The international break is always a cause for concern for Premier League managers. All will be hoping to see their top players return to the training ground fit and healthy with now new injury worries.
For Spurs, they have something of an advantage over their rivals at the top of the table, with their next Premier League fixture on Monday night against Fulham. It will be the last match of the gameweek, with the likes of Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool to play over the weekend.
But Ange Postecoglou has a number of injuries already at the club. Here football.london takes a look at the players on the treatment table and their expected return dates.
Brennan Johnson
The Welsh striker was left out of the Wales squad by manager Rob Page in order to not jeopardise his health, after he suffered a thigh injury against Arsenal in the North London Derby.
He’s the likeliest of those out injured for Postecoglou to come back into the matchday squad after the international break but nothing is yet confirmed.
What has been said: “The communication between us and Tottenham has been first-class. It’s about having mutual respect.
“Both managers want a talented player fit so it’s about working together. I’m not going to insist that he has to come away and we’re going to play him, jeopardise his safety and health.
“I wouldn’t do that. But they also understand the importance of our games. We’ve had great conversations with them, but ultimately his injury will dictate whether he can meet up or not.”
Possible return date: Fulham (H) – Monday, October 23
Rodrigo Bentancur
The Uruguayan midfielder was a big loss towards the end of last season following his bad knee injury. Since then, he’s been spotted in training, doing one-to-one drills and gym exercises but is still expected to be sidelined until mid-November at the earliest.
What has been said: “Ryan [Sessegnon] and Rodrigo are still well off [in terms of a return to action].”
Possible return date: Aston Villa (H) – Sunday, November 26
Ryan Sessegnon
Another star who is yet to feature under Postecoglou, Sessegnon has been recovering from a thigh injury and is likely to come back around the same time as Bentancur.
What has been said: “Ryan (Sessegnon) and Rodrigo are still well off [in terms of a return to action].”
Possible return date: Aston Villa (H) – Sunday, November 26
Manor Solomon
The Israeli winger was forced to have surgery on his knee after a recent injury in training has left him sidelined for the next few months at least.
It’ll come as a blow to Postecoglou’s side, which has seen Solomon fit in perfectly on both wings, with him grabbing two assists in the 5-2 win over Burnley.
What has been said: “Solomon has suffered a meniscus injury to his right knee in training [and] he underwent surgery the same day.”
Possible return date: Manchester United (A) – Saturday, January 13
Ivan Perisic
The veteran full-back suffered a bad ACL injury last month and will do well to return before the end of the season. It’s entirely possible that even if he does retain full fitness before May, he sits out until next season.
What has been said: “We can confirm that Ivan has suffered a complex Anterior Cruciate Ligament injury in his right knee. The experienced Croatia international sustained the injury in non-contact training and will undergo surgery.”
Possible return date: June, 2024
Alfie Whiteman
The youngster suffered a long-term injury back in August and is unlikely to return for the club this season.
What has been said: “Alfie has undergone surgery following an injury sustained to his ankle whilst on pre-season tour. He will now begin his rehab with our medical team, and a date for his to return to training will be determined in due course.”
Possible return date: 2024
