Antonio Conte hints at dropping more Tottenham Hotspur’s 2022 FIFA World Cup stars vs Brentford

Manager Antonio Conte has hinted that he could drop more Tottenham Hotspur stars who played at the 2022 FIFA World Cup from his starting XI against Brentford later today ( 26 December).

The Boxing Day Premier League derby holds big significance for Spurs in the race for the top four and potentially, for the title. In all honesty, every game at this point would be crucial.

But the first game after a lengthy lay-off from club football action could set the tone for the rest of the season. Moreover, it comes before the January transfer window opens, which could give the manager a lot of ideas with regards to who to keep, sell, and buy.

Cristian Romero and Hugo Lloris played in the final of 18 December, which was won by Argentina at France’s expense. Richarlison and Rodrigo Bentancur, meanwhile, were both injured on international duty in Qatar.

Conte drops selection hint

But there is a chance that the former Inter Milan manager could rest more of our World Cup stars – which includes the likes of Harry Kane, Eric Dier, Son Heung-min, Ivan Perisic, Ben Davies, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, and Pape Matar Sarr. Conte said (h/t Mirror):

“It is impossible to give them a lot of rest and for sure with the players that didn’t play the World Cup and we work for four weeks, now they are in a great physical condition. We worked a lot on the tactical aspect and physical aspect. Now they are at a level that is better than the players who finished the World Cup.”

“For this reason I think I have to make the best decision for the game against Brentford. On one side I have players who I worked with for four weeks really well and on the other side, I have players who worked at the World Cup and are not at the top at the moment.”

It could prove to be a risky strategy. It’s not like we are blessed with an elite squad depth that can handle more absentees apart from the four superstars mentioned above who will sit out this game.

More Tottenham Hotspur News:

• Tottenham Hotspur to be without Richarlison, Cristian Romero, and Hugo Lloris for Brentford clash
• Crystal Palace boss Patrick Vieira sends transfer plea to Tottenham Hotspur target Wilfried Zaha
• Manchester City could be without Ruben Dias for Tottenham Hotspur clash

Fraser Forster can do a good job in Lloris’ absence but it’s hard to imagine who would fill in for Hojbjerg, Son, Dier, and Kane if they are potentially rested. Conte knows best but at times, a little bit of risk won’t hurt.