Who is missing for Spurs?published at 13:24 23 January
13:24 23 January
Premier League managers often cite their injury concerns in news conferences and still field a starting XI that remains rather strong.
However, for Ange Postecoglou, he could form a pretty decent team with the players has missing.
Before Thursday's Europa League game against Hoffenheim, BBC Sport put together a Spurs XI of unavailable players.
Ten are injured, while Djed Spence (who makes the XI) as well as goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky and Sergio Reguilon are not registered for the Europa League.
Postecoglou on injuries, transfer window and 'not prioritising'published at 20:09 22 January
20:09 22 January
Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou has been speaking to the media before Thursday's Europa League game at Hoffenheim (kick-off 17:45 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Pape Matar Sarr is not available for the match after picking up "a slight knock from the weekend". However, Rodrigo Bentancur should be fit to return.
He also confirmed defender Cristian Romero has been back in training but has not travelled with the squad because he could be another "week to 10 days" away.
On the possibility of Tottenham not signing anybody this window: "Potentially. The club is working hard to get some help for the players. As far as I'm aware, there's nothing imminent, but in the last week of the window things happen quickly."
The Spurs boss said the "reality is, we don't have a lot of choice" about rotating players as they only have "about 13 first-team players who have travelled" to Germany and does not want to just throw "untried youngsters in there".
On whether cup games have resulted in players taking their eyes off the Premier League: "No. The players are giving everything every game. This has been a good, solid two months of us relying on a small group of players for every competition. It's great to be in all competitions, but it has a toll. The players are giving everything every game - they are not prioritising anything."
Postecoglou said it is "not manageable" to keep a squad strong and healthy when competing in so many competitions: "All these things take their toll. People may look at us and think it's unique. It is very extreme case, for sure, but I don't think it will be as uncommon as people think as we move forwards. There are warning signs there for others."
On whether this is a lesson for the club in recruitment: "Squad numbers will stay the same. If the number of games are increasing then squad sizes should be increasing - that is my belief. It doesn't matter how many, or what strategies you have in place."
He added: "The calendar has really ramped up in the past couple of seasons and there is going to be some issues we need to deal with if the game keeps changing this quickly."
'Do we point the finger at Postecoglou or demand more from players?'published at 15:14 22 January
15:14 22 January
Image source, Getty Images
It is the manner in which Tottenham have been losing in that is concerning.
The backline has been really weak because of injuries and I do think that when they have their full line-up, they feel comfortable and confident in the game plan.
At the moment, there is Archie Gray trying his best, next to Djed Spence or Radu Dragusin and they are not able to play in the same way. These small changes can make you lose trust in what you are supposed to be doing.
Postecoglou's body language also looks off. If you cast your mind back to when he first joined, he was very engaging in interviews and smiley. Now, he seems to have lost that character.
Then there are the performances of his players. The least you can ask for when you are in a bad patch is for senior players to stand up and show leadership.
Captain Son Heung-min has not been great and neither has James Maddison. The big players of that squad, including Pape Sarr and Yves Bissouma, are not giving Postecoglou what he needs.
Instead, he is relying on the younger players to give him the right attitude, so I am sure Postecoglou is disappointed.
At the beginning of the season, they looked really together - like they were having fun. That can easily slide away when things are not going so well, but it is actually when you need togetherness more than anything.
Why it has changed, I don't know. It could be down to a lack of confidence, perhaps if they are struggling to find a solution, or if they don't trust in the solution.
Do we point the finger at Postecoglou? Or do we have to look at some of these players and demand more?
You cannot turn a blind eye to the results. The second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final is quite far away, so if they do not get a result against Leicester, I am not sure he can hang on any longer.
Fara Williams was speaking to BBC Sport's Katie Stafford
Is the physical cost of running, pressing and sprinting too high?published at 15:12 22 January
15:12 22 January
Katie Stafford BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
Running, sprinting and harrying the opposition are features of a team that are often praised by pundits and fans.
