Tottenham behind closed doors friendly mooted after injury news pre-AZ Alkmaar
Tottenham may have staged a behind closed doors friendly ahead of the Europa League clash against AZ Alkmaar on Thursday.
The Lilywhites are preparing to travel to the Netherlands to face the Eredivisie outfit on 6 March in the first leg of the Europa League round of 16.
Ange Postecoglou will be keen to kick off the knockout stages on the continent with a positive result to bring back to North London next week.
Spurs could be set to welcome multiple players back from long-term injuries, which could mean a friendly was utilised down Hotspur Way.
Tottenham friendly mooted before AZ Alkmaar clash
There is a good chance that the Australian head coach could be set to welcome Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Dominic Solanke back against the Dutch side.
The defensive duo have been a big miss this campaign with Archie Gray being forced to cover for the pair during their absence.
The re-introduction of the English striker will also be huge for Postecoglou who has certainly missed a physical presence up front in his squad.
With that being said, the former Celtic boss will be keen not to rush these players back and risk further injury.
Former Brentford and Leicester City manager Martin Allen believes a behind closed doors friendly could have been utilised to build fitness ahead of the Europa League clash.
Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, Allen said: “It will all depend on how far they are into their rehab.
“What you can get is a player who has played a behind closed doors friendly at the training ground, even if it’s for 45 minutes.
“Then they could get put into one of these European games, potentially playing for an hour. If they are ready for more they could even play for longer.
“Postecoglou will be working with the medical team to find out what they think because they do not, like they did want with Micky van de Ven earlier in the season, want to bring a player back to early.
“That has prompted a difficult spell for Spurs without their best players so I’m sure Postecoglou and the head of medical will be having discussions and will be airing on the side of caution.“
Tottenham can welcome trio back v AZ Alkmaar
It is fair to say that Postecoglou can finally see that light at the end of the tunnel rather than a train.
Things have looked better in recent weeks with the return of the likes of James Maddison and Brennan Johnson but this was just the tip of the iceberg.
To be able to welcome the likes of van de Ven and Romero back at once could prove to be the turning point for the season.
Although this duo may not be able to make a difference in the Premier League, with Spurs sitting 13th but the Europa League could prove to be a different prospect.
| Position | Team | Points |
| 12. | Crystal Palace | 36 |
| 13 | Tottenham | 33 |
| 14. | Manchester United | 33 |
| 15. | West Ham | 33 |
AZ Alkmaar won’t represent an easy task but with the impact of the returning defenders, there is every chance that progression is in the Lilywhites’ hands.