Ange Postecoglou handed new blow as Rodrigo Bentancur injury news emerges at Tottenham
Tottenham suffered more than one blow in their Premier League encounter with Aston Villa on Sunday (26 November).
Not only did Ange Postecoglou’s men lose the match 2-1, but they also lost midfield star Rodrigo Bentancur to injury after just 32 minutes.
In what was the midfielder’s first start since tearing his ACL back in February, the Uruguayan was forced off after a heavy challenge from Villa’s Matty Cash.
According to 90min (28 November), Bentancur could now be facing at least another two months on the sidelines due to the ankle injury sustained from that challenge.
It is a massive blow for Postecoglou, who is already without the likes of James Maddison, Micky van de Ven, Ivan Perisic, Manor Solomon, Richarlison, Pape Matar Sarr and Ryan Sessegnon among others [official Premier League website, 28 November].
Despite playing just over half an hour on Sunday, Bentancur was heavily involved in the action, with the midfielder impressing with the midfielder completing 24 of his 28 passes (86%) and winning all three of his duels (100%), as per Sofascore.
He also completed his only attempted dribble, as well as making one tackle and one interception in a very impressive cameo before his unfortunate injury.
As mentioned, Bentancur had only just been getting back into the side, with Postecoglou handing the player 29 minutes and 27 minutes against Chelsea and Wolves respectively earlier this month, following his one-minute cameo against Crystal Palace last month.
Postecoglou will be desperate to have the Uruguayan back as soon as possible, with Bentancur having played a key role on the pitch in the 2022/23 season before his injury blow.
The midfielder made 26 appearances in all competitions [Transfermarkt], showing his versatility with displays in central and defensive midfield, as well as proving his attacking ability with six goals and two assists.
From his 18 Premier League appearances alone, the 26-year-old made a staggering 128 recoveries, 21 clearances and 20 interceptions [official Premier League website].
For now, however, the likes of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Oliver Skipp must step up in his absence, with the former having replaced Bentancur against Villa.
And it was certainly not a bad replacement, with the Dane completing 91% of his passes, winning four of his seven ground duels and registering four tackles, the joint-highest for the game alongside teammates Destiny Udogie and Lo Celso [Sofascore].
In other Tottenham news, Postecoglou has the ideal Harry Kane replacement under his nose, the player could save the club millions.