Tottenham have been the best pressing side in the Premier League this season, winning the most high turnovers and restricting their opponents to the fewest passes before they try to win the ball back.
But in Tottenham's case, is the physical cost too high?
It has been another injury-laden season for Ange Postecoglou's men, with players from all over the pitch affected, but no more so than their backline.
Spurs' high line has made them one of the most entertaining teams to watch in the Premier League and it probably comes as no surprise their players have covered the most distance in the league this season - with their rapid attacks and then racing back as teams counter against them.
To date, Postecoglou's men have covered 2,470.4km, which is approximately 1,535 miles. They have also made the most sprints in the Premier League this season with 3,915, which averages at just under 178 per game [based on the 22 played].
Bournemouth are second for both distance covered and sprints.
The physical demand of recreating these numbers cannot be overestimated. It starts in training and transfers to matchdays, meaning players are consistently playing front-footed football.
This season alone, seven players have suffered a hamstring injury, with some experiencing the injury more than once.
Of those seven, three are defenders and four are forwards. Wilson Odobert, who has had surgery, Timo Werner, Micky van de Ven and Destiny Udogie remain sidelined.
In addition to hamstring injuries, Cristian Romero has suffered a quadriceps strain, Djed Spence and Werner have had adductor strains and Yves Bissouma pulled up with a tight groin.
According to the NHS website, tired muscles are more likely to strain and this aligns with Tottenham's tight fixture schedule, which has seen them play every three days for most of the season.
But fatigue also increases the risk of injury during explosive movements like sprinting and in Postecoglou's high-risk style, his players are sprinting more than any other in the top flight.
Four reasons to be positive despite 'grim situation' at Spurspublished at 12:05 22 January
12:05 22 January
Nick Godwin BBC Radio London reporter
Image source, Getty Images
There is no point in describing the current situation at Tottenham as anything other than grim. Terrible form, a dreadful league position and an injury list that keeps getting worse - even though that appeared impossible.
However - and this will not improve the current situation, or relieve the pressure on Postecoglou, or cheer Spurs fans up this week….or next week - it might be worth taking stock of the astonishing development opportunities being handed to some of the young players at the club.
Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall, Mikey Moore and Antonin Kinsky have all been thrown into this situation with virtually no Premier League experience.
Gray, 18, is being played out of position, with a partner in Radu Dragusin who has struggled to establish himself as a reliable presence at the back. Bergvall, also 18, now finds himself an increasingly important figure in midfield and seems to relish the challenge. His goal against Liverpool stands out as the biggest moment for Spurs for some time, possibly all season.
Until just a few weeks ago, 21-year-old Kinsky was keeping clean sheets for Slavia Prague and has now played in a semi-final, on a plastic pitch and in a north London derby.
Meanwhile Mikey Moore, 17, keeps finding himself thrown into virtually impossible situations and asked to save the day.
There is a danger that these players could be overwhelmed, inflicting sustained damage on their psychological make-up. However, the striking thing is, they are playing pretty well in the circumstances, putting their senior, far more experienced colleagues in the shade.
It is clear these positives are not helping Spurs out at the moment. They remain in a difficult position.
But one day those youngsters might just look back on this period and be ruefully thankful for the opportunity and the experience.
It does not get much tougher than this.
Gossip: Spurs enter race for Southampton's Diblingpublished at 07:28 22 January
07:28 22 January
Tottenham and RB Leipzig are the two main clubs trying to sign Southampton's 18-year-old English midfielder Tyler Dibling. (Sky Germany, external)
Feeney signs first pro deal with Spurspublished at 17:51 21 January
17:51 21 January
Image source, Inpho
Image caption,
George Feeney joined Spurs from Glentoran in the summer of 2024
Northern Ireland youth international George Feeney has signed a first professional contract with Tottenham Hotspur.
The 17-year-old joined the Premier League club from Glentoran in July and has been a regular starter for their under-18s this season, scoring twice in 12 games.
