As Tottenham Hotspur gear up to face Everton at North London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this Saturday afternoon, they will be aiming to get their 2024-25 Premier League campaign on track following a frustrating 1-1 draw against Leicester City.
Ange Postecoglou’s squad was left pondering what could have been after the newly-promoted Leicester struck back in the second half to deny them victory. The draw was particularly disappointing as Spurs had looked set for a win until Jamie Vardy’s late equalizer.
However, the result was overshadowed by concerns over a significant head injury suffered by one of Postecoglou’s key players. Here, we take a closer look at Tottenham’s injury and suspension news ahead of their clash with Everton, who are also looking to bounce back after a 3-0 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion in their opening fixture.
Rodrigo Bentancur: Out
Rodrigo Bentancur’s injury is one of the most pressing concerns for Tottenham at the moment. The Uruguayan midfielder suffered a head injury during the match against Leicester City when he collided heads with Leicester’s Abdul Fatawu. The impact was severe enough to temporarily knock Bentancur out, leading to an extended stoppage in play as medical staff attended to him. Fortunately, Bentancur regained consciousness and was able to sit up before being stretchered off the field.
Despite these positive signs, Postecoglou confirmed that Bentancur has been diagnosed with a mild concussion, which will rule him out of Saturday’s match against Everton. The expected return date for Bentancur is September 1, when Tottenham will face Newcastle United. Concussion protocols dictate that Bentancur will need to undergo a period of rest and follow a gradual return-to-play protocol to ensure his full recovery. Spurs will miss his dynamic presence in midfield as they look to secure their first win of the season.
Pedro Porro: Major Doubt
Pedro Porro’s status for the Everton clash is uncertain after he played through a noticeable foot injury during the game against Leicester. The Spanish right-back opened Spurs’ Premier League account for the season with a smart header/shoulder, but he appeared to be in considerable discomfort. Porro was eventually substituted towards the end of the match, and it remains unclear how serious his injury might be.
The potential severity of Porro’s foot issue has raised doubts about his availability for the weekend. If Porro is unable to feature, it would be a significant blow for Postecoglou, who relies heavily on his attacking full-backs to provide width and support in both defensive and offensive situations. The coaching staff will likely be monitoring Porro’s condition closely in the lead-up to the match, with a decision on his fitness expected closer to kickoff.
Fraser Forster: Major Doubt
Backup goalkeeper Fraser Forster is also a major doubt for the clash with Everton due to an ongoing foot injury. Forster’s initial recovery was expected to be relatively short-term, but the problem has persisted, keeping him out of action for over six months. The goalkeeper has been training with the team recently and could potentially be fit for selection against Everton.
Forster’s absence has meant that Tottenham’s goalkeeping duties have been solely managed by Guglielmo Vicario, who has had a mixed start to his tenure. Having Forster available would provide valuable experience and depth to the squad, especially given the demands of the Premier League season. However, Postecoglou will need to weigh the risks of rushing Forster back into action versus the potential benefits of having him on the bench or in the starting role.
The Impact on Tottenham’s Line-Up
The injury concerns surrounding Bentancur, Porro, and Forster could have significant implications for Tottenham’s starting lineup and squad rotation. With Bentancur ruled out, Postecoglou may need to adjust his midfield setup, potentially giving opportunities to other players like Yves Bissouma or Pape Matar Sarr to step up and fill the void. In Porro’s absence, the manager might have to consider alternative options at right-back, possibly turning to Japhet Tanganga or even experimenting with a different formation.
Forster’s potential unavailability could mean that Vicario will continue to be the primary goalkeeper, with backups such as Brandon Austin stepping into the role if needed. The situation will require careful management to ensure that the squad remains competitive and resilient despite these setbacks.
Everton’s Situation
Everton, too, will be looking to make amends after their heavy defeat to Brighton. Manager Sean Dyche will be keen to see a reaction from his players, and they will be hoping to exploit any weaknesses in Tottenham’s lineup that might arise due to the ongoing injury issues. The Toffees have their own injury concerns, and the clash against Tottenham represents a crucial opportunity for them to gain some momentum early in the season.
As Tottenham Hotspur prepare for their second Premier League match of the season against Everton, the injury status of key players like Rodrigo Bentancur, Pedro Porro, and Fraser Forster will be crucial in determining the team’s chances of securing a win. With Bentancur confirmed to be out and Porro and Forster both facing uncertainties, Postecoglou will need to carefully consider his tactical approach and make necessary adjustments to his squad.
The upcoming match provides a chance for Spurs to overcome their earlier disappointment and get their campaign on track, but they will need to navigate these injury challenges and ensure that their replacements step up effectively. For Everton, it’s an opportunity to bounce back from a tough start and make their mark in the Premier League.
