'The reality is': Ange Postecoglou confirms £21m Spurs player will only start one of their next two matches
Yesterday at 04:45 AM
Ange Postecoglou has suggested that one of Tottenham Hotspur’s key players will need to be rested in one of the club’s next two matches.
Tottenham are facing a massive week in which they host Manchester United in the Carabao Cup quarter-final and then Liverpool at home in the Premier League. The Lilywhites are bidding to reach their first cup semi-final since 2021 and face Ruben Amorim’s United.
Spurs head into the clash with several players already missing due to injury and now another of their stars is struggling with a fitness issue.
Ange Postecoglou reveals Destiny Udogie is struggling with fatigue
Ange Postecoglou has revealed that Destiny Udogie has been struggling with fatigue and could be rested against Manchester United. The Australian manager is yet to make the decision but his comments suggest Djed Spence could start against United and if not, he will start against Liverpool on the weekend.
Spence produced a solid first Premier League start as he set up James Maddison for Spurs’ opener against Southampton. The defender also showed an impressive ability to play on either flank as he was moved across to left-back after just 30 minutes.
Udogie was forced off against Southampton with what looked to be an injury, however, his manager has now explained that it was just fatigue. Tottenham cannot afford to take any chances with injuries as they are already without several key players and the £21 million star was taken off quickly.
When asked about the Italian’s reason for being subbed off early against Southampton, Postecoglou told the media: “He’s probably the only one we haven't given a rest to. He wanted to continue on the night but the game had started well so we took him off. It's just fatigue and the reality is if he plays tomorrow he won't play Sunday and vice versa because he's one of the few.
“We've managed to give Pedro a rest on the other side. The full-back positions are pretty demanding for us. But Destiny has had to play in Europe because Djed's not available and since Ben's been out he's played every game. So just fatigue.”
How could Tottenham line-up against Manchester United?
Postecoglou is expected to go full strength against Manchester United as Tottenham look to reach their first cup semi-final since 2021. Radu Dragusin and Archie Gray will remain the centre-backs with Cristian Romero, Ben Davies and Micky van de Ven all still out.
Lucas Bergvall impressed against Southampton and could keep his place in midfield. Yves Bissouma is back from suspension but the young Swede may have jumped ahead of him.
James Maddison can’t be overlooked either following his brace against the Saints. The 28-year-old was superb on the South Coast and Spurs will need a similar performance against the Red Devils.
Tottenham predicted lineup vs Manchester United: Forster; Porro, Dragusin, Gray, Spence; Bergvall, Sarr, Maddison; Kulusevski, Son, Solanke.