Prior to the move to north London, Feeney made 10 appearances for Glentoran's senior side last season and became the east Belfast club's youngest-ever goalscorer when he found the net against Dollingstown in the BetMcLean Cup as a 15-year-old.
He has represented both Northern Ireland and Wales at underage level, with his father Warren, grandfather Warren Sr and great-grandfather Jim all having played international football.
Are Spurs' players 'robust enough' for front-footed football?published at 12:19 21 January
12:19 21 January
Katie Stafford BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
Almost all of Tottenham's 26-man first team squad were injured at some point in the 2023 Premier League campaign and the 2024 season is not proving to be much better.
Ange Postecoglou had 22 of his players out at some point of the season, with 37 separate injuries recorded overall. In their worst-hit week, Postecoglou had nine players absent as many players suffered more than one injury.
"That was against the grain," said Postecoglou's former Head of Science Anton McElhone, who worked with him at Celtic. "That's normally season two, that peak."
The impact of switching to a more front-footed style of play takes a toll on the body as McElhone described it as "survival of the fittest" on BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club.
"They need to be robust enough, and I don't know at the moment if Tottenham have got these players. They've got a very young squad behind the senior squad as well.
"They've had so many [injuries], whether it's non-contact, or silly injuries, it can be very difficult."
As things stand, Spurs have suffered 22 separate injuries this season and most notably to their back line. The pressures of the Premier League and their European campaign mean a balance is needed to ensure some players are rested while remaining competitive.
But that becomes harder when you have a depleted squad and you are slipping down the league.
"Ange is very good at giving them time off and time to reflect," McElhone added. "The training volume is good.
"Ange is all about the numbers and would say 'give me the facts'. His job was to make the decisions and that's what he gets paid for. That's not up to us as sports scientists; never is, never will be. Our job is to support, give the information, and the facts and figure if it is dangerous."
Spurs travel to Hoffenheim on Thursday before hosting Leicester on Sunday in the Premier League.
'There's no doubt who Spurs fans blame'published at 11:46 21 January
11:46 21 January
Image source, Getty Images
Our chief football writer Phil McNulty has been taking your questions.
@therealasliatta: What's the real issue? Ange Postecoglou trying to find a way with a depleted squad? Or Daniel Levy not opening up the purse strings and giving him some depth in the first place?
Phil answered: I was at Goodison Park yesterday and, at least judging by the noise coming from the Spurs fans, there is no doubt who they blame. They went through their full anti-Daniel Levy songsheet, and while they gave the team a very rough reception at half-time then just drifted away at the end. I did not detect any chants aimed at Ange Postecoglou.
Spurs adopted a strategy of signing younger players in the summer, such as Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray, something which Postecoglou said he bought into. I believe they will be two outstanding signings for years to come.
Dominic Solanke arrived for £65m, so he was a big money, experienced buy, but there was a feeling more was needed and now a serious injury crisis has worsened that situation.
Gossip: Spurs consider Delappublished at 07:31 21 January
07:31 21 January
Tottenham are considering a move for Ipswich striker Liam Delap, 21, this month but could face competition from Chelsea. (Teamtalk), external
Spurs are facing a struggle to sign Slovakia centre-back Milan Skriniar, 29, from Paris St-Germain this month amid strong competition from Galatasaray. (TBR Football), external
Tottenham and Leicester City are targeting Danish centre-back Thomas Kristensen, with Juventus having held discussions with Udinese over a move for the 23-year-old. (Mail), external
'If you change, what or who are you changing for?'published at 15:35 20 January
15:35 20 January
Image source, Getty Images
BBC chief football writer Phil McNulty has been answering your questions.
Karl asked: How long for Ange Postecoglou at Tottenham? For me, until we are out of the cups.
Phil answered: There is no doubt the cups are pivotal, and we know only too well that Daniel Levy is not exactly known for his patience with managers.
The big question is: if you change, what or who are you changing for?
