As Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United gear up for their highly anticipated Premier League clash at St James’ Park this Sunday, both teams find themselves dealing with significant injury concerns.
Spurs, fresh off their first win of the season against Everton, will be eager to maintain their momentum, while Newcastle, despite a strong start against Southampton, will be looking to bounce back after a lackluster draw with Bournemouth. With both clubs eyeing a crucial victory, the latest injury news could play a pivotal role in shaping the outcome of this encounter.
Tottenham’s Injury Concerns
Rodrigo Bentancur – Out
Rodrigo Bentancur remains sidelined as he continues to recover from a head injury sustained during Tottenham’s pre-season. The midfielder has been in concussion protocol, and manager Ange Postecoglou has emphasized the club’s cautious approach to his return. “We respect concussion protocols, and with any head injury, we’ll always be a little more conservative,” Postecoglou said. “The good news is he’s bounced back really well, done all the tests, but we’ll take our time with Rodrigo before putting him back out there.”
Bentancur’s absence is a significant blow for Spurs, as his experience and creativity in the midfield have been key components of their gameplay. The Uruguayan international will be missed, especially in a match where control of the midfield could be crucial.
Destiny Udogie – Doubt
Destiny Udogie’s status for Sunday’s match remains uncertain after the full-back was substituted due to fatigue against Everton. Postecoglou addressed the situation, saying, “Destiny was a bit sore. Tiredness in both hamstrings and calves. He was really fatigued last week as well, and we’re trying to build up his minutes.” While it’s expected that Udogie will feature in some capacity, his condition will need to be carefully monitored, especially given the demands of facing a high-pressing Newcastle side.
Micky van de Ven – Doubt
Micky van de Ven also picked up a knock in the victory over Everton, raising concerns about his availability for the Newcastle clash. Postecoglou reassured fans after the game, stating, “It’s OK – we have to check it, but it feels OK.” While van de Ven is likely to be in contention, any lingering issues could impact his performance, particularly against a Newcastle attack known for its physicality and speed.
Newcastle’s Injury Woes
Newcastle United’s injury list is considerably longer, with several key players ruled out or doubtful for Sunday’s match, which could heavily influence Eddie Howe’s team selection and tactics.
Sven Botman – Out
One of the most significant absences for Newcastle is Sven Botman, who suffered a serious knee injury at the end of last season. The Dutch center-back has been a crucial part of Newcastle’s defense, and his absence leaves a gaping hole in the backline. Botman expressed his disappointment after the injury, stating, “It is difficult to accept that surgery is out of the question, after fighting so hard to avoid this step. The support and love I have already means a lot to me. I won’t be able to do what I love the most for a while, but after my knee problems recently, I know I will come out of this period a better player.”
With Botman out until the new year, Newcastle will need to rely on their defensive depth, which will be tested against Tottenham’s attacking prowess.
Jamaal Lascelles – Out
Newcastle’s defensive concerns are compounded by the absence of Jamaal Lascelles, who also suffered a long-term injury in the spring. The club captain underwent surgery and is not expected to return until the new year. Lascelles provided an update on his recovery, saying, “The operation went really well and I am up and about, weight-bearing and looking to get off the crutches and start work in the gym soon. Sadly, I can’t help the team on the pitch anymore this season, but I’ll be doing everything I can to help off it. The boys know what is at stake.”
Lascelles’ leadership and presence will be missed, particularly in high-stakes matches like the upcoming one against Tottenham.
Lewis Miley – Out
Young midfielder Lewis Miley is another absentee for Newcastle. The 17-year-old, who has been highly regarded for his potential, broke a metatarsal during pre-season and is expected to be out until mid-September at the earliest. While not a regular starter, Miley’s absence limits Howe’s options in midfield, especially if the match turns into a physical battle.
Callum Wilson – Out
Up front, Newcastle will be without their star striker Callum Wilson, who is recovering from an injury and is not expected to return until September. Manager Eddie Howe provided an update, saying, “Callum is continuing his rehabilitation from injury. I am happy with his progress. He is working very hard, as he always does. We miss him; he adds a different dynamic. He is such an important character around the squad, we hope to get him back soon, but he definitely won’t be back before the international break.”
Wilson’s absence is a significant blow to Newcastle’s attacking options, as he has been their most consistent goal scorer. Without him, the burden will fall on Alexander Isak to lead the line against Tottenham’s defense.
Fabian Schar – Out
Adding to Newcastle’s woes, Fabian Schar will miss the Tottenham clash due to suspension. The Swiss international has been a key figure in Newcastle’s defense, and his absence will force Howe to make further adjustments to an already depleted backline. Schar is eligible to return on September 15, but his absence this weekend could leave Newcastle vulnerable to Tottenham’s attack.
Dominic Solanke – Out
Dominic Solanke, a key player for Newcastle, is also sidelined until after the international break due to a knock he picked up in the previous match. Howe commented on Solanke’s injury, saying, “Dom picked up a knock in the last game, so he got through the game, but it flared up the day after, so he’ll miss tomorrow. It just depends on his recovery [when he returns], obviously we’ve got the international break, but it’s not serious.”
Impact on the Match
With key players missing on both sides, this Premier League encounter is shaping up to be a battle of depth and adaptability. Tottenham will need to cope with the potential absences of Udogie and van de Ven, while Newcastle faces the daunting task of reorganizing a defense missing Botman, Lascelles, and Schar. The absence of Wilson could also hamper their ability to convert chances against a Spurs defense that has shown vulnerability at times.
Ultimately, the team that can best manage its injury issues and adapt its strategy is likely to come out on top. Both managers will need to rely on their squad depth and tactical acumen to navigate these challenges. As Sunday’s clash approaches, the fitness updates leading up to the game will be crucial in determining how both sides line up and where the key battles will be fought on the pitch.
