Sports Mole

Preview: Liverpool vs Tottenham Hotspur

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Preview: Liverpool vs Tottenham Hotspur - prediction, team news, lineups - Sports Mole
Description

The fixture that holds special places in Liverpool hearts after the events of 2024-25, the Reds do battle Tottenham Hotspur in Sunday's Premier League showdown at Anfield.

The hosts' 5-1 win in this game last season confirmed their status as Premier League champions, and an identical outcome is not beyond the realm of possibility while Spurs sink to even lower lows.

Match preview

On April 27, 2025, a merciless Liverpool put five goals past a sorry Spurs side to win English title number 20, Premier League title number two, and Premier League title number one with fans present inside Anfield.

There will be no repeat of the iconic trophy lifts for the Merseyside giants this time around, though, and just when Arne Slot's side were getting back on track in the Champions League race, melancholy was the order of the day at Molineux.

Three straight league wins over Sunderland, Nottingham Forest and West Ham United preceded Liverpool's trip to Wolverhampton Wanderers on March 3, when Andre's last-gasp, deflected winner triggered West Midlands mayhem and left the Reds three points off the top four in the Premier League table.

Slot's side exacted revenge in the FA Cup three days later, but the Dutchman's future inevitably came under the spotlight again when his side were slain 1-0 by Galatasaray in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie, making it two losses from three games in all tournaments.

Defeat on Sunday would mark Liverpool's 10th of the Premier League season - not since 2015-16 have they hit double figures in terms of top-flight losses - but it is not outlandish to suggest that Tottenham at home is the friendliest fixture any team can hope for right now.

The statistics back up that suggestion; Tottenham are in the worst form of any Premier League team over the past six gameweeks - taking just one point from a possible 18 - and disaster continues to follow them everywhere they go.

Igor Tudor was instilled as the firefighter who could carry his Spurs players out of the burning building, but his fire hose is running on empty, and increasingly disgruntled members of the Lilywhites faithful would be glad to see the back of him.

Just when Tottenham's season seemingly could not hit a lower ebb, the events of Tuesday night occurred; five goals conceded, 17 nightmarish minutes for Antonin Kinsky, and surely a one-way ticket to Champions League elimination.

The 16th-placed Lilywhites are only one point better off than West Ham United and Nottingham Forest in the relegation dogfight, but thanks to their superior goal difference - and the fact that the Irons face Manchester City - they should not end the weekend in the bottom three.

However, that will still come as little comfort to the travelling supporters, whose side have also lost 12 of their last 16 Premier League matches against Liverpool - whether a 13th from 17 will be enough to hand Tudor his P45 remains to be seen.

Liverpool Premier League form:

Liverpool form (all competitions):

Tottenham Hotspur Premier League form:

Tottenham Hotspur form (all competitions):

Team News

Liverpool travelled to Turkey in midweek without the services of number one goalkeeper Alisson Becker due to a muscle injury, but Slot is hopeful that the Brazilian will be fit for the visit of Spurs.

Fringe attacker Federico Chiesa is also expected to be available again following an illness, but Giovanni Leoni (knee), Conor Bradley (knee), Wataru Endo (ankle) and Alexander Isak (leg) remain in the infirmary.

With only three days to recuperate before hosting Galatasaray in their UCL second leg, a couple of changes are surely inbound from the Liverpool boss, who may even consider demoting Florian Wirtz as a precaution following his recent back issue.

In keeping with the theme of Tottenham's torrid season, even more selection concerns have arisen for Tudor, who will firstly be without Micky van de Ven due to suspension following his red card against Crystal Palace two Thursdays ago.

Cristian Romero and Joao Palhinha are also absent after a nasty clash of heads on Tuesday night, while Yves Bissouma (unspecified) is definitely out, Destiny Udogie (thigh) will not be ready yet, and Conor Gallagher (illness) is touch-and-go.

Long-term absentees Lucas Bergvall (ankle), Ben Davies (ankle), Mohammed Kudus (thigh), Rodrigo Bentancur (thigh), Dejan Kulusevski (knee), James Maddison (knee) and Wilson Odobert (knee) are no closer to returning, so Tottenham could be missing as many as 13 players for their visit to the champions.

