Tottenham Hotspur manager, Ange Postecoglou, gave a candid update on the state of his squad ahead of the crucial North London Derby against Arsenal at the Emirates.
The match is a pivotal one for Spurs, currently sitting in the 12-th place with 24 points, and Postecoglou addressed various key concerns regarding his players’ fitness, offering insights into the challenges his team has faced leading up to the game.
“Yeah, it’s not too bad. The players are working hard, but it takes a fair bit out of them, especially with the demanding nature of the schedule. So, we’ve had to do some extra recovery work,” Postecoglou explained. “We’ve got training until this afternoon, giving the boys a good chance to recover because the pitch does take a lot out of you.”
While the squad is largely intact, there was one notable injury concern. “The only one who picked up an injury was Timo. He’s dealing with a hamstring issue, and we’re just waiting on the results of that scan,” the manager confirmed. “Apart from that, everyone else is sore, but they’ve pulled through OK.” The situation is certainly less than ideal, but Postecoglou remains optimistic, especially with other players managing to recover from knocks.
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Looking ahead to the upcoming clash, Postecoglou offered his thoughts on the fixture. “Are we at a stage now as special as this game is? Let’s just play it. There’s no good or bad time to play it,” he said. “This is the game, and we’ve got to accept it. We’ve been in this situation for quite a while now, and obviously, there’s some light at the end of the tunnel with players coming back.”
Richarlison, who has faced his own set of challenges, was confirmed to be available for selection, which is a welcome boost for Tottenham. “Richie is available, and it’s good to see Mikey getting some minutes, even if it’s just an hour here and there,” Postecoglou remarked. “I’ve lost track of the days with the hectic schedule, but we’re in a good position with players getting back to fitness.”
Despite the injuries and recovery processes, Postecoglou remains focused on the task ahead. “Big game tomorrow night, big game for the club, big game for our season, and big game for our supporters,” he said. “We’re looking forward to it and we’ll give everything we’ve got to ensure we perform at our best.”
Tottenham’s battle with Arsenal will be a test of resilience and tactical acumen, especially with the team navigating a difficult patch. With injuries creeping up and the pressure mounting, Postecoglou’s leadership will be crucial in ensuring Spurs stay competitive and deliver the results their supporters expect. The North London Derby is never just another game, and with the stakes so high, all eyes will be on Tottenham as they prepare for this pivotal moment in their season.
