Ange Postecoglou Suggests Two Tottenham Stars Are Set to Return for Frankfurt Showdown
Ange Postecoglou Explains Absence of Heung-min Son and Wilson Odobert Against Wolves and Provides Fitness Update Ahead of Frankfurt Clash
Tottenham Hotspur’s defensive frailties were once again on full display as they suffered a 4-2 defeat to Wolves at Molineux Stadium, continuing their poor run of form in the Premier League.
The North London side conceded soft goals yet again, raising familiar concerns as they failed to hold off a persistent Wolves attack.
Attention now turns to a crucial Europa League quarterfinal second leg in Germany on Thursday, with the tie still evenly poised after a tightly contested first leg.
Spurs were without several key players for the trip to the Midlands, including Heung-min Son and Wilson Odobert.
Ange Postecoglou has now provided a positive update regarding their availability.
Neither featured in the squad at Wolves, with Mathys Tel filling in on the left alongside Dominic Solanke and Brennan Johnson in attack.
Speaking after the game, Postecoglou revealed that Son and Odobert were rested as a precaution, with both expected to be fit for Thursday’s game against Frankfurt. “They should be, yeah,” he said, via Football.London.
“Sonny got a knock and there was no point in him travelling. With Wilson, I’ve just been managing him with Thursday in mind.”
Postecoglou’s selection decisions clearly indicate where his priorities lie. Along with Son and Odobert, several other first-team regulars were rested for the Wolves clash.
Destiny Udogie, Pedro Porro, and Micky van de Ven were not used at all, while Rodrigo Bentancur and Lucas Bergvall came on from the bench.
These choices strongly suggest that Tottenham’s full focus is on securing European progression.
In addition, Pape Matar Sarr was substituted in the 55th minute and James Maddison played for 75 minutes, potentially hinting at a midfield trio of Sarr, Bentancur, and Bergvall being preferred for Thursday’s showdown in Germany.
Recent results paint a concerning picture for Spurs domestically. Losses to Chelsea (1-0), Fulham (2-0), and now Wolves (4-2), coupled with a draw against Bournemouth (2-2), have highlighted the team’s inconsistent form.
Their only league win in the past month came in a 3-1 home victory over Southampton.
As the Europa League looms, Tottenham must tighten up at the back if they are to keep their European dreams alive.
