Tottenham are set to welcome back a few familiar faces against Manchester United
Tottenham Hotspur’s hopes of securing domestic silverware this season suffered a major blow after crashing out of both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup fifth round. Given the inconsistency of their Premier League campaign, progression in these competitions would have provided a much-needed boost.
However, fate had other plans. A heavily depleted Spurs squad—plagued by double-digit injury absentees—endured back-to-back heartbreaks, suffering defeats at Anfield and Villa Park within the span of three days. These setbacks have left the Europa League as their only remaining opportunity to end the season with silverware, all while speculation surrounding Ange Postecoglou’s future at White Hart Lane continues to grow.
The Greek-Australian tactician has voiced his frustration over the relentless injury crisis that has hampered his squad, with fresh setbacks emerging just as other players return to full fitness. For months, Postecoglou has been forced to navigate a threadbare squad, often fielding makeshift lineups due to a lack of available personnel.
Despite these challenges, there is finally some light at the end of the tunnel. Over the coming weeks, Tottenham are set to welcome back several key players, offering a much-needed boost as they aim to salvage their season.
According to a report from The Times, Postecoglou hopes to have James Maddison, Destiny Udogie, and Guglielmo Vicario available for Sunday’s crucial Premier League clash against Manchester United at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
James Maddison has been missing with a calf injury he suffered in the 3-2 win over Hoffenheim in the Europa League in Germany last month. His return will provide a significant boost, particularly for Dejan Kulusevski, who has looked fatigued in recent weeks and could greatly benefit from a breather. Maddison’s creativity and vision in midfield have been sorely missed, and his presence could help reinvigorate Spurs’ attacking fluidity.
Destiny Udogie has not played for Spurs since being forced off with a hamstring injury in the 2-2 draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers at the end of December. The Italy international has missed 11 matches, with Djed Spence stepping in and impressing during his absence. However, Udogie’s return could offer much-needed relief to young talent Archie Gray, who has been deployed across the backline non-stop over the past three months.
As for Guglielmo Vicario, he has been sidelined since the final week of November when he suffered an ankle fracture during Spurs’ 4-0 thrashing of Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium. The Italian goalkeeper showed great valour and mental strength to complete the entire game with a broken ankle.
The trio’s return would hugely boost Big Ange’s forces against Man United. The aforementioned report adds that all of Dominic Solanke, Wilson Odobert, Timo Werner and Brennan Johnson are close to returning to training. Odobert and Johnson are expected back within the next week, and Solanke and Werner should be back shortly after.
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After back-to-back eliminations from domestic cup competitions, Big Ange will be hoping for a stirring response from his boys against Man United. The return of players from injury will lighten the burden of the Australian tactician in the coming days, but whether or not that’s enough to change the club’s fortunes remains to be seen.
