Cristian Stellin Press Conference: Tottenham Hotspur confirm Ivan Perisic injury boost for Everton clash
Tottenham Hotspur’s temporary manager Cristian Stellini has confirmed that Ivan Perisic is fit and fine to face Everton on Monday night at Goodison Park.
The Croatia international was, to no one’s surprise, picked by his national team for the Euro 2024 qualifiers in March. He played the full 90 minutes in the 1-1 draw against Wales and the 2-0 away win against Turkey.
To the horror of Spurs fans, Perisic was spotted pulling up short against Turkey while he clutched his left calf. It was clearly some sort of an injury that he had suffered.
Stellini has now assuaged any fears from Spurs regarding the 34-year-old’s fitness levels by confirming he is fit to feature against Everton. The Italian coach, who will manage us until the summer after Antonio Conte’s exit by mutual consent last month, said (h/t Football.London):
“Perisic is fit and well and he trained today. It was only a kick he had with the national team. He trained this morning with us.”
Timely boost
Thank goodness. With Emerson Royal, Ryan Sessegnon and Ben Davies suffering from injury issues of their own, coupled with Matt Doherty (permanent) and Djed Spence’s (loan) exit in January, we are short-staffed down the flanks in defence.
Had Perisic not been fit, it would have been a highly awkward scenario for us. Perhaps Son Heung-min could have deputized there or we could have shifted to a flat back-four for this game.
Even in that scenario, it’s hard to imagine who would have played there. Perhaps Pedro Porro? With Japhet Tanganga playing right-back? Thankfully this isn’t a scenario we have to worry about.
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Perisic has been dependable for us down the left flank and while he isn’t a natural defender, the 2018 FIFA World Cup runner-up does very well when it is his turn to help his team in defence. He is an asset and will be crucial for us against Everton. Let’s just not risk aggravating any potential fitness issue he may be harbouring after playing 180 minutes during the international break.
