Ange Postecoglou gives Pape Sarr and Destiny Udogie fitness update for Tottenham Hotspur vs Crystal Palace
Ange Postecoglou has made it clear that Pape Matar Sarr will be available for Tottenham Hotspur’s Premier League clash against Crystal Palace.
Spurs play before their rivals this week and have the chance to open up a five-point gap at the top. For that, they can use all the help they can get with regard to player availability and injuries.
Sarr and Destiny Udogie were both withdrawn early into the second half in the 2-0 win against Fulham on Monday night. Postecoglou confirmed after the game that the Senegal international only suffered fatigue.
He also said that Udogie felt a bit tired at half-time. And that is understandable, given the two players had a busy international break with their respective national teams. Now, the Australian-Greek manager has offered a fresh update on the duo.
Big role for both youngsters
He said at his latest pre-match press conference, via Football.London:
“Pape is fine, he kind of bounced back 24 hours after the game. Destiny we’re still going to assess. Everyone else has come through fine.”
Both of these players weren’t a huge part of Antonio Conte and Cristian Stellini’s set-up here. Sarr was often used as a substitute, and that too very rarely, while Udogie was completing his season-long loan spell at Udinese last season.
Under Postecoglou, they have taken centre stage. Sarr, 21, has played 641 minutes in 10 games across competitions this season, scoring and assisting a goal each. He seems comfortable with the ball at his feet and is putting in a good shift when out of possession.
Udogie, 20, has become our first-choice left-back, outmuscling the likes of Ben Davies and Ivan Perisic for the role. It is clear that Postecoglou likes him, and the attack-minded Italian is an asset going forward.
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He has played 733 minutes in nine games across competitions this season, showing his importance in Tottenham’s starting XI. Let’s hope he is fit to face the Eagles but we should make sure that we don’t risk him needlessly.
