Ange Postecoglou has a Tottenham selection dilemma against Hoffenheim (credit: Imago)
Thu 23 January 2025 11:10, UK
Ange Postecoglou could axe Son Heung-min from the Tottenham starting XI as 14 players miss out on the trip to face Hoffenheim on Thursday.
Spurs travel to face the Bundesliga outfit in the Europa League on 23 January and could see five changes to the side that lost 3-2 against Everton.
This could see Richarlison, Will Lankshear, Mikey Moore, Brandon Austin and Malachi Hardy come into the starting XI as the Lilywhites deal with an injury crisis.
This could see Postecoglou drop Son and Pedro Porro while being without Antonin Kinsky, Djed Spence and Pape Sarr for the clash in Germany.
Speaking ahead of the clash [ESPN, 22 January]the Spurs boss confirmed the Senegal international’s absence: “Pape [Sarr] has a slight knock from the weekend, so he’s out.
“He tried to train [today] but he’s still a bit sore from the weekend. We’re hoping it’s not something that will keep him out for too long, he has a chance for the weekend, but the turnaround was too quick.”
Tottenham could make five changes v Hoffenheim
Despite a positive start to life in North London, Kinsky will be forced out of this game as the new signing is not registered for the league phase of the Europa League.
This will likely see Austin come in from the start after he made two saves [FotMob] on his only appearance of the season against Newcastle United earlier this month.
-Ahead of him, there is a largely familiar feel to the back line with Ben Davies, Archie Gray and Radu Dragusin likely to remain in the side despite the latter losing four duels in 45 minutes against Everton. This trio could be joined by Hardy who may be set to make his first-team debut for Spurs.
The midfield is arguably the strongest area for Postecoglou’s side with James Maddison, Lucas Bergvall and Dejan Kulusevski potentially in line to start.
After losing Pape Sarr, the Sweden international will have to pick up defensive duties which he is capable of after winning five duels and 100 per cent of tackles at Goodison Park.
Postecoglou has issues in the forward line but could still be set to drop his captain. Son won just 29 per cent of ground duels while missing one big chance against the Toffees which may see him drop to the bench.
Richarlison could come into the starting XI to join Lankshear and Moore who could be set to start in the Europa League once again.
In other Tottenham news, Daniel Levy is pushing to complete an attacker transfer before the 3 February deadline.
For more Tottenham news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.
Related Posts