Liverpool possible starting lineup:

Mamardashvili; Frimpong, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Jones; Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Ekitike

Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup:

Vicario; Porro, Danso, Dragusin, Spence; Gray, Sarr; Tel, Simons, Richarlison; Solanke

We say: Liverpool 3-1 Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham's hierarchy and available players have not helped themselves along the way, but the Lilywhites have faced an injury crisis of untold proportions throughout the season, and their stretched squad will almost certainly fall short again.

Some may simply be wondering how many Liverpool will put past their beleaguered visitors, and we expect the Reds to hit the Lilywhites for three this time around.

Source

Tottenham could be without 13 players for Liverpool clash as Igor Tudor issues grim injury update

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Tottenham could be without 13 players for Liverpool clash as Igor Tudor issues grim injury update - Sports Mole
Description

Tottenham Hotspur could be missing as many as 13 players for Sunday's Premier League showdown with champions Liverpool following the latest grim team news update from Igor Tudor.

The Lilywhites make the journey to Anfield aiming to avoid a sorry seventh defeat on the spin across all competitions; their current six-game losing run is already their worst in history.

Tudor became the first Spurs boss to oversee four losses in his first game in charge on Tuesday night, when his side capitulated in a 5-2 defeat to Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie, and the contest was also costly on the fitness front.

Cristian Romero and Joao Palhinha both had to come off late on following a nasty clash of heads, and Tudor confirmed at his pre-game press conference that neither man would be able to face Arne Slot's side.

In addition, Yves Bissouma (unspecified) and Conor Gallagher (illness) are fresh concerns, but there is optimism that the latter will overcome his affliction in time for the trip to Merseyside.

The 13 players Tottenham could be missing for Liverpool game

Tudor - who is also missing Micky van de Ven through suspension - told the press: "No Romero and Palhinha out. Micky is out. Bissouma has a problem and Conor has a fever but we hope he will be ok. Always something happen. Very rare and I've never seen this in my career."

In brighter news, Destiny Udogie is closing in on a return from a thigh injury, but this weekend's game may still come too soon for the Italy international, who should at least be back for Nottingham Forest on March 22.

As well as Gallagher, Bissouma, Van de Ven, Palhinha, Romero and Udogie, Spurs are also without seven long-term absentees in James Maddison, Wilson Odobert, Dejan Kulusevski (all knee), Lucas Bergvall, Ben Davies (both ankle), Rodrigo Bentancur and Mohammed Kudus (both thigh).

The under-pressure Tudor can - and will - at least make one unenforced change in goal, having confirmed that Guglielmo Vicario will replace Antonin Kinsky in between the posts.

Kinsky - who is celebrating his 23rd birthday today - was substituted after just 17 minutes on Tuesday following two catastrophic errors, and the Czech shot-stopper is being tipped for a loan exit in January.

How can injury-hit Tottenham line up against Liverpool?

With no Davies, no Romero, no Van de Ven and no Palhinha, Tudor would seemingly have to stray away from his favoured three-at-the-back system, but the Croatian is not without emergency alternatives.

Radu Dragusin and Kevin Danso are guarantees in defence, and any of Djed Spence - whose place on the left could be covered by Souza - Pedro Porro or Archie Gray could also occupy a spot in a back three.

However, Gray may be needed in central midfield alongside Pape Sarr if Gallagher cannot overcome his illness, while Richarlison and Dominic Solanke have surely played their way into attacking starts after registering direct goal involvements in the Spanish capital.

Randal Kolo Muani is surely at risk of the axe in that case, leaving Tudor with a Xavi Simons vs. Mathys Tel dilemma to solve up front as Tottenham chase their first Premier League win of 2026.

Source

Tottenham manager latest: ENIC face huge dilemma as Igor Tudor replacement wanted by three teams

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Tottenham manager latest: ENIC face huge dilemma as Igor Tudor replacement wanted by three teams - Sports Mole
Description

Tottenham Hotspur’s turbulent season continues to create fresh uncertainty around the club’s managerial situation as pressure continues to mount on interim boss Igor Tudor.

After another difficult run of results, questions are once again being asked about the long-term direction of the club and whether the current leadership in the dugout can stabilise things.

Adding further intrigue to the situation is the growing interest in a former Spurs favourite who is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after coaches in European football.

