow for Spurs.

Fabrizio Romano reported in November that Tottenham intended to activate a clause in Son’s current deal to extend his stay until 2026.

However, with less than a week until 2025, no official announcement has been made, leaving Son's future in limbo.

According to Mundo Deportivo, this issue isn't exclusive to Tottenham. Premier League rivals Liverpool and Manchester City are also dealing with similar contract situations for key players, with Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Kevin de Bruyne all nearing the end of their current deals.

These top players will also have the freedom to negotiate with foreign clubs starting in January, creating a highly competitive environment for their signatures.

Tottenham’s predicament is made all the more pressing due to the club’s current position in the Premier League and their ongoing search for consistency.

What will happen if Heung-Min Son leaves Tottenham

Losing a player of Son’s calibre could seriously hamper their chances of securing European football, further complicating matters for manager Ange Postecoglou.

While Tottenham’s hierarchy remains focused on resolving this issue, there is growing pressure to finalise a contract extension.

The clock is ticking, and as January 1st approaches, Spurs will need to act swiftly to ensure that Heung-min Son remains a part of their future.

Without his services, the club risks losing a key leader and playmaker—one who has consistently delivered on the pitch.

Ultimately, this situation underscores the challenges of modern football, where contract negotiations and potential player transfers can change the course of a season in the blink of an eye.

Tottenham Hotspur’s ongoing injury crisis continues to pose challenges for Ange Postecoglou’s side as they head into the latter part of the season.

With key players sidelined, Tottenham’s manager is doing all he can to keep the squad competitive. Mikey Moore and Richarlison are expected to return to first-team training next week, offering a glimmer of hope for Spurs fans as they navigate a difficult patch.

However, their absence has added pressure to an already thin squad, which has struggled with injuries all season.

The return of Moore and Richarlison is much-needed, with the duo nearing full fitness after injuries have kept them sidelined for a significant period.

Ange Postecoglou confirms when defenders will return to training

As quoted by Football London, Postecoglou confirmed that they would begin first-team training next week, just in time for the crucial period leading into the new year. However, Tottenham’s injury woes don’t stop there.

Key defenders like Ben Davies, Cristian Romero, and Micky van de Ven are still out, with the former suffering yet another setback during training.

This has left Tottenham’s defence weakened and without experienced senior centre-backs for the upcoming matches, particularly against Wolves.

The problem has been exacerbated by recurring injuries for players coming back from previous issues.

Postecoglou acknowledged that this has been a major concern, stating: "Yeah. That's been our major problem this year - guys who are coming back from injury rather than us losing players as such."

While the core group of players remains injury-free, the recurring setbacks for some key figures have put a strain on the squad's depth.

Tottenham’s packed fixture list is also a contributing factor, as the team has had little time to rest or recover properly.

This intense schedule has left many players struggling to regain full fitness, particularly as the season progresses.

Tottenham's manager expresses confidence

Postecoglou has been addressing these concerns head-on, stressing the need for greater attention to the medical and training processes at the club.

“So we're looking at those things and why they're happening,” he explained."It's certainly happened too often this year where guys have come back and they're the ones who are missing.

With Tottenham’s congested calendar, which includes Carabao Cup and Europa League fixtures, Postecoglou has called for either a change in the fixture schedule or larger squads to accommodate the increasing number of injuries across the league.

Despite these ongoing challenges, the boss remains optimistic. "We’re not that far off. A week ago I was sitting here after winning a Carabao Cup quarter-final and having beaten Southampton 5-0," Postecoglou reflected.

“I still think if you look at some of the teams four or five points above us in the league, I don’t think that’s going to stretch by any great lengths over the next period.”

Postecoglou’s confidence in his team is unwavering, and he believes that once Tottenham navigates these injury struggles, they will emerge stronger for it.

Tottenham’s season has taken a challenging turn with the unexpected injury of their star goalkeeper, Guglielmo Vicario.

The Italian international, who has been a standout performer since joining the squad, suffered an ankle injury in late November, leaving the team to navigate a tricky period without their first-choice shot-stopper.

As the team adapts to his absence, questions loom over how the club will maintain defensive stability. With key fixtures approaching, Tottenham must rely on their backup options while weighing their long-term plans.

