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Spurs have struggled with hamstring injuries recently and have lost another man

Postecoglou added that his side have been working hard to sign reinforcements

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Timo Werner is the latest Tottenham player to be ruled out by a hamstring injury.

Ange Postecoglou has ruled the Germany forward, on loan from Leipzig, out for up to four weeks after scans revealed the damage.

Werner's form has been poor, but his absence deprives the Spurs boss of options and flexibility from the bench, just when he thought his injury crisis was starting to ease.

Richarlison and Mikey Moore have returned to the first team in the last week and defender Ben Davies is expected to be back for the game at Everton on Sunday.

But Werner is now sidelined and Brennan Johnson doubtful for the trip to Merseyside after picking up a slight calf problem in the 2-1 defeat at Arsenal on Wednesday.

'He's had a scan and he's got a hamstring tweak, so probably three to four weeks,' said Postecoglou on Werner.

'Whilst we've had a lot of injuries, we've also asked a lot of players during this period, and we've had to try and find ways to manage how much they play so we don't lose anyone else.

'We've sort of half got away with it I hope but even for guys like Brennan, he picked up a tweak off the back of even him trying to manage his load over the last two months. It has been a big shift for the players in there.'

Hamstring injuries have proved a particular problem for Tottenham this season.

Micky van de Ven, Wilson Odobert and Destiny Udogie are all ruled out at the moment with hamstring injuries.

Cristian Romero, Rodrigo Bentancur and Guglielmo Vicario are also out and will miss the Everton game with other injuries.

Postecoglou signed goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky this month and says the club have been working hard to find further reinforcements.

'It is tricky as all clubs are finding,' said the Spurs boss. 'I guess traditionally it ramps up in that final week so we're approaching there for all clubs. It's even trickier in January because once you try to acquire a player, the club wants to replace that player. So there's all sorts of logistics involved.

'It's not frustration. It would be frustration and disappointment if the club weren't working hard, but they are. It's an easy word to say but I know how hard the club have been working behind the scenes to get something done, but it's not easy.

'You need agreement from three different parties. Sometimes, when you're in our situation, other clubs realise that and try to make the most of it. That's why I was delighted to get Toni in fairly early.

'That's helped us for sure, but it's not for the want of trying so I accept that and I'm not disappointed or frustrated. I'm actually pleased at how hard the club is working.'

Celtic have drafted former Tottenham manager David Pleat into their English scouting set up.

A former coach, director of football and consultant scout at Spurs, the North London club announced that the 80-year-old would be stepping back from his duties at the end of last season.

Credited with the signings of Dele Alli, Jan Vertonghen and Ben Davies, Pleat describes himself as a ‘football obsessive’.

And Celtic head of recruitment Paul Tisdale has offered the former Luton Town boss a 12-month deal to flag up any prospective signings, primarily south of the border.

A consultant scout at Spurs for 14 years, former Mail Sport columnist Pleat criticised Tottenham’s decision to cast aside his years of scouting experience in a recent interview.

‘I was called in and informed: “It’s all data driven now we don’t need eyes and ears”. What nonsense. Data is all well and good when it enhances eyes and ears, not replaces them. I didn’t argue.

‘Two or three people have spoken to me about things. We’ll see. But I’m not finished. How can I step away? When it comes to football, I’m afraid I’m a total obsessive.’

Arsenal came from behind to move into second place in the Premier League

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Arsenal came from behind to beat their north London rivals Tottenham 2-1 and move to within four points of league leaders Liverpool.

Son Heung-min stunned the Emirates by firing Spurs in front with the aid of a deflection, but Arsenal hit back with two goals in four minutes to take a lead into the break.

Gabriel's header deflected off Dominic Solanke to bring the Gunners level, before Leandro Trossard fired past Antonin Kinsky with his weaker left foot.

Arsenal had more chances to put the game to bed, but their profligacy in front of goal was an issue once more, which led to a nervy finish. But the Gunners managed to hang on for a crucial win.

So, who were the standout players at the Emirates, and who had a night to forget?

Mail Sport's ISAAN KHAN was on hand to cast his eye over both sets of players...

