Tottenham’s Injury Woes Deepen as Radu Dragusin Faces ACL Surgery
In a season already marred by injuries, Tottenham Hotspur has been dealt another blow with the news that defender Radu Dragusin will undergo surgery for an ACL injury. The club confirmed this unfortunate development on Tuesday, adding to the growing list of sidelined players.
Dragusin, a Romania international, has been a key figure for Spurs since his arrival from Genoa last summer. He has made 28 appearances across all competitions, showcasing his defensive prowess and adaptability. However, his promising season has been abruptly cut short due to the injury sustained during Spurs’ 3-0 win over Swedish side Elfsborg in their final Europa League group game.
Tottenham’s injury list is becoming a significant concern for head coach Ange Postecoglou. The team is already grappling with the absence of several key players, including Guglielmo Vicario (ankle), Cristian Romero (hamstring), Destiny Udogie (hamstring), Dominic Solanke (knee), Brennan Johnson (calf), and James Maddison (calf).
As Spurs prepare for their next challenge, a Carabao Cup semifinal clash against Liverpool on Thursday, they hold a 1-0 lead on aggregate. However, the mounting injuries have left Postecoglou visibly frustrated, as he navigates the challenges of maintaining team performance amidst a depleted squad.
Following their recent 2-0 victory over Brentford, Postecoglou addressed the media, expressing his concerns about the impact of the injury crisis on the team’s performance. He stated, “How do I say this without sort of repeating myself and not sounding like an excuse? It’s very difficult for a group of players to play Thursday and Sunday and maintain energy and levels.”
He continued, “What they’re doing is giving maximum effort and maximum effort in a game like today means that you can’t be sharp and really dynamic with and without the ball, it’s just impossible. They’re human beings and not robots. People want to dismiss it, they want to talk about excuses, but that’s the reality, I know the reality.”
Postecoglou praised his players for their dedication, acknowledging the challenges they face with a tight schedule and limited recovery time. “These guys are giving everything. We knew today wasn’t going to be a game where we could go out there and dominate, because Brentford had a week to prepare for this. We had 50-something hours [after the Elfsborg game] with the same group of players. So I think, with that context, I think the performance was outstanding.”
- Radu Dragusin’s ACL injury adds to Tottenham’s injury list.
- Spurs face Liverpool in the Carabao Cup semifinal with a 1-0 lead.
- Coach Ange Postecoglou highlights the challenges of a congested schedule.
As Tottenham continues to battle through this challenging period, the resilience and determination of the squad will be crucial in maintaining their competitive edge. The upcoming fixtures will test their depth and adaptability, as they strive to overcome the adversity posed by injuries and maintain their pursuit of success in multiple competitions.
Originally Written by: ESPN
