Tottenham expert still confident as Pedro Porro is ruled out v Crystal Palace
Tottenham expert John Wenham remains confident despite Ange Postecoglou confirming that Pedro Porro would be unavailable against Crystal Palace.
Spurs will host Oliver Glasner’s new-look Palace side at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in a Premier League London derby on Saturday 2 March.
Porro and Destiny Udogie were born unavailable last time out as Spurs were beaten 2-1 at home by Wolves on Saturday 17 February, and Postecoglou has now provided a fitness update on the pair.
Speaking via Tottenham’s Official X account (1 March), the Australian revealed that Udogie is in contention to feature on Saturday while Porro is “probably another week away” from making his return.
It means Emerson Royal is likely to start in his place, and Wenham believes he is capable of doing a job.
Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, Wenham said: “Emerson is certainly not at the same level as Porro because in terms of right-backs, Porro has arguably been the best in the Premier League this year and the stats reflect that.
“However, I am not that worried. I don’t make Emerson out to be as unreliable as some other supporters do. This is a guy that goes off and plays for Brazil.
“I think the fact that we had both Udogie and Porro out against Wolves probably made things look a bit worse, but with our usual back-five and Emerson in for Porro against Palace I am sure he will be fine.”
Pedro Porro will miss out against Crystal Palace at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
There is no denying that Porro’s absence is a huge blow to Postecoglou.
The Spaniard has been one of Spurs’ standout players this season and his absence was certainly noticeable against Gary O’Neil’s side.
However, this is a must-win game for Tottenham and whoever comes in to replace Porro, whether that be Emerson or someone else, must ensure they are switched on.
Tottenham find themselves five points behind Aston Villa, albeit with a game in hand, in the race for UEFA Champions League qualification.
With a showdown at Villa Park against Unai Emery’s high-flying Villans to follow on Sunday 10 March, Spurs must ensure they don’t drop points against Palace, and supporters will not accept Porro’s absence as an excuse.
In other Tottenham news, ex-Spurs scout Bryan King has made a Harry Kane transfer prediction amid a David Ornstein update.
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