ARSENAL (4-3-3)

DAVID RAYA 6.5 - Composed on the ball as usual. Unlucky to be beaten by Son Heung-min, the ball deflecting off William Saliba’s leg.

JURRIEN TIMBER 6.5 - Eager to get forward and happy to progress the ball with Raheem Sterling often getting stuck with what to do.

WILLIAM SALIBA 6.5 - Turned his back on Son Heung-min’s strike, the ball deflecting off his leg and into the goal.

GABRIEL 8 - His header, which went in off Dominic Solanke, was a big goal. The Brazilian’s prowess from set-pieces coming to the fore for Arsenal once again.

MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY 7.5 - Didn’t wilt when pressured and made some strong forays into midfield. Another promising display.

MARTIN ODEGAARD 7 - Nice touches and silky play throughout. Didn’t get deterred by the early moments of profligacy from frontline.

THOMAS PARTEY 7 - His tackle lead to Arsenal’s second goal. Bit stodgy at times, but did break up play well.

DECLAN RICE 8.5 - An engine in the middle. Provided chances in attack and made important tackles. His corner for Gabriel’s header was right on the money.

RAHEEM STERLING 5 - Looked lost when he received the ball and kept looking for a sideways pass as a get out.

KAI HAVERTZ 6 - Involvement in Arsenal’s overall play was limited. But did well to intercept Antonin Kinsky a couple of times which set the tone.

LEANDRO TROSSARD 7.5 - Score a well-taken goal, following a run which left the opposition defence in his wake. Kept getting at Pedro Porro and that paid off.

SUBSTITUTES

Martinelli 6 (for Sterling 61min)

Tierney N/A (for Trossard 77)

Zinchenko N/A (for Lewis-Skelly 87)

Merino N/A (for Rice 87)

Manager

MIKEL ARTETA 6.5 - Badly needed a win after a recent torrid run — and crucially got it.

TOTTENHAM (4-3-3)

ANTONIN KINSKY 5 - What a difference a week makes. Last Wednesday he was lauded for his display vs Liverpool. This Wednesday he was expose. Should have done better for Trossard’s strike and disposed by Kai Havertz a couple of times.

PEDRO PORRO 5.5 - Beaten by Leandro Trossard a number of times. His opposite number enjoyed tormenting him.

RADU DRAGUSIN 5.5 - Made a decent block early on. But, crucially, outhustled by Gabriel for his header which got Arsenal back into the game.

ARCHIE GRAY 6.5 - Was harried by the opposition a number of times but kept calm in possession. Wise head on young shoulders.

DJED SPENCE 7 - Made life difficult for Raheem Sterling. Stayed in position and played a sublime in-step cross for Dominic Solanke.

YVES BISSOUMA 6 - Spurs needed more from him in the middle. Hooked at half-time.

PAPE SARR 6 - Some nice runs forward to break up play. His corner led to Spurs’ opening goal.

LUCAS BERGVALL 7 - Energetic and got properly stuck in. A talent who is growing and a strong sign in midfield for Spurs.

DEJAN KULUSEVSKI 6 - Good tracking back. Didn’t get the ball enough in final third to cause the damage he’s capable of.

DOMINIC SOLANKE 6 - Had a great chance early in the game snuffed out by Gabriel. Other than that, was quiet throughout.

SON HEUNG-MIN 6.5 - Scored with his first shot of the game, via a deflection, which gave Spurs the lead against the run of play.

SUBSTITUTES

Johnson 6 (for Sarr 46min)

Maddison 6 (for Bissouma 46)

Richarlison N/A (for Son 78)

Manager

ANGE POSTECOGLOU 6 - His team, despite their defiance in parts, were under the cosh from the beginning.

Referee: SIMON HOOPER - 6.5

EXCLUSIVEEddie Hearn reveals the two stadiums in contention to host Conor Benn's grudge match with Chris Eubank Jr after a two-year delay

Benn and Eubank Jr had initially been due to fight in October 2022

The fight was delayed over Benn's positive drug test, but he has been cleared

A hosting deal is expected to be struck in the next 48 hours over the stadium

Conor Benn’s belated fight with Chris Eubank Jr will take place at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium or Wembley, Eddie Hearn has revealed to Mail Sport.

