Ange Postecoglou to let Brennan Johnson decide if he’s ready to start in Tottenham v Nottingham Forest
Bryan King believes Ange Postecoglou must decide whether or not to rest Brennan Johnson against Nottingham Forest after Richarlison was ruled out.
The ex-Spurs scout believes that Postecoglou will need to have a conversation with Johnson after the Welshman picked up a knock in the 1-1 draw with West Ham on Tuesday (2 April).
Spurs will welcome Forest to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday (7 April), and while Postecoglou has confirmed that Johnson is “fine”, the Australian has revealed that Richarlison will miss out against the Reds but is likely to return against Newcastle (13 April) (via Football London, 5 April).
With one less attacking player available to him, King – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – believes Postecoglou must ensure Johnson is fit and ready to go.
“If I were Postecoglou I would make sure I double-check with Johnson,” King said.
“Before naming my final team I would ask Johnson if he is feeling confident to play 90 minutes. If he says no, then he must start on the bench and if he says yes, then he starts.
“It is as simple as that for me.”
Ange Postecoglou must ensure he doesn’t risk a long-term injury by starting Brennan Johnson for Tottenham
Johnson looked in some discomfort when he came off against David Moyes’ side in midweek.
With Richarlison now ruled out, Postecoglou cannot risk another one of his forward players picking up an injury, especially with the run of fixtures Spurs have ahead of them.
With Dejan Kulusevski and Timo Werner both available, the 58-year-old will need to think carefully about whether or not to risk Johnson having already lost one forward to injury this week.
In other Tottenham news, King wants Spurs to make two forward additions with a Harry Kane replacement already lined up.
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