Tottenham: Ange Postecoglou could turn to Will Lankshear as Richarlison injury update emerges
Ange Postecoglou could turn to Tottenham Under-21s striker Will Lankshear, especially considering his current form, as they prepare to face Newcastle United on Saturday (13 April).
The 18-year-old has notched 16 goals and two assists in 18 appearances across the Premier League 2 and EFL Trophy, leading the line for the Spurs youth team.
As well as a few braces against Derby County, Norwich City and Southampton, Lankshear has also netted a hat-trick this season, helping to secure a 5-3 win over Aston Villa.
There is only so long that Postecoglou can keep the teenage sensation out of the first-team set-up, who has yet to make his senior debut at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
With the Australian hoping to finish in the Premier League’s Champions League qualification spots, Spurs will need to pip Villa to the fourth spot, currently tied on 60 points.
The most recent injury update has provided no positivity ahead of the clash at St James’ Park on Saturday, with Richarlison set to miss another match through injury.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference [12 April], quoted by Fabrizio Romano, Postecoglou said: “Richarlison will miss the game this week due to knee injury. He is close but with next weekend off, the last two rounds are stacked with games and having him ready for that is more important”.
Could Will Lankshear be given the nod for Tottenham v Newcastle United?
Without the Brazilian, Son Heung-Min is likely to be deputising through the middle as a natural striker, though he has been more impactful off the left flank this season.
While his pace could certainly help out against the Magpies’ high defensive line, as showcased in their 4-3 win over West Ham United, the Tottenham players may struggle to get the ball into him accurately.
Adding Lankshear to the lineup would see the South Korean shifted to his normal left-wing position, with a more out-and-out forward deployed in front of James Maddison.
It is a risk throwing an 18-year-old into such a crucial match, but considering his performances for the U21s and Newcastle’s extensive injuries, it could be a risk that pays off in Spurs’ race for Champions League football.
In other Tottenham news, a Spurs player has proven Ange Postecoglou right after an ‘Awful’ moment recently.
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