Saudi powerbroker Turki Alalshikh confirmed on Wednesday that the pair have signed to meet in April, following a two-year delay to the original plans for an October 2022 showdown after Benn’s positive drugs tests.

With an announcement forthcoming on the venue, Hearn, who promotes Benn, told Mail Sport that the two options are the Spurs ground or the national stadium.

A hosting deal is expected to be struck in the next 48 hours, with the precise date believed to be April 26 in the event it goes to Tottenham.

Wembley would require a different weekend in order to avoid a clash with the FA Cup semi-finals.

Hearn said: ‘We are currently finalising all plans with His Excellency (Alalshikh). We are working through the details and will close with either Tottenham or Wembley.’

The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, which previously staged Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury fights, would be free on April 26 as Spurs are away at Liverpool.

In addition to the venue update, Hearn also stated his preference that the fight takes place with British Boxing Board of Control licenses.

Benn relinquished his at the height of the legal battles around his two failed drugs tests for clomifene in 2022.

He was eventually cleared in this country in November, when the National Anti-Doping Panel ruled it was ‘not comfortably satisfied’ a violation had been committed.

Benn has fought twice since the saga erupted, but not in Britain.

Juventus have agreed to sign Randal Kolo Muani on loan from PSG after agreeing to pay his salary in full.

Kolo Muani has been heavily linked with a move away from the French champions after falling out of favour under Luis Enrique.

Spurs held talks with PSG over a potential deal, with Ange Postecoglou looking to strengthen his frontline this month.

But the Premier League club are now set to miss out on one of their attacking targets as he prepares to move to France instead.

Kolo Muani was also offered to Arsenal, but his wages proved to be a stumbling block.

He reportedly earns around £200,000-a-week, and Juventus are willing to pay this to fix their problems in front of goal.

Juventus are unbeaten in Serie A this season, but have astonishingly drawn 13 of their 20 league games, leaving them 13 points adrift of leaders Napoli.

Kolo Muani will now be tasked with scoring the goals, alongside Dusan Vlahovic, to turn these draws into wins and lift Juventus up the table.

The 26-year-old - who is capable of playing out wide or up front - is arguably best known for missing a glorious chance to win the World Cup for France in 2022.

He was played through in the final minute of extra time against Argentina in the final, but his effort hit the leg of Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and stayed out. Argentina went on to win the subsequent penalty shootout.

The following year, Kolo Muani joined PSG for £79m from Eintracht Frankfurt.

His time at PSG has been largely disappointing, as he has scored just 11 goals in 54 appearances.

Tottenham's FA Cup third-round tie with Tamworth delayed due to a net issue

Tamworth players leapt into action to resolve the problem prior to the game

LISTEN to It's All Kicking Off! Why Manchester United may have to sell Kobbie Mainoo or Alejandro Garnacho

Kick-off for the FA Cup third round tie between Tottenham and Tamworth was delayed as players attempted to fix a problem with the goal netting.

Ange Postecoglou's side travelled to The Lamb Ground on Sunday with 96 league places separating them from their National League opposition.

Tamworth entered the game having never previously reached the fourth round of the competition, with their run to the third round matching their best-ever performance in the FA Cup.

With a dream fixture against Premier League giants awaiting them, the semi-professional players awaited one of the biggest games of their career.

That is until a hole was spotted in netting in the roof of the home side's goal.

As fans watched on from behind the goal and with a national TV audience tuning in, Tamworth players quickly leapt into action to resolve the issue.

Goalkeeper Jas Singh was the first to attempt to resolve the problem, but was unable to repair the gap in the netting.

He was then joined by forward Beck-Ray Enoru who clambered onto a team-mate's shoulders to reach the affected area.

While hoisted up by his team-mate, Enoru used a roll of tape to make the necessary repairs as the officials looked on.

In addition to turning out for the fifth-tier side, Enoru spends his weekdays working as a assistant at the clothing retailer Zara.

With the issue sufficiently resolved, the third-round fixture eventually got underway after a several-minute delay.

