Tottenham face eighth absentee as problems pile up for Ange Postecoglou
In pictures: Tottenham v Chelsea
Tottenham star Richarlison is set to be added to Ange Postecoglou’s growing list of absentees after revealing he will undergo surgery. The striker has admitted that he has been “suffering for eight months” with a pubic problem for which he will soon go under the knife.
Spurs saw their grip on the summit of the Premier League slip away in dramatic circumstances on Monday night. A 4-1 defeat by Chelsea saw two stars sent off and a further two important players hobbled off with injuries.
Cristian Romero is set to miss the next three games through suspension, while Destiny Udogie will be absent for the trip to Wolves after his two yellow cards. Worryingly, impressive defender Micky van de Ven hobbled off with what appeared to be a serious hamstring injury, while James Maddison suffered an ankle problem before half-time.
By the end of the game, Spurs had just four players on the pitch who had started the Premier League affair. It provides a new test for Postecoglou, whose side had previously gone through the first 10 games of the top-flight campaign largely unscathed.
READ MORE: Ange Postecoglou branded ‘arrogant’ as Tottenham boss blamed for Chelsea loss[LATEST]
In a fresh blow, Brazilian forward Richarlison has announced that he will undergo pubic surgery. Speaking to ESPN after Monday’s game, the 26-year-old said: “Of course I expected to play today as it was an important game, a classic.
“Yesterday I found out that I wasn’t going to play, but it’s part of football. Of course selection, call-up, you can ask any player and he’ll be waiting. Of course, I expected it, but I already felt that it was also time to take a break.
“Look, the last few months haven’t been easy for me. I’ve also been suffering with my health, I think I’ve already spoken to the doctors and I’ll soon have pubic surgery.
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“I’ve been suffering for eight months, fighting, looking at the team, at the club and I didn’t look for me. I think the time has come to rest, take a break. Let’s see the next few days, soon I’ll do what’s best for me.”
Richarlison’s absence could take Spurs to eight first-team players missing from Postecoglou’s squad over the next few weeks. Romero and Udogie are set to serve their suspensions after being sent off against Chelsea, while it is unclear how long Van de Ven and Maddison will be sidelined.
Ivan Perisic and Manor Solomon are both out with serious knee injuries. Ryan Sessegnon has a thigh problem, while Ben Davies has an ankle issue. The latter is expected to return imminently in a relative boost to Postecoglou.
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