Tottenham still have a long list of injured players as we enter the festive period.
Spurs have seen a turnaround on the pitch in the last week after a home win over Newcastle was followed by Friday’s 2-0 win at Nottingham Forest, but Ange Postecoglou still can’t get over it as far as absentees are concerned.
Brennan Johnson had to leave the meeting with his former club at the City Ground, while Yves Bissouma may not play for Tottenham again until February as he faces a last-gasp suspension and a trip to the African Cup of Nations. Destiny Udogie will also serve a one-match ban after five yellow cards.
Spurs will be away to a resurgent Everton on Saturday, a tough away fixture at Brighton on 28 December, and will conclude the 2023 season against Bournemouth on New Year’s Eve.
Here’s all the latest Tottenham injury news and possible return dates.
Brennan Johnson
Johnson made an unfortunate return to the Forest squad as he had to leave the field after just 32 minutes after sustaining a head injury during a collision with Willy Boly.
However, Postecoglou confirmed after the game that he had avoided concussion and that he was dealing with a nasty blister that he should not have missed out on.
“He should be fine,” said the manager. “He just had a nasty head wound. Nothing that should have held him back. No concussion, just a cut on his head.”
Possible return date: Saturday 23 December against Everton
Giovani Lo Celso
Lo Celso has been back among the favourites recently amid Spurs’ midfield injury problems, although he did not play against Forest due to a slight injury he picked up in training.
Postecoglou claimed it was nothing serious, but the Argentine should remain a doubt for Sunday’s clash with Everton.
Perhaps the Brighton or Bournemouth games will herald Lo Celso’s return.
Possible return date: December 2023
James Maddison
The England international has not featured since injuring his ankle in the chaotic London derby with Chelsea on 6 November.
A subsequent examination showed the severity of the problem, and Maddison is disappointed that he will not return until the New Year.
Potential return date: January 2024
Micky van de Ven
Like Maddison, Van de Ven was ruled out against Chelsea with a hamstring injury.
However, he seems to be progressing well in his recovery, as he is reportedly set to start running outdoors.
Possible return date: January 2024
Rodrigo Bentancur
Bentancur’s long-awaited return from a serious knee injury suffered last season proved frustratingly short-lived, as he tore his ankle ligaments in a 2-1 home defeat to Aston Villa on 26 November.
Postecoglou has predicted that the Uruguayan is likely to miss a few more months, which means that he is unlikely to be expected before the start of February.
Possible return date: February 2024
Ivan Perisic
Perisic is not expected to play again this season after suffering a serious knee ligament injury in training in September.
The Croatian international is out of contract in the summer and may have played his last game for Tottenham.
Possible return date: summer 2024
Ryan Sessegnon
Sessegnon last played for Spurs in February as he continues to suffer from hamstring problems.
Although he was thought to have returned to light training, Postecoglou revealed earlier this month that Sessegnon had suffered “a number of setbacks” and refused to put a timeframe on his return.
Possible date of return: unknown
Chateau Solomon
Summer signatory Solomon has been absent since the beginning of October after undergoing surgery on his knee.
The Spurs recently released photos of the striker continuing his rehabilitation alone in the gym and he is expected to return in January at the earliest.
Possible return date: January 2024
Ashley Phillips
Defender Ashley Phillips injured his ankle last month during the international break.
Postecoglou confirmed at the time that Phillips is likely to be out for a month, and this timeframe means that he will have to return to action before the end of the year.
Possible return date: January 2024