As Tamworth prepare to take on Premier League giants Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup third round, the gulf in footballing lifestyles couldn't be more pronounced.

On one side are millionaire internationals; on the other, part-timers juggling football with day jobs like bricklaying, zip selling, and financial advising.

Yet this team of non-league grafters believe they can give Spurs - whose squad is valued at a whopping £667million, with club captain Son Heung-min earning approximately £190,000 per week - an almighty shock when they meet at midday on Sunday.

Here, Mail Sport profiles the players, and the hard-grafting gaffer, looking to send shockwaves through football's oldest competition.

Andy Peaks: Tamworth manager / Teaching assistant

For Tamworth gaffer Andy Peaks, balancing work and football is a way of life.

He returned home at 2.30am that night had little time to savour the result as he was back in the classroom by 8:30am the following morning - business as usual.

That being said, the Tamworth boss is happy to forego sleep if it means his side get to progress in the competition and play teams like Tottenham - noting the stakes are even higher for him given he has family ties to Spurs.

His father-in-law is a Spurs-mad football fan, who goes by the name Tottenham Dave, while his step-daughter is also an avid follower of the north London club.

Jasbir Singh: Goalkeeper / Building surveyor

Shot-stopper Jasbir Singh, the penalty shootout hero at Hartlepool, is a building surveyor.

Last season, he set a club record with nine consecutive clean sheets and says he often gets stick from fans who think he looks like Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

'You hear all sorts,' Singh told Mail Sport. 'The individual voices take you by surprise. The best one was that I was the absolute spit of Rishi Sunak.

'I started getting that quite a lot when he was Prime Minister. I am a fair bit taller. And I haven't got the same money.'

Ben Milnes: Tamworth captain / Financial advisor

Tamworth captain Ben Milnes, who once came through the Leicester City academy alongside Jeff Schlupp, now works as a financial advisor.

The facilities on offer at Tamworth are a far cry from what Milnes was treated to when he was a youngster with the Foxes.

The home and away changing rooms at Tamworth's ground, The Lamb, has no central heating, just a small heater, while there is a serious lack of showers available.

'I'm guessing only a few showers will work in the away dressing room because only a few work in the home one,' quipped Milnes.

'Days like these are the rewards. We might not an opportunity like this again. We've got to make the most of it and enjoy it.'

Callum Cockerill-Mollett: Defender / Zip salesman

Cockerill-Mollett, a zip salesman, embodies the down-to-earth ethos of this squad.

Speaking to The Sun about his unconventional path, Cockerill-Mollett said: 'In my final season at Walsall there was a massive turnover of players and everyone who was out of contract was allowed to leave.

'I had some interest from other full-time clubs but most of them would have involved relocating to the other side of the country. When nothing concrete actually materialised I decided to turn part-time.

'So that summer I went in with my dad, Neil and started working full-time in his zip business. I'd spent time around the factory while I was playing so I had a rough idea of what the business was about.

'Footballers retire early and I knew I wouldn't go down the coaching route, so I always had the zip business in the back of my mind. Now I help my dad run the company.'

He finished by saying: 'You can't come in and buy one or two zips from us, we deal in hundreds or thousands at a time. Jacket zips, pocket zips, shoe zips, zips for jeans - you name it, we can produce it.'

Haydn Hollis: Defender / Academy coach

Of Tamworth's plucky squad, Hollis probably enjoyed the strongest footballing career, having played for a number of professional clubs starting with Notts County before dropping down to non-league level.

During his time with County, Hollis once marked Chelsea legend Didier Drogba during a friendly against Galatasaray. The defender will once again have to contend with world class opposition attempting to breach his team's backline on Sunday.

While juggling training with his teammates, Hollis also coaches and is currently Chesterfield's U18 coach.

Tom Tonks: Midfielder / Sandwich business owner

Tamworth have a few tricks up their sleeve in their effort to shock Spurs, and perhaps midfielder Tom Tonks possesses the greatest weapon of Peak's arsenal.

Tonks, a businessman who owns a sandwich firm in Bilston, also boasts an astonishing long throw that causes defences all manner of problems.

The long-running joke among the Tamworth playing group is that the midfielder was signed simply so that they no longer had to face the potent throw-in.

