Injuries to Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven left Spurs short in defence
Postecoglou admits Spurs are assessing why stars have suffered repeat injuries
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By MICHAEL PAVITT
Published: 10:47 EST, 12 December 2024 | Updated: 10:47 EST, 12 December 2024
Tottenham have reportedly launched a second review of the club's medical department after Ange Postecoglou's side were hit by another injury crisis.
Six first team players are currently ruled out with injuries after Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero were forced off in their 4-3 defeat by Chelsea on Sunday.
The defensive duo had made their returns from injury for the London derby, but are now facing another spell on the sidelines.
The injuries have left Tottenham with only one fit senior centre back at the club in Radu Dragusin, after Ben Davies suffered an injury during their 1-0 loss to Bournemouth last week.
Tottenham are also without first choice goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, who underwent surgery on an ankle injury last month.
Postecoglou's attacking options have also been depleted with Richarlison and summer signing Wilson Odobert having been ruled out for extended periods this season.
Ange Postecoglou's Tottenham have reportedly launched a review of their medical staff
Tottenham have been rocked by Cristian Romero suffering a new injury on his return on Sunday
Micky van de Ven suffered another injury setback in the closing stages against Chelsea
Richarlison has been limited to seven appearances in all competitions this campaign due to injuries, with the Brazilian currently out with a hamstring injury.
Odobert has featured in six matches, but suffered a hamstring injury in Tottenham's Carabao Cup third round tie with Coventry in September.
He suffered a setback on his return in the Europa League against AZ Alkmaar and underwent surgery last month.
According to the Evening Standard, Tottenham have responded to the injury crisis by launching another review of their medical department.
Postecoglou has reportedly ordered the review after becoming frustrated by players breaking down again after returning from injury.
Tottenham had conducted a previous review after Tottenham were blighted by injuries in Postecoglou's debut season.
The review led to the departure of the club's head of medicine and sports science Geoff Scott.
Tottenham appointed Brighton's Adam Brett as director of performance services, while former Wales and West Ham employee Nick Davies became head of sports science.
With Ben Davies suffering an injury last week, Tottenham only have one fit central defender
Richarlison has been limited to seven appearances after a series of injuries this season
Summer signing Wilson Odobert was forced to undergo hamstring surgery in November
Postecoglou confirmed Spurs were looking into the issue of players suffering reoccurring injuries at his pre-match press conference ahead of their Europa League tie against Rangers.
'I never think it's just bad luck. Some of it. I've never lost a goalkeeper for this period of time.
'Some of the other issues that we've had, but some of it is recurring, particularly this year in terms of guys coming back and re-injuring. It's something we're looking at.
'We're always trying to explore whether we can do things better. Last year was different to this year. Last year it hit us across the board. This year it's more guys that are coming back who are affected.
'Knock on wood, we've got a core group who are playing a lot and are getting through it ok. But it is something we are trying to address.'
The Tottenham boss admitted he would have to get 'creative' in defence, with midfielder Archie Gray expected to partner Dragusin at centre back.
Tottenham will hope to end a run of four matches without a win in all competitions against Rangers.
Rangers are currently one place ahead of Tottenham in eighth in the Europa League standings ahead of their meeting at Ibrox, the final automatic place to the tournament's last-16.