Ange Postecoglou expects to be without Tottenham captain Heung-min Son again for Sunday’s visit to Brighton but is hopeful Destiny Udogie will be available.
Son pulled up with a muscle problem in last week’s Europa League win over Qarabag and missed the victories over Manchester United and Hungarian champions Ferencvaros.
Udogie was forced off at half-time of the 3-0 win at Old Trafford and stayed at home for the trip to Budapest, but Postecoglou is hopeful the left-back will be fit if he comes through training.
“First things first last night, all good,” Postecoglou said on Friday morning, just hours after returning from Hungary. “Obviously, fairly tired but physically no issues from last night’s game. Then out of the guys who sort of stayed back, Destiny we think will be okay.
“We have training today and tomorrow so he has to get through that. Sonny unlikely, he’s pushing hard but I just don’t think the turnaround will be quick enough for him to be available at this stage. And then that’s it, the others are kind of long-term.”
Asked if Son was therefore unlikely to represent South Korea during the international break, Postecoglou added: “Well yeah, if he doesn’t play for us it’s not like he’s close then it makes sense.
“But then again we have to be mindful that international duty, national teams take over. They are the custodians of their players but we’ve given them all of the medical information. They understand and they are understanding of the situation.”
Wilson Odobert (hamstring) and Richarlison remain sidelined, while Djed Spence, who is not registered in Spurs‘ European squad, will be available again.
Postecoglou is expected to make sweeping changes at the Amex Stadium after starting four teenagers for the 2-1 win over Ferencvaros.
As well as Udogie, Micky van de Ven, Rodrigo Bentancur, James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, Brennan Johnson and Dominic Solanke are all likely to return to the side.
Predicted Tottenham XI (4-3-3): Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Bentancur, Kulusevski, Maddison; Johnson, Werner, Solanke
Injured: Richarlison, Odobert
Doubt: Son
Time and date: 4:30pm BST on Sunday October 6, 2024
Venue: Amex Stadium
TV channel: Sky Sports
