Tottenham receive boost as absence of ‘one of the best’ Simon Adingra is confirmed v Brighton
Tottenham have several injuries heading into their clash with Brighton, but the Seagulls’ lengthy list of absentees should level the playing field.
Ange Postecoglou’s men will look to record a fourth consecutive Premier League victory at the Amex Stadium on Thursday 28 December.
However, their task has been made that little bit harder after Argentina international defender Cristian Romero was ruled out of action for four to five weeks with a hamstring injury.
Romero joins James Maddison, Rodrigo Bentancur and Micky van de Ven as the latest star on Spurs’ treatment table, although it is fair to say that Roberto De Zerbi’s side have a few injury concerns themselves.
Speaking during his pre-match press conference ahead of the clash (Brighton Official Website, 27 December), De Zerbi confirmed that both Kaoru Mitoma and Simon Adingra will be out for at least four weeks having sustained injuries during Brighton’s 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Thursday 21 December.
Mitoma’s absence in particular is a huge blow. As per fbref, the Japan international sits in the top five per cent of Premier League attacking midfielders and wingers this season for the number of times he has carried the ball into the penalty area (3.82 per 90) and the number of progressive passes he has received (14.38 per 90), as well as the top seven per cent for the number of touches he has had in opposition penalty areas (8.04 per 90).
However, while Mitoma’s absence has stolen all the headlines, the loss of Adingra is arguably just as vital.
Ahead of the club’s 3-2 win at Nottingham Forest on 25 November, Brighton’s manager was discussing the impact Adingra has made this season (The Argus, 25 November).
“He is showing his quality, his big quality.
“He is playing on the right and the left side and he is playing very well. He is absolutely one of the best players in this moment for us.”
The 21-year-old has started 13 of Brighton’s 18 league games this season, as well as four of their six UEFA Europa League matches. He has five goals and three assists in all competitions and represents yet another regular who Brighton will be missing against Tottenham.
Before his half-time withdrawal at Selhurst Park, the winger had completed 80 per cent of his passes, provided one accurate cross into the box, registered one successful dribble and won two ground duels (Sofascore).
As per fbref, the Ivory Coast international has been a key part of Brighton’s success in the Europa League this season, as the Seagulls topped Group B. Throughout the competition so far, Adingra sits in the top seven per cent of his positional peers for the number of assists he has provided (0.51 per 90).
In addition, he sits in the top nine per cent for his total touches in the attacking penalty area (6.37 per 90), the top 11 per cent for his successful take-on percentage (61.5 per cent per 90) and the top 12 per cent for his total shots (3.31 per 90).
He has been a thorn in the side of many defences across Europe this season, and with Postecoglou being forced to name a makeshift back-four on the south coast, the Australian will be glad that Adingra isn’t around to test that back-four.
In other Tottenham news, Postecoglou might already have a long-term midfield solution who could save the club millions.