If you do it during the season, who can you realistically get that you would want or would it be another Ryan Mason holding operation?
Saying "sack Ange Postecoglou" is the easy bit - if that is what people want. The hard part is finding someone who would do better and is available. Not easy.
I agree, though, the cup competitions are assuming more importance all the time.
Is this the beginning of the end for Postecoglou?published at 13:11 20 January
13:11 20 January
Ali Speechly Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
Is this the beginning of the end for Ange Postecoglou as manager of Spurs?
I have been trying to trust his process for some time now, but on Sunday there was a sign that perhaps he himself has lost faith in it.
After months of stubbornly insisting that this is how his teams play and that he would not be changing his approach – regardless of injuries, game-state, frustrated fans and endless quizzing from the media – he opted for a back three against Everton.
It was immediately apparent that this was a bad idea.
In times of stress, it is imperative that players go with what they know. Yes, injuries have forced certain players out of position in recent weeks, but Ange had the personnel available to him on Sunday to play a back four. Not his first-choice back four, granted – but a back four nonetheless.
This was not the way to finally reveal that you are capable of adapting.
Another frustrating and perplexing issue is Ange's refusal to rest players when the opportunity presents itself. For example, Djed Spence could have rotated with Destiny Udogie a lot earlier in the season to help avoid exhaustion and subsequent injury to the latter.
In this game alone, Richarlison could have started for the injured Solanke. Will Lankshear could have replaced Richarlison if he had tired on his return from injury. Mikey Moore could and arguably should have started – even if that meant making a difficult decision to drop your exhausted and out-of-form captain.
Obviously the players will face criticism as well, and they are not blame-free. What they are is exhausted and devoid of confidence.
Right now, Ange needs to rescue the team he has – not build for the one he wants. If he can do that, he might save his job.
Everton 3-2 Tottenham - the fans' verdictpublished at 11:18 20 January
11:18 20 January
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your thoughts after Sunday's Premier League game between Everton and Tottenham.
Here are some of your comments:
Everton fans:
Mike: For 70 mins a breath of fresh air performance and show of commitment from Everton. Haven't seen that for a long time. Then the panic button once Spurs scored. Shouldn't have been that nervy but pleased for Moyes.
Chris: Phew. Good job we were three up. Where have that Everton been? Only in the last 15 minutes did it seem nerves got hold of them, as if they couldn't believe they were 3-0 up. Had visions of a capitulation again but well done. Great finish from DCL, more of the same please and a bit more confidence in the last quarter of a match. Thoroughly deserved win but kept supporters' nerves jangling.
Sudesh: Everton played their best football in ages, and it's all thanks to David Moyes. Same team, but the transformation under Moyes' management is remarkable. His tactics were fresh, dynamic, and nothing like the predictable play we saw under Dyche. The players were full of energy, pressing hard, exploiting space, and showing real flair. It was a joy to watch – proper football! If this is what Moyes can do already, I can't wait to see what's next. COYB!
Les: They should not be letting any team get back in the game full stop - 3-0 at half time, should be 5-0 at the end. Everton always sloppy in last 15mins. Glad for DCL but not with his cocky comments - "it's not my first rodeo". Fighting for relegation because you can't score, that's not the first rodeo the fans endure!
Tottenham fans:
Martin: This is getting embarrassing! Ange might have done well in a two horse league in Scotland and he might have world class ideas. What he's got to realise is he doesn't have 20 world class players. We are thin on the ground without a defence to cope with being left exposed by his tactics. Time for a change I think.
Doug: Pathetic first half. Got a bit more alive in the second half but too little too late, the damage was done. It's not just down to injuries as the main players aren't performing either with the exception of Dejan. It's now at the point where most fans have had enough of losing. I'm not one for changing managers but I'm not seeing any improvement in the team - if anything we are worse. Things need to change now or Ange needs to go.
Tony: Enough is enough. Another horror show. Outclassed, outfought and out run by Everton. The players have given up. The injury record means nothing.