Tottenham will not sign a goalkeeper in the January

Ange Postecoglou’s side has already faced significant hurdles this season, and the absence of Vicario adds another layer of complexity to their campaign.

Vicario’s injury, sustained during a clash against Manchester City, required surgery, and his recovery is expected to extend into early 2024.

In his place, 36-year-old Fraser Forster has been entrusted with the role of guarding the net. Forster, a seasoned veteran with nearly 500 career appearances, has displayed moments of brilliance.

However, his performances have not been without fault. During the Carabao Cup quarterfinal against Manchester United, Forster conceded two goals due to errors, nearly costing Tottenham their 3-0 lead. Despite this, Spurs managed a narrow 4-3 victory.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has weighed in on Tottenham’s goalkeeping situation, stating on the Men in Blazers podcast that the club is unlikely to pursue a new signing in January.

"To be fair, I was also asking the same question to my sources because I had the same doubts, but I’m told he’s being honest," said Romano. "I think Tottenham will not sign a goalkeeper in the January transfer window. That’s what I’m told."

What's next for Tottenham?

This decision underscores Tottenham’s faith in Forster’s ability to hold the fort until Vicario’s return, even as fans express concerns over his recent form.

Looking beyond the immediate crisis, Tottenham has reportedly set their sights on Brazilian goalkeeper John Victor from Botafogo.

The 24-year-old, known for his commanding presence and consistency, is seen as a potential long-term solution.

While Victor’s contract with Botafogo runs until 2027, speculation about his future has sparked rumours of a 2025 move to North London.

Now Tottenham must focus on stabilising their defence with Forster, hoping that Vicario’s return will restore confidence and form in a turbulent season.

Tottenham's defensive lineup has faced significant setbacks this season, and now Ben Davies adds to the list of concerns.

The Tottenham defender, known for his versatility and reliability, is grappling with a thigh injury that could see him sidelined for the rest of the year.

As the squad braces for upcoming fixtures, including a clash with Wolves, fans are left wondering when Davies will return to action.

Dr Brar suggests Ben Davies could return to training within two weeks

While the injury may not seem serious at first glance, the lack of clarity surrounding his recovery timeline has sparked speculation.

The club's cautious approach indicates a focus on long-term fitness rather than rushing him back into the lineup.

This latest setback may further strain Tottenham's defensive depth, but the New Year could bring better news for Davies and his teammates.

Ben Davies is expected to miss Tottenham’s upcoming fixture against Wolves due to a thigh injury.

Speaking exclusively with Tottenham News, Dr Rajpal Brar, a physical therapy and sports science expert, shed light on the situation, explaining that the injury’s severity could range from mild discomfort to something more significant.

“We haven’t had any updates other than Ange Postecoglou saying he will go in for a scan and he might be back sooner so I don’t put much into King’s comments,” Dr Brar told Tottenham News.

He elaborated on potential recovery scenarios, adding: "Best case would be a Grade 0 thigh injury, mere discomfort which is day to day and worst case is a Grade 3 rupture which is 10+ weeks depending on whether surgery is needed or not, but that does not seem to be the case.

“I’d still rule him out for the next one but he could be back in training in a week or two.“

Prioritising long-term fitness

Former Tottenham scout Bryan King suggested a longer absence of four to five weeks, but Dr Brar dismissed this as speculative.

Given Davies’s absence from training, it seems unlikely that he will feature in the Wolves match on 29 December.

The club’s cautious handling of his recovery reflects a broader focus on ensuring his fitness for the New Year. Tottenham faces a lot of injury challenges, and Davies’s return will undoubtedly bolster the squad.

The priority remains ensuring a seamless rehabilitation process without setbacks, enabling him to rejoin the team stronger than ever in 2024.

Tottenham Hotspur are facing a defensive dilemma as injuries plague their backline.

With the January transfer window fast approaching, whispers of interest in Milan Skriniar have caught the club's and fans' attention.

The Slovakian defender, currently at Paris Saint-Germain, could be the ideal solution to reinforce Spurs’ struggling defence.

Ange Postecoglou has been candid about the need for reinforcements, though he insists on a disciplined approach to transfers.

