JUST IN – Ange Postecoglou confirms fresh Tottenham injury concern as major Aston villa dilemma revealed.
Tottenham have been hit with a wave of injuries this month, with Ange Postecoglou set to be without some big names for a while.
Ange Postecoglou has confirmed that Tottenham have been dealt a major injury blow ahead of Tottenham’s clash against Aston Villa. Spurs will welcome Unai Emery’s side to north London on Sunday afternoon, but the Lilywhites could be without Pape Matar Sarr.
The 21-year-old midfielder, who sees his contract in north London expire in 2026, has featured 12 times for Tottenham in the Premier League so far this season, scoring one goal and recording two assists. His impressive performances in the early stages of the campaign helped Spurs climb into first place in the English top-flight.
Unfortunately for Postecoglou, he may be forced to leave out the Senegal international in a crucial tie against Villa. When asked for any team news on Friday afternoon, the Tottenham manager confirmed that Sarr hadn’t trained.
“Micky [van de Ven] and Madders (Maddison) no real update,” said Postecoglou. “We’ve had a couple of issues out of the international break. [Ashley] Phillips picked up an ankle injury and out for a little while, perhaps a month out. Checking with Sarr [Matar Sarr], who has an issue. See how he is tomorrow, he didn’t train today.”
The Australian was then quizzed on Oliver Skipp, who hasn’t had a look in this term due to the performances of Sarr and Yves Bissouma. Postecoglou added: “Skippy has been working hard at training. He stayed back with us and did a lot of good work last couple of weeks. He’s working hard and waiting for the opportunity.”
Then, when asked for his thoughts on Villa, who have emerged as a surprise contender for top-four, he said: “They’ve been good since Unai went there. Consistent with way play football and over recent weeks scored goals and got belief. Going to be a great test for us.”
Despite their impressive performances, neither Gary Lineker nor Alan Shearer believe that Villa will clamber into a Champions league qualification place. Speaking on the ‘Rest is Football Podcast’, the former Spurs and Barcelona striker said: “I’m going to stick with Europe.
“I think they have been really good this season. I love watching them play, they play really aggressive, attacking football with the high-press. It’s a little bit gung-ho in terms of the high line but I admire that – we have seen it with a lot of teams this season.
“They have got goals in them and when you have that, it makes a real difference so I’m going to stick with Europe – I don’t think they will make the top four.”
Shearer added: “I said pushing for the Champions League, that’s what I said. I said probably just missing out and finishing sixth. I don’t want to sound repetitive but I am happy with my decision again, anybody would think I know what I’m f****** talking about!
“They have been brilliant, but what a job he has done, the manager. I think he’s been fantastic with the signings, especially when you look at the first game of the season when they were battered by Newcastle.
“They lost [Tyrone] Mings with a serious injury and you thought what’s going on here, but they have recovered so well and not only that, they have managed to do it while playing in Europe and not having a lot of changes to their team. They’ve gone along in the right way and kept a lot of them fit, and it looks like a real happy camp there.”
