Tottenham set for boost with Pape Matar Sarr in line to return against Everton after AFCON elimination
It might be under bittersweet circumstances, but Tottenham are set to receive a big boost in the form of Pape Matar Sarr’s return to Hotspur Way.
Ange Postecoglou and Spurs’ supporters would have felt conflicted when watching Ivory Coast take on Sarr’s Senegal on Monday 29 January, with a place in the last eight of the African Cup of Nations up for grabs.
On the one hand, fans of Tottenham and Sarr would have wanted to see the player do well with his country while on the other hand, his elimination would mean a timely return to Tottenham when the club find themselves in a busy run of fixtures.
In the end, it was defeat for Sarr and Senegal as the reigning champions were eliminated by the hosts via a penalty shoot-out following a 1-1 draw, and plenty of Spurs supporters likely felt more joy than they did pain at the outcome.
Postecoglou’s men currently find themselves in a run of three games in eight days, which will continue when they host Brentford at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Wednesday 31 January. As a result, tired legs and minds will mean the squad need all the help they can get.
While Sarr is unlikely to play any part against the Bees, the timing of his return could see him feature on Saturday 3 February against Everton, which Postecoglou confirmed in his pre-match press conference ahead of the midweek showdown with Brentford (Football London, 30 January).
The Australian told the media, “The latest I heard is he should be back tomorrow at some stage.
“Disappointed for him because Senegal had ambitions to win the competition but he did well for them again, he’s a key member and from our side, it’s good to get him back. He should be fine for Saturday after arrival.”
Postecoglou’s verdict that Sarr did well for Senegal is certainly an accurate one.
As per Sofascore, during their defeat in the Round of 16, the midfielder completed 83 per cent of his passes and succeeded with 100 per cent of the dribbles which he attempted. In addition, he won eight of his 11 ground duels, made five tackles, and two interceptions while he also scored his penalty in the shootout.
He was influential in the group stages also. He made his first appearance at the tournament in Senegal’s second match, a 3-1 win over Cameroon (19 January), in which he grabbed an assist as he helped his nation on their way to an important three points.
While the 21-year-old will understandably be disappointed at his early elimination from the African Cup of Nations, he will also be keen to return to North London and continue to show the level of performance he has been showing so far this season.
As per fbref, he ranks in the top nine per cent of Premier League midfielders throughout the 2023/24 campaign for the number of shots he has had on target (0.85 per 90) and the top seven per cent for his pass completion rate over a short distance (94.4 per cent per 90).
In addition, he finds himself once again in the top nine per cent of his positional peers in England’s top flight so far this season for the number of carries he has made into the final third (2.78 per 90) as well as his total carrying distance (279.80 yards per 90).
It has certainly been a breakthrough year for the youngster, and while his international journey might be over for now, his Tottenham journey is seemingly only just beginning.
In other Tottenham news, a Spurs expert believes one Brentford player is all “hype” and will find himself “pocketed” on Wednesday night.
For more Tottenham news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.