Tottenham manager target Robbie Keane eyed by three teams

Robbie Keane has emerged as a managerial target for multiple clubs ahead of the summer, with the Lilywhites among those keeping a close eye on the situation.

The former Spurs striker is currently enjoying success with Ferencvarosi TC, where his attacking style and ability to deliver results have enhanced his reputation in managerial circles.

However, Tottenham are not alone in their admiration.

Premier League rivals Crystal Palace and Scottish giants Celtic are also believed to be interested in appointing Keane as they plan for next season, creating a potential three-way battle for his services, according to TEAMtalk.

What is the latest on the future of Igor Tudor at Spurs?

The interest in Keane comes at a difficult time for Tudor, as since taking over from Thomas Frank, the Croatian has endured a disastrous start with four defeats from his first four matches.

Those results have intensified criticism from supporters and raised serious doubts within the club hierarchy about whether he is the right man to lead the team moving forward.

For now, Spurs have resisted the urge to make another immediate change, but the atmosphere around the club has become increasingly tense as performances continue to decline.

Will Spurs sack Igor Tudor before the end of the season?

At the moment, owners ENIC are expected to give Tudor at least one more opportunity to turn things around, but the pressure is undeniably building.

A heavy defeat against Liverpool this weekend could prove a defining moment in determining his future.

If results fail to improve quickly, the club may feel they have little choice but to act before the season concludes.

With alternatives like Keane already attracting interest elsewhere, Spurs risk being forced into a decision sooner rather than later.

Source

Liverpool facing serious Alisson transfer dilemma as Arne Slot gives triple fitness update before Tottenham

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Liverpool facing serious Alisson transfer dilemma as Arne Slot gives triple fitness update before Tottenham - Sports Mole
Description

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot is keeping his fingers crossed that both Alisson Becker and Federico Chiesa will be fit for Sunday's Premier League showdown with Tottenham Hotspur.

Neither the Brazilian goalkeeper nor Italian attacker were fit to face Galatasaray in Tuesday's Champions League last-16 showdown, as the Reds fell to another 1-0 defeat to the Turkish giants at Rams Park.

Mario Lemina's goal made the difference against Slot's side, who had previously suffered a 1-0 loss to Galatasaray in the league phase in September and are now under pressure to turn the tie around next week on home soil.

In between those two legs, Liverpool host a relegation-threatened Spurs side, whose last visit to Anfield came on the day that the Reds secured the 2024-25 Premier League title last April.

Speaking to the media ahead of the game, Slot provided some more detail on Alisson's injury, explaining that the South American had felt a tweak after passing the ball and should "definitely" be fit for the second leg with Galatasaray if not Spurs.

Arne Slot gives triple Liverpool fitness update before Tottenham

"He's been with the physios and in rehab until now," Slot said. "We are training today as you know, so let's see if he can join the team session. That is something I expect, but not 100% sure because I haven't spoken to him or the medical staff.

"I'm hopeful but that's not to say I'm 100% sure. He felt something when he passed the ball in one of his muscles, but after we checked it was so minor we think it doesn't have to take very long.

"But as always games follow up so fast that he has to miss Galatasaray, and hopefully he's available for Sunday. If not I'm expecting definitely against Galatasaray [second leg]."

Furthermore, the Dutchman is also optimistic of having Chiesa back in the squad for the visit of Tottenham, adding: "I expect he feels better now, he felt unwell the day before the game. I think he's able to train with us again."

Slot was also quizzed on Alexander Isak's recovery from a serious leg injury, but he had little to add on the Swede, responding: "With the rehab team still, not with the team."

Is Alisson Becker's Liverpool career winding down?

Few can question that Alisson has cemented his place in the all-time Premier League goalkeeping greats, but in recent times, injuries have been plaguing the 33-year-old shot-stopper.

Alisson missed a handful of games earlier this season with a hamstring problem, and he was also absent for 25 matches in the 2024-25 campaign as a result of three separate thigh injuries.

The Brazilian could easily compete at the top level for another five seasons or so, but he is only contracted to Liverpool until the end of the 2026-27 season, and whether he will sign a new deal is the topic of much uncertainty.

