Tottenham make the trip to Old Trafford to face a resurgent Manchester United side on Saturday afternoon.
The January transfer window has now slammed shut, with Tottenham Hotspur doing little to strengthen their first-team squad on deadline day. It is clear that there was an urgent need for reinforcements, given the unprecedented injury situation Thomas Frank is dealing with.
Spurs had players in double digits unavailable for last weekend’s home game against Manchester City. Djed Spence and Kevin Danso have been the latest casualties, dropping out of the squad ahead of the Manchester City fixture. Additionally, skipper Cristian Romero was subbed off at half-time as he was unable to carry on due to illness.
Having trailed 2-0, Tottenham showed great character and resilience to come back and pinch a point against Man City in the second half. Dominic Solanke netted a brace to help the Lilywhites give something to cheer for the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium faithful.
Cristian Romero was subbed off at half-time against Manchester City due to illness
Cristian Romero was subbed off at half-time against Manchester City due to illness
Thomas Frank provides triple fitness boost ahead of Manchester United fixture
Attention now shifts towards Saturday’s trip to Old Trafford to face Manchester United. The Red Devils have looked rejuvenated under interim boss Michael Carrick, winning their last three games. They are in great form and will pose a big challenge for Tottenham to overcome.
Ahead of the game, Thomas Frank has provided the team news. He has revealed that both centre-backs Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven will be available to face Manchester United, but Djed Spence remains “touch-and-go”.
“Most are ok. Micky trained today and is available for selection for Saturday. Djed is getting closer and is touch-and-go. There is a chance he could be available. Romero, yes [he’s available],” Frank said in his pre-match press conference (h/t Football London).
The return of Van de Ven and Romero will be a huge relief for Frank, who had Radu Dragusin as his only fit senior centre-back in the second half against City, after Danso dropped out due to a toe injury. Van de Ven has missed Tottenham’s last two games with an unspecified minor injury, but his availability in particular will be a massive boost for the north Londoners.
Spence is touch-and-go, and if at all the full-back can provide some minutes off the bench, it will give a huge lift to the team. Going by the Dane’s recent words in his presser, it is safe to say Spurs should have sufficient options in defence, at least, against an in-form Man United side. Tottenham have to play at a very high level if they intend to get the better of Carrick and Co. at Old Trafford on Saturday.