What does Asian Cup mean for Tottenham Women as three players set to depart
With the Women’s Super League paused until 15 March, clubs across the division are preparing to wave goodbye to key figures set to represent their countries at the upcoming Asian Cup.
While some sides will be lightly affected, Tottenham are among those bracing for a significant blow, with three players heading off to international duty during a crucial stretch of the campaign.
This year’s tournament is hosted by Australia and runs from 1-21 March, meaning Spurs will be without important contributors as domestic action resumes.
With that in mind, Tottenham Hotspur News takes a look at what the coming weeks could mean for Martin Ho’s side.
Three Spurs players in line for international duty
Ahead of the tournament, Spurs are set to lose Clare Hunt, who joins up with Australia, while Toko Koga and Maika Hamano are set for duty with Japan.
The most pressing concern is at the heart of Ho’s defence.
Hunt and Koga have been Tottenham’s first-choice centre-back pairing for the vast majority of the campaign, with there being just one example in the league of a clash without the two paired together.
Spurs finished second-bottom of the WSL last term, and the form of their defenders has been one of the crucial cogs in this season’s uptick – leaving them fifth as things stand.
Molly Bartrip is the obvious candidate to step in, having deputised often this season, however it is still a problem that Ho does not ideally want as his side aim for Europe.
Attacking midfielder Hamano arrived on loan in January, with the absence already factored in upon her arrival, however once again, it is a far from ideal scenario for a side looking to gain momentum ahead of a crucial run-in.
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Everton clash offers timely opportunity despite absentees
While the loss of three internationals does present a serious challenge, Spurs have been offered a small slice of good fortune with the fixture list.
Tottenham face Everton next – the only side in the WSL impacted by the Asian Cup more than Spurs.
The Toffees are without four players during this period, including:
- Rion Ishikawa (Japan)
- Honoka Hayashi (Japan)
- Hikaru Kitagawa (Japan)
- Clare Wheeler (Australia)
Both sides will be forced to make changes as they return from the WSL break on 15 March, easing the suffering Tottenham are set to face.
Most importantly, Spurs have a fantastic chance to take three points and build confidence ahead of a big clash against runaway league leaders Manchester City.
After this, they will play out the North London derby with Arsenal, before an FA Cup quarter-final against Chelsea at Kingsmeadow.
The coming month will decide whether or not Spurs can go the distance and claim a European spot – starting with the visit of Everton after the pause.
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