Number two Giorgi Mamardashvili is now 25 years old and at the point where regular football is becoming a necessity, which will not be possible while Alisson is fully fit and in form.

The South American's latest issue may have been minor, but his persistent muscular problems are becoming difficult to ignore, and a parting of the ways this summer may be on the cards if the powers-that-be harbour serious concerns about his fitness record.

Source

Igor Tudor under pressure: Sean Dyche's 'stance' on Tottenham Hotspur survival mission made known

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Igor Tudor under pressure: Sean Dyche's 'stance' on Tottenham Hotspur survival mission made known - Sports Mole
Description

Sean Dyche reportedly would be hesitant to take over at Tottenham Hotspur on a purely short-term basis.

Spurs are facing the very real prospect of a historic relegation from the Premier League following a catastrophic run of results.

Interim boss Igor Tudor has failed to record a single point since taking charge several weeks ago, and the club are now winless in 11 league matches.

The North London side currently sit 16th in the Premier League table, just one point above the bottom three, with only nine games remaining to secure their top-flight status.

Thus, senior figures at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium are reportedly evaluating their options as pressure mounts to dismiss the Croatian manager immediately.

Dyche 'reluctant' to accept short-term Tottenham SOS call

According to talkSPORT, Dyche would not be keen to join the North Londoners until the end of the season.

The former Burnley and Everton manager is understood to be a primary candidate for the role should the hierarchy decide to axe Tudor following his nightmare start.

However, Dyche is reportedly seeking a commitment that extends beyond the current campaign before agreeing to lead a survival mission.

The English manager's reported stance mirrors the approach he took when joining Spurs' relegation rivals Nottingham Forest earlier this season.

Relegation battle forces Spurs to consider club legends

Hiring a manager like Dyche would represent a stark admission from the board that survival is now the only priority.

Should a deal with the firefighter specialist fail to materialise, the club may look toward familiar faces such as Ryan Mason or Robbie Keane.

Keane has impressed while in charge of Hungarian side Ferencvaros and is viewed as a candidate who could potentially unite a fractured dressing room.

The situation is further complicated by reports that Tudor has already alienated several first-team stars with his uncompromising hard-line approach.

Source

Premier League relegation battle: Igor Tudor slammed as Tottenham Hotspur fears grow

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Premier League relegation battle: Igor Tudor slammed as Tottenham Hotspur fears grow - Sports Mole
Description

Gary Neville has described the situation at Tottenham Hotspur as a "car crash" following Igor Tudor's controversial decision-making in Madrid.

Spurs' season has descended into further chaos following a humiliating 5-2 defeat to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday night.

Apart from needing a roaring turnaround in North London next week, the Lilywhites are currently enduring a historic slump that has seen them plummet toward the Premier League relegation zone after five consecutive losses in the league and six in all competitions.

Interim head coach Igor Tudor has suffered defeat in all four matches managed since replacing Thomas Frank, leading to intense scrutiny over his suitability for the role.

With the club winless in 11 league matches, the hierarchy are facing significant pressure to act before their top-flight status is compromised beyond repair.

Neville brands Tudor's brief Spurs tenure a "shambles"

Neville has commented on the situation at the club, criticising the interim head coach's decisions and inability to change the mood at the capital club.

Tudor handed 22-year-old goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky his Champions League debut in place of Guglielmo Vicario, only to haul him off after 17 minutes with the side 3-0 down.

“I thought the whole thing of the last few weeks and then that, the whole thing is just a car crash, a shambles," said Neville on The Overlap’s Stick to Football podcast.

“The problem I had was Tudor’s interview. I think he’s got to come in there and say, ‘Look, I got this wrong, I should have left (Guglielmo) Vicario in net’, but he didn’t, he doubled down.”

The retired Man Utd right-back believes the club must make another managerial change immediately to have any hope of avoiding a shock drop to the Championship.

Igor Tudor future: Relegation fears mount for Spurs amid defensive disarray

Whether the North London club will sanction a second interim appointment this season is unclear as the threat of relegation becomes a genuine reality.

Spurs are currently languishing in 16th place in the Premier League table, just one point above the bottom three and have one of the poorest defensive records in the division over the last month.

The reported unhappiness within the dressing room regarding Tudor's abrasive methods suggests that the belief required for a survival scrap is currently absent.

