Totttenham ‘launch SECOND medical department review amid injury crisis’ with Ange Postecoglou’s side hit by six first team absentees
- Due to injuries to Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven, Spurs were short on defense
- Postecoglou admits Spurs are investigating why stars have suffered repeated injuries
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Tottenham have reportedly launched a second review of the club’s medical department after Ange Postecoglou’s side were hit by another injury crisis.
Six first-team players are currently ruled out through injuries after Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero were forced off in their 4-3 defeat to Chelsea on Sunday.
The defensive duo had returned for the London derby after injury, but now face another spell on the sidelines.
The injuries mean Tottenham only have one fit centre-back at the club in Radu Dragusin, after Ben Davies picked up an injury during their 1-0 defeat to Bournemouth last week.
Tottenham are also without first-choice goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, who underwent surgery on an ankle injury last month.
Postecoglou’s attacking options have also been depleted with Richarlison and summer signing Wilson Odobert ruled out for extended periods this season.
Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham have reportedly launched a review of their medical staff
Tottenham was shocked by Cristian Romero, who suffered a new injury upon his return on Sunday
Micky van de Ven suffered another injury setback in the final phase against Chelsea
Richarlison has been limited to seven appearances in all competitions this season due to injuries, with the Brazilian currently out with a hamstring injury.
Odobert played six games but suffered a hamstring injury during Tottenham’s third round Carabao Cup tie against Coventry in September.
He suffered a setback during his return in the Europa League against AZ Alkmaar and underwent surgery last month.
According to the Evening standardTottenham have responded to the injury crisis by launching a new overhaul of their medical department.
Postecoglou reportedly ordered the overhaul after becoming frustrated with players breaking down again after returning from injury.
Tottenham had conducted an earlier review after injuries plagued Tottenham in Postecoglou’s debut season.
The review led to the departure of the club’s head of medicine and sports science, Geoff Scott.
Tottenham appointed Brighton’s Adam Brett as director of performance services, while former Wales and West Ham worker Nick Davies became head of sports science.
Because Ben Davies was injured last week, Tottenham only have one fit central defender
Richarlison has been limited to seven appearances this season after a series of injuries
Summer signing Wilson Odobert had to undergo hamstring surgery in November
Postecoglou confirmed that Spurs were looking into the issue of players with recurring injuries during his press conference ahead of the Europa League match against Rangers.
‘I never think it’s just bad luck. Some of it. I have never lost a goalkeeper during this period.
“Some of the other issues we’ve had, but some of it keeps coming back, especially this year when it comes to guys coming back and getting injured again. It’s something we’re looking at.
‘We always try to investigate whether things can be improved. Last year was different than this year. Last year it hit us across the board. This year it’s more guys coming back and being affected.
‘That’s right, we have a core group that plays a lot and gets through it well. But it’s something we’re trying to address.”
The Tottenham boss admitted he would have to be ‘creative’ in defence, with midfielder Archie Gray expected to partner Dragusin at centre-back.
Tottenham will be hoping to end a run of four games in all competitions against Rangers without a win.
Rangers are currently one place ahead of Tottenham in eighth place in the Europa League standings ahead of their meeting at Ibrox, the final automatic place for the last 16 of the tournament.