'It's a weapon and we'd be stupid not to use it,' goalkeeper Singh said.

'Whoever is in goal for them, I'm not sure it will be something they've had to deal with.

'I see goalkeepers come here and warm up, trying to emulate it, but it's just not the same with the trajectory of the ball and all the bodies around you, it's crazy really.'

When he's not launching missiles into opposing boxes, Tonks is up at the crack of dawn delivering sandwiches from his van.

'They'll all be getting recovery massages and rub downs and everything,' he told ITV News of Spurs' preparations for the tie. 'And yeah, I'm out here in the cold delivering food.'

Chris Wreh: Striker

There is FA Cup history running through the Wreh family, with striker Chris's father Christopher scoring the only goal for Arsenal in their semi-final win over Wolves on the Gunners' way to winning the competition in 1998.

'I was nearly two at the time,' Chris told Mail Sport in 2021, while playing for Banbury. 'I don't remember much but I've seen pictures of me with the players. My Mum has one of David Seaman holding me up on the bus parade and one of me with the Community Shield.

'I saw some of games later in Dad's career, I've seen the goals and people tell me about him, family members, uncles, and every now and then I bump into Arsenal fans who make the connection and know about him.

'It was a big deal for him to come from such a small place and play football for a club like Arsenal. He came at a time when there were a lot of big names but he tells me he didn't care about the big names because he came to create some history.'

Tottenham have placed a job advert for a new head of their medical department amid the club's ongoing injury crisis.

Ange Postecoglou's side are currently without eight first team players, with a number of key stars facing extended spells on the sidelines.

After being without defensive pairing Micky van de Ven and Christian Romero through injury, the pair returned for the club's clash with Chelsea last month only to both be forced off in the 4-3 defeat.

Meanwhile club No 1 Guglielmo Vicario has been out since November with an ankle injury and Dustin Udogie, Rodrigo Bentancur, and Richarlison are all also unavailable.

The setbacks reportedly led the club to launch a review of their medical department last month, with Postecoglou said to be frustrated by players breaking down after returning from the sidelines.

Following the review, Spurs advertised the role of head of the men's medical department on the business and employment social media site LinkedIn.

Key responsibilities listed include, 'acute intervention', 'rehabilitation', and 'injury prevention'.

The latter responsibility requires that the prospective candidate 'reduce the risk of injury occurrence within the 1st team; including the development of appropriate screening and injury prevention strategies.'

Qualifications required for the role include a physiotherapy degree with the Health and Care Professionals Council, a Masters degree in a relevant area and an 'extensive knowledge in injury prevention methods and recovery'.

Candidates are expected to be, 'champions a culture of high performance and success and commitment to equal' and have a 'pro-active and engaging style'.

A salary range for the role was not listed in the advert.

Tottenham had conducted a previous review into their medical department after the club were blighted by injuries in Postecoglou's debut season.

The review led to the departure of the club's head of medicine and sports science Geoff Scott.

Spurs appointed Brighton's Adam Brett as director of performance services, while former Wales and West Ham employee Nick Davies became head of sports science.

The club currently sit 12th in the Premier League table having won just one of their last eight league games.

Ahead of a Europa League clash with Rangers last month Postecoglou confirmed that club were looking into the issue of players suffering recurring injuries.

He said: 'I never think it's just bad luck. Some of it. I've never lost a goalkeeper for this period of time.

'Some of the other issues that we've had, but some of it is recurring, particularly this year in terms of guys coming back and re-injuring. It's something we're looking at.

'We're always trying to explore whether we can do things better. Last year was different to this year. Last year it hit us across the board. This year it's more guys that are coming back who are affected.

'Knock on wood, we've got a core group who are playing a lot and are getting through it ok. But it is something we are trying to address.'

Rodrigo Bentancur has been pictured back at home with his family after collapsing in worrying scenes during Tottenham's win against Liverpool on Wednesday night.

Bentancur fell to the ground unchallenged during the first half of the Carabao Cup semi-final tie at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and sustained concussion.

The 27-year-old received oxygen on the pitch and was treated by medical staff during an eight-minute stoppage, before being taken to hospital.