If the board decides to move the Croatian on, they may turn to experienced heads like Harry Redknapp or Sean Dyche to provide the tactical stability needed for the final nine games.

Source

Liverpool injury, suspension list and return dates vs. Tottenham Hotspur: Alisson Becker, Alexander Isak latest

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Liverpool injury, suspension list and return dates vs. Tottenham Hotspur: Alisson Becker, Alexander Isak latest - Sports Mole
Description

Hoping to find respite after a difficult Champions League outing, Premier League champions Liverpool will welcome relegation-threatened Tottenham Hotspur to Anfield on Sunday.

Arne Slot's Reds were downed 1-0 by Galatasaray on Tuesday, starting strongly before conceding an early goal from former Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Mario Lemina.

More positively, Florian Wirtz returned to the starting lineup in that defeat after recovering from a back injury, though Alisson Becker missed the game due to a minor issue he developed in training.

Read on as Sports Mole rounds up Liverpool's latest injury and suspension news ahead of their Premier League clash with Tottenham on Sunday.

GIOVANNI LEONI

Status: Out

Type of injury: ACL

Possible return date: Unknown

Liverpool had high hopes for Giovanni Leoni when they signed the centre-back from Parma in the summer, but he was unfortunate enough to suffer a season-ending anterior cruciate ligament injury on his debut in September.

However, the 19-year-old will be raring to go in 2026-27, hoping to make his mark at Anfield alongside fellow young defender Jeremy Jacquet.

WATARU ENDO

Status: Out

Type of injury: Ankle / Foot

Possible return date: Unknown

Versatile defensive midfielder Wataru Endo was given a rare start against Sunderland on February 11, but he was stretchered off in the second half after a serious ankle and foot injury.

The Japan captain is unlikely to feature for the Reds again in 2025-26, though Slot has mentioned that "The plan is for him to be ready in time for the World Cup."

ALEXANDER ISAK

Status: Out

Type of injury: Lower leg

Possible return date: April 11 (vs. Fulham)

Liverpool have been without £125m striker Alexander Isak for significant amounts of his debut season at Anfield due to a variety of fitness woes, and his latest setback will likely see him out until April at the earliest.

Isak suffered a complex lower leg injury against Tottenham in December, and he recently stepped up his recovery by running on grass for the first time after successful surgery repaired the issue.

FEDERICO CHIESA

Status: Major doubt

Type of injury: Illness

Possible return date: March 15 (vs. Tottenham)

Federico Chiesa has seen limited minutes under Slot, and he missed the Reds' midweek showdown in Istanbul through illness.

The forward could make the squad this weekend, though it would not be a surprise to see him sit out once again.

ALISSON BECKER

Status: Major doubt

Type of injury: Unknown

Possible return date: March 15 (vs. Tottenham)

Alisson felt a minor issue in training before the clash with Galatasaray and sat out as a result, though he could return to action on Sunday.

Speaking on the shot-stopper's hopes of playing this weekend, Slot said "There's definitely a chance, yeah, because we don't expect it to be a big thing."

CONOR BRADLEY

Status: Out

Type of injury: Knee

Possible return date: Unknown

Right-back Conor Bradley suffered a major knee injury against Arsenal on January 8, and underwent surgery on the issue in the days after.

The 22-year-old will be out for the remainder of the campaign, and it is possible that he could even be sidelined for the early weeks of the 2026-27 season.

LIVERPOOL SUSPENSION LIST

Liverpool have no players suspended for this game.

Source

Tottenham transfer news: Spurs to reignite interest in £40m "technician"

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Tottenham transfer news: Spurs to reignite interest in £40m "technician" - but only on one condition - Sports Mole
Description

Tottenham Hotspur already appear to be considering their summer recruitment plans as the club prepares for what could be a pivotal transfer window.

Despite their difficult campaign on the pitch, Spurs still want to strengthen their attacking options, particularly with creative depth viewed as an area that could be improved.

One player who has long been admired in north London could therefore re-emerge as a serious target, although any move may hinge on one crucial factor.

Tottenham could revive interest in Lee Kang-In this summer

According to TEAMtalk, Tottenham are expected to return for Paris Saint-Germain winger Lee Kang-In this summer after previously attempting to sign the attacking midfielder in January.

