Tottenham Hotspur faces a daunting challenge ahead of their Premier League match against Wolverhampton Wanderers, with their defensive lineup severely depleted by injuries and suspensions. The crisis deepened when Ben Davies suffered a setback during his recovery from a hamstring injury sustained earlier this month.
The 31-year-old Welsh international had been edging closer to a return but has now been ruled out for an additional two weeks. Manager Ange Postecoglou confirmed the news, further complicating an already precarious situation for the team.
Adding to the woes, Radu Drăgușin—who exited Thursday’s defeat to Nottingham Forest with an ankle issue—is now a major doubt. If ruled out, he will join fellow center-backs Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero on the sidelines. Postecoglou commented on Drăgușin’s condition, stating, “It’s still too early to determine the extent, but we’ll assess him further.”
Spurs’ defensive improvisation reached a peak against Forest, where they ended the game with midfielder Yves Bissouma and 18-year-old Archie Gray covering in central defense. Full-back Djed Spence will also miss the Wolves match due to suspension, exacerbating the team’s difficulties.
Postecoglou admitted that this is the worst injury crisis of his managerial career. With close to 10 first-team players unavailable in recent weeks, he acknowledged the challenges of navigating the packed fixture schedule. Despite the setbacks, the manager emphasized resilience: “Whatever we need to deal with, we’ll face it and prepare for Sunday.”
Spurs Struggle for Form
The Forest defeat marked Spurs’ ninth loss of the season, leaving them 11th in the Premier League standings. The pressure continues to mount as they prepare for a Carabao Cup semi-final against Liverpool next month. While criticism of Postecoglou’s attacking style has intensified, the Australian remains steadfast, focusing on long-term success.
“The fans’ passion for the club is evident,” Postecoglou remarked. “Their support drives us forward, and we’ll keep striving to deliver the results they deserve.”
What Lies Ahead
Tottenham’s depleted defense will face a formidable test against Wolves, whose recent form has been impressive. With limited options available, Postecoglou’s tactical ingenuity will be crucial in navigating this crisis. Whether Spurs can rise to the occasion remains to be seen, but their resolve will be tested again.