Tottenham Hotspur faces a severe injury crisis that has left the team with only 11 fit players, significantly impacting their performance across four competitions. With a demanding schedule of three games a week, the squad's depleted numbers have taken a toll on their Premier League form, resulting in just one win from their last 11 matches. The team currently sits 15th in the Premier League table following a 2-1 defeat to Leicester City. Tottenham's winless streak in the league now extends to seven games, raising concerns about their ability to compete at the highest level.
In recent weeks, Tottenham's injury list has grown to double figures, exacerbating the challenges faced by manager Ange Postecoglou. Key players such as Dominic Solanke, Brennan Johnson, Destiny Udogie, Timo Werner, Djed Spence, and Wilson Odobert have been sidelined due to various injuries. Although goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario has returned to training after recovering from an ankle injury, the team continues to struggle with limited resources.
Micky van de Ven is anticipated to make his return from a hamstring problem in Thursday's Europa League match against Elfsborg. However, James Maddison is set to miss two to three weeks after suffering a calf strain. The ongoing injury crisis has placed immense pressure on Postecoglou, who remains focused on reversing the team's poor form and pursuing success in cup competitions.
Dejan Kulusevski, one of the few available players, has defended Postecoglou amidst growing criticism. Kulusevski acknowledges the mistakes made by the team but emphasizes the impact of having an insufficient number of fit players.
"We have made mistakes, don't get me wrong. We have made a lot of mistakes." – Dejan Kulusevski
Kulusevski highlights the challenges faced by Tottenham as they attempt to navigate their way through multiple competitions with a threadbare squad.
"But we are 11 fit players, or 10 fit players, in four competitions. That's not OK and that's why the team is paying the price, in the league especially." – Dejan Kulusevski
The strain of playing three games each week with a limited roster has undoubtedly contributed to the team's current struggles.
"We play three games a week with nine or 10 players. That's all I need to say, it's nothing more than that." – Dejan Kulusevski
Despite these challenges, Kulusevski remains optimistic about Tottenham's prospects for the season. He believes that the team can still achieve significant success despite their current difficulties. This belief underscores a determination within the squad to overcome adversity and aim for silverware in the ongoing campaign.
As Tottenham navigates this challenging period, their focus remains on improving their Premier League standing while competing effectively in other tournaments. Postecoglou's leadership will be crucial as he endeavors to turn the team's fortunes around and alleviate the pressure mounting on his shoulders.
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