The PSG star has now attracted attention from several Premier League clubs after uncertainty emerged surrounding his contract situation in France. Lee currently has just over two years remaining on his deal, but talks over an extension are reportedly progressing slowly.

While the Ligue 1 giants are keen to tie the 25-year-old down to a new agreement, the South Korea international is understood to be considering his options, a situation that has alerted clubs across England.

Premier League survival could boost Tottenham move for Lee Kang-In

Tottenham’s interest remains strong, but any serious move is likely to depend on their Premier League status.

The club’s current struggles mean financial commitments in the transfer market may be limited if relegation becomes a reality. For that reason, Spurs are expected to revisit the situation only if they successfully secure survival.

Competition could also be fierce, with arch-rivals Arsenal and Chelsea among the sides known to admire Lee. Aston Villa and Newcastle United have also been monitoring developments, per the report.

It is thought that the South Korean international could cost in excess of £40m.

Lee Kang-In would improve Spurs’ attacking options next season

If Tottenham were able to secure his signature, Lee could add creativity and versatility to their forward line. He is capable of playing right across attacking midfield, out wide and just behind the striker. He offers technical quality and sharp decision-making in tight spaces.

Sky Sports football analyst Dougie Critchley has previously praised the South Korean’s skillset, saying: “I love watching Lee Kang-in. His eye for a pass, the angles, the execution, the ability to speed up a game... He’s a real technician.”

For Spurs, adding a player with that kind of vision could be an important step toward rebuilding their attacking threat next season.

Source

Tottenham injury, suspension news and return dates for Liverpool clash: Van de Ven, Romero, Palhinha, Udogie, Kudus latest

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Tottenham injury, suspension news and return dates for Liverpool clash: Van de Ven, Romero, Palhinha, Udogie, Kudus latest - Sports Mole
Description

Fresh from their embarrassing Champions League loss in midweek, Tottenham Hotspur travel to Anfield for a tricky Premier League clash against Liverpool on Sunday afternoon.

Spurs were beaten 5-2 away against Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their last-16 tie in Europe’s premier club competition on Tuesday night – Igor Tudor's fourth defeat in as many games since taking the reins on an interim basis.

The North Londoners will now resume their quest to climb away from the relegation picture in the Premier League and will attempt to claim their first top-flight win of 2026 when they butt heads with Champions League-chasing Liverpool.

Spurs are still having to cope without a number of first-team players, though, and here, Sports Mole rounds up their latest injury and suspension news ahead of the contest against Arne Slot’s side.

Cristian Romero

Status: Minor doubt

Type of injury: Head

Possible return date: March 15 (vs. Liverpool)

Cristian Romero was forced off in the closing stages of the defeat to Atletico following a clash of heads with teammate Joao Palhinha and it remains to be seen whether the defender will be fit to play or forced to sit out of Sunday’s contest due to concussion protocols.

Joao Palhinha

Status: Minor doubt

Type of injury: Head

Possible return date: March 15 (vs. Liverpool)

Joao Palhinha was taken off towards the end of the defeat to Atletico following a clash of heads with teammate Cristian Romero and it remains to be seen whether the midfielder will be fit to play or forced to sit out of Sunday’s game due to concussion protocols.

Destiny Udogie

Status: Major doubt

Type of injury: Hamstring

Possible return date: March 15 (vs. Liverpool)

Destiny Udogie sustained a hamstring injury in Spurs' loss to Man United at Old Trafford on February 7 and was ruled out for up to five weeks at the time. The left-back could therefore be close to a return.

Ben Davies

Status: Out

Type of injury: Ankle/Foot

Possible return date: April 11 (vs. Sunderland)

Ben Davies was stretchered off with a severe ankle injury against West Ham United in January, and he still needs time to recover from surgery.

Lucas Bergvall

Status: Out

Type of injury: Ankle

Possible return date: April 11 (vs. Sunderland)

Lucas Bergvall is nursing a serious ankle problem and is not scheduled to return for several weeks.

Mohammed Kudus

Status: Out

Type of injury: Thigh

Possible return date: April 11 (vs. Sunderland)

Mohammed Kudus was forced off in the 1-1 draw with Sunderland on January 4 with a thigh injury and the attacker is not expected to return until Easter.