Uruguay international Bentancur will miss the next fortnight and three matches in total due to Spurs' need to adhere to the Premier League's strict concussion protocols.

He took to social media in the early hours of Thursday morning to reassure supporters concerned for his wellbeing, saying he was 'all good'.

Two days on from the incident, his fiancee Melany La Banca confirmed he was back at home and shared a touching family photo on her Instagram story.

WARNING: Distressing images below

In the picture, a smiling Bentancur can be seen kissing his daughter on the forehead.

The midfielder and La Banca first met in 2014 during his spell in Argentina at Boca Juniors and have been together since 2015. Their daughter is two years old.

Bentancur's expected return date is against Hoffenheim in the Europa League on January 23, meaning he will sit out against non-league Tamworth in the FA Cup on Sunday and Arsenal and Everton in the Premier League.

As revealed by Mail Sport earlier this week, Tottenham medical staff will make regular home checks on Bentancur over the coming days and he will not be permitted to return to the club's training base until he is given the green light.

'Good news, thankfully,' said Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou. 'He was in the hospital, obviously, and did all the tests in terms of just checking, making sure that everything was okay. He's back home, and he's fine.

'He's feeling good. We will obviously follow the protocols now. I think it's a couple of weeks where you've just got to make sure that everything's okay, but, thankfully, it looks like a concussion but nothing more than that.

'It was distressing, you saw especially Pedro [Porro], he was the first one there, and knew it was a distressing situation. I thought the lads handled it well and our medical team handled it well, and, as I say, thankfully all good.'

Bentancur has already missed eight games through suspension this season.

He will hit with a seven-game ban for making an alleged racial slur against Spurs captain Son Heung-min during a TV interview in Uruguay.

Bentancur also sat out Spurs' 2-1 defeat by Newcastle last weekend after picking up his fifth booking of the campaign the previous week.

Ange Postecoglou will take Tottenham to Tamworth confident no freakish surprises will lurk at The Lamb to eclipse the time he had to clear toads from a pitch in Fiji.

Postecoglou was South Melbourne boss, competing for a place at the Club World Championship in Brazil in 2000.

Manchester United had been granted permission to withdraw from the FA Cup to play in the same tournament, although their route to Rio de Janiero did not contain amphibious hazards.

'We were warming up and there were toads we had to remove which kept jumping on the pitch,' recalled the Spurs boss. 'At the time you're kind of going "Really?" But, when you realise there was a fair bit of money at stake and the opportunity to play at the Maracana against some of the best teams in the world, was quite extraordinary.

'Our president George Vasilopoulos had these worry beads and they got a working out that day, let me tell you. He kept thinking about our bank balance and seeing frogs and toads on the field. It's an experience.'

South Melbourne won through and Postecoglou is well versed in the underdog mentality which will fuel fifth-tier Tamworth when they entertain Tottenham in the FA Cup third round on Sunday.

'We ended up playing at the Maracana against the great Manchester United, who had won a treble, so there was a fair different between us,' said the Spurs boss. 'We lost 2-0 but gave a decent account of ourselves given the difference.

'On the day, some of my players, who were semi-pro but good footballers and probably played the best game of their lives that day. What we're going to face, is probably players hoping to play the best game of their lives on that day.

'That's what I love about the game. It allows people at all levels to dream and it's why the FA Cup is such a great competition. It allows every club, irrespective of level, to dream that the fairytale story could be theirs. I'm on the other side of the fence this time. I want to make sure that we show our capabilities as well.'

Postecoglou will rest players but intends to start with new £12.5million signing Antonin Kinsky in goal after his impressive debut in the Carabao Cup against Liverpool.

'The Czech league shut down in the middle of December,' he said. 'He hadn't played a competitive game in three weeks and he felt a bit rusty. It makes sense to give him another game and get him back in the group playing football.'

Rodrigo Bentancur, carried off with a head injury against Liverpool, will miss the next two weeks in line with concussion guidelines.

'He's had every check and everything was fine,' said Postecoglou. 'He will go through the protocols and we will make sure he is absolutely fine before he starts again.'