As Tottenham battle through a packed fixture schedule, speculation grows about whether Skriniar could make his way to North London.

With several Premier League and European giants also in the race, Spurs will have to act decisively if they are serious about landing the experienced centre-back.

Tottenham are currently without any fit senior centre-backs, with Radu Dragusin, Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero, and Ben Davies sidelined by injuries.

The situation has forced Postecoglou to make unconventional choices, including deploying midfielders like Yves Bissouma in defensive roles during matches.

The need for reinforcements is evident. Speaking about the club’s recruitment strategy, Postecoglou commented:

The need for reinforcements is evident. As quoted by Football London, speaking about the club’s recruitment strategy, Postecoglou commented: "There's certainly a need to reinforce if we can. Everyone knows January's not an easy time to do that.

"But the club's working hard behind the scenes to see what we can do to help players we've got at the moment who are giving everything in every game and dipping into every bit of energy they have to try to get us through."

How has Milan Skriniar fared this season?

Skriniar, a 29-year-old Slovakian international, has struggled for game time at PSG this season, making just five league appearances.

Despite his limited minutes, his reputation as a reliable and experienced defender remains intact. His contract runs until 2028, but frustrations over a lack of playing time could pave the way for a January exit.

Landing Skriniar will not be easy. Tottenham face stiff competition from Premier League rivals Newcastle, Arsenal, and Aston Villa.

Beyond England, clubs like Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, and Bayern Munich have also expressed interest. Even Saudi club Al Nassr, home to Cristiano Ronaldo, is reportedly in the mix.

Skriniar brings a wealth of experience, including Ligue 1, Coupe de France, and Trophee des Champions titles during his debut season at PSG.

His arrival would not only bolster Tottenham’s defence but also provide a stabilising presence in a squad stretched to its limits.

The coming weeks will reveal whether Tottenham can beat the competition and secure Skriniar’s signature.

Tottenham Hotspur have long been linked with a move for Marcus Rashford, the talented Manchester United forward.

The 27-year-old has reportedly expressed his desire to leave Old Trafford, sparking speculation about a potential move to North London.

However, while Spurs supporters have been vocal about their wish to see Rashford don the Lilywhite shirt, the reality of such a transfer happening seems increasingly unlikely.

Ange Postecoglou, the Spurs manager, has dampened hopes of a January move, suggesting that any potential signing of Rashford is far from feasible.

With financial barriers and wage demands proving to be significant hurdles, it looks like the deal might not materialise anytime soon.

Robinson made it clear that a move for Rashford is impossible

Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, former footballer and expert Paul Robinson made it clear that a move for Rashford would be near impossible for Tottenham, especially in the immediate future.

"It won’t happen – absolutely no chance," Robinson said. "He’ll cost far too much and his wages will be a huge problem."

Robinson acknowledges Rashford’s undeniable talent but highlights the complications surrounding his hefty contract with Manchester United.

"Marcus is 27 years old now, sat with a hefty contract, so it won’t be an easy deal for anyone to do." Robinson added.

While Rashford has expressed interest in seeking a new challenge, the high cost of securing such a player during the January transfer window makes it an improbable scenario for Spurs.

Despite the difficulties, Robinson does express his disappointment at seeing a player of Rashford's quality not playing regularly for Manchester United.

"From an England point of view, it’s a shame not to see him play every week because he’s a top-quality player," he remarked.

Is it possible to see Marcus Rashford at Tottenham?

However, the prospect of Tottenham splashing the cash to secure a deal seems unlikely, given the financial expectations that would come with the move.

While Rashford has long been considered one of the brightest talents in English football, his current situation at Manchester United, coupled with his high wage demands, makes him an unrealistic signing for Tottenham.

Daniel Levy, known for his financial caution, would likely hesitate to break the bank for a player with such a steep price tag.

Despite being a proven Premier League forward, Rashford’s possible move to Tottenham seems out of reach for now.

His performances, when at his best, make him a desirable player, but the financial implications are hard to ignore.

If Tottenham were to pursue such a deal, it would certainly have to be in the summer when the circumstances might be more favourable. For now, a January move remains highly unlikely.