Rodrigo Bentancur

Status: Out

Type of injury: Hamstring

Possible return date: May 2 (vs. Aston Villa)

Rodrigo Bentancur suffered a severe hamstring injury at the beginning of the year and the Uruguay international midfielder will not return to action for another couple of months at least.

Wilson Odobert

Status: Out

Type of injury: Knee

Possible return date: Unknown

Wilson Odobert ruptured his ACL in the defeat to Newcastle on February 10 and the winger has been ruled out for the rest of the season.

James Maddison

Status: Out

Type of injury: ACL

Possible return date: Unknown

James Maddison has been sidelined since sustaining an ACL injury in August and the playmaker is targeting a return to action during pre-season ahead of the next campaign.

Dejan Kulusevski

Status: Out

Type of injury: Knee

Possible return date: Unknown

Dejan Kulusevski is still recovering from a long-term knee injury that he picked up towards the end of last season and a return date for the attacker is unclear at this stage.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR’S SUSPENSION LIST

Micky van de Ven

Return date: March 18 (vs. Atletico Madrid)

Micky van de Ven will serve a one-match ban following his red card in the 3-1 home defeat to Crystal Palace in the Premier League just over a week ago, but Tottenham have no other players suspended for this match.

Source

Tottenham Hotspur relegation: Ange Postecoglou identifies "slippery slope" issue haunting struggling Spurs stars

Submitted by daniel on
Picture
Remote Image
Tottenham Hotspur relegation: Ange Postecoglou identifies "slippery slope" issue haunting struggling Spurs stars - Sports Mole
Description

Former Tottenham Hotspur head coach Ange Postecoglou believes the current squad is suffering from a catastrophic lack of confidence rather than a lack of quality.

Spurs' season reached a new nadir on Tuesday night as a devastating 5-2 Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid marked a sixth consecutive loss across all competitions.

Interim head coach Igor Tudor has failed to record a single point since taking charge, and reports suggest a growing rift between the Croatian manager and a squad reportedly increasingly unhappy with his confrontational attitude and methods.

The crisis deepened in Madrid, where the visitors conceded four goals in a disastrous opening 22 minutes, leading to the humiliating early withdrawal of goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky.

Postecoglou sends pointed message to Spurs board amid historic slide

© Imago / Sportimage

According to comments made on TNT Sports, via The Standard, Postecoglou the team's collapse is an upshot of their confidence going down the drain.

"It's hard for me to comment from the outside," said Postecoglou."But for me it's just about instilling some belief into [them].

Show them the kind of players that they are. Not that they can be, that they are. They've already shown [it]."

Postecoglou suggested that the heavy-handed approach currently being employed has only served to increase the pressure on a group that is clearly underperforming.

The Australian then noted that the club have seemingly lost sight of their long-term direction and recruitment strategy.

"The football club, I said it a couple of weeks ago, wasn’t behaving to me like a big football club in terms of the kind of players it was attracting," said ex-Spurs boss Postecoglou.

"But it is a big football club, we saw that last year, there was a couple of hundred thousand people in London going nuts there and I felt it, how big a club it is."

Relegation fears intensify as Tudor's future hangs by a thread

© Iconsport / PA Images

While the club remain on the favourable side of the Champions League draw, they are already at risk of exiting Europe and their domestic form has plummeted to a 50-year low, matching a winless league run not seen since 1975.

If Tudor is moved on before the end of the campaign, the board are reportedly considering a variety of profiles, including ex-player Ryan Mason, veteran Harry Redknapp and former Everton boss Sean Dyche, while erstwhile boss Glenn Hoddle has thrown his name into the mix.

Spurs are currently 16th in the Premier League table, positioned one point above the relegation zone, and they are at risk of slipping into the bottom three this weekend if they lose more points against Liverpool at Anfield.

Postecoglou remains adamant that the supporters' frustrations can only be healed by a return to the proactive identity the club displayed last term, but warned that the club's situation in the Premier League leaves no room for further errors.

"In the Premier League, it’s a slippery slope once you take your eye off the ball with certain things," the Australian stated.

"But all that is not important right now. What’s important now is where they are in the league, they need to maintain their Premier League status which is obviously paramount to what they want to build."

Source