Lindsay: We have some very talented young players who are being asked to do a job which isn't suited to them. The lack of Plan B is finally coming home to roost. Arrogance is OK until the ignorance prevents the acceptance of a problem which is in need of solving. I think Ange's race is run at Spurs. More importantly, has Daniel Levy got in place a risk contingency plan? We're in a total mess.
'Dr Tottenham' cures Evertonpublished at 11:18 20 January
11:18 20 January
Phil McNulty Chief football writer
Image source, Getty Images
Everton are the latest crisis club to seek a cure for their ills in the healing hands of 'Dr Tottenham' and their manager Ange Postecoglou - and come away feeling reinvigorated and revitalised.
David Moyes was the biggest beneficiary as Everton secured their first win since his return as manager with a 3-2 victory, but Spurs counterpart Postecoglou's position will come under even closer scrutiny after a seventh defeat in 10 Premier League games.
'Dr Tottenham' is the latest cruel jibe aimed in the direction of Spurs - the theory being if you are a team or manager in desperate need of a tonic, then look no further than the surgery in north London.
Among the satisfied patients this season have been Crystal Palace and Ipswich Town - both of whom secured sorely needed first league wins against Postecoglou's side.
Everton may have had a new (or old) manager in Moyes, but they took a list of ailments as long as your arm into Sunday's match after the 61-year-old Scot's first game ended in a home defeat by Aston Villa.
That made Spurs - admittedly in desperately reduced circumstances of their own because injuries - the ideal opponents.
'Bullied' by Everton and 'stubborn' in stylepublished at 08:44 20 January
08:44 20 January
Image source, Getty Images
Tottenham's players "are starting to feel sorry for themselves", says former Premier League midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker.
Ange Postecoglou's side suffered their 12th league loss of the season on Sunday with defeat at Everton as Dominic Solanke became their latest absentee due to a knee injury.
"The best managers find a way and they have to adapt, but with Postecoglou he is never going to change," said Reo-Coker on Spurs' high line style. "I predicted an Everton result, but Spurs were absolutely bullied in the first half.
"They faced a side that have struggled to score all season, yet conceded three just by being stubborn."
Speaking on the BBC Radio 5 Live Football Daily podcast, he added: "It is such a worry. Why not just change and adapt because that way you're more likely to get some results and build confidence going forward?
"Tottenham players are starting to feel sorry for themselves. I saw them clapping the fans after the game and I saw that in them."
How can Tottenham improve from worst start in a decade?published at 08:44 20 January
08:44 20 January
A graphic from Sunday's episode of Match of the Day showed that 2024-25 is Tottenham's worst start to a season in the last decade - by some distance too.
Former Everton midfielder Leon Osman says "it's all about hard work" for Spurs to get out of their rut, adding: "Get in the training ground, get together and be a unit. Sometimes things will fall for you if you are prepared to work hard and stick at it. It might take one moment to turn the whole thing around."
Former England Women's midfielder Fara Williams added:"You look at Everton, who were struggling to get performances. In two games, you have seen that togetherness and fight. We haven't seen that in this Tottenham team in recent weeks.
"The senior players have to show more leadership and set the tone for the rest of the team."
Is Postecoglou 'comfortable' with having no plan B?published at 08:23 20 January
08:23 20 January
Image source, Getty Images
Former Premier League striker Glenn Murray says Tottenham being in 15th in the Premier League table "is just unacceptable" and Ange Postecoglou has to start adapting.
"I don't think Postecoglou has a plan B but I also think he is comfortable with that," said Murray on the BBC Radio 5 Live Football Daily podcast. "I understand that as a manager you don't want to change your style just to avoid being sacked because you still could anyway in the long-run.
"So it is about his philosophy and way, but you also have to be more adaptable in certain situations and amid this injury crisis it is that time.
"It is a results business and you have to be winning in the Premier League. Being 15th in the league is just unacceptable."
