Roberto De Zerbi has provided a big injury update ahead of Tottenham Hotspur’s clash against Everton this evening.
Mykhailo Mudryk has been ruled out for six to eight weeks with an ankle injury, with the Ukrainian joining Tottenham’s other long-term injury absentees, Dejan Kulusevski, Xavi Simons and Wilson Odobert.
However, Spurs have received a boost in recent days, with James Maddison returning to first-team training after missing the last two league matches.
The Lilywhites were expected to have a fully fit squad apart from the four absentees, but it has now been revealed that two key defenders could miss out on this evening’s clash.
Pedro Porro and Destiny Udogie could miss Tottenham’s clash against Everton
In an interview with the club’s official channel, De Zerbi revealed that Pedro Porro has suffered a minor muscle problem, while Destiny Udogie also has a small issue.
The Tottenham boss did not rule them out of the Everton clash, saying the pair will be assessed today, but admitted that he does not want to risk either player.
He said: “Pedro Porro felt a small muscular problem, we have to see tomorrow if he’s available or not but in this moment I don’t want to take any risks. The same (with) Udogie.
“Pedro Porro and Udogie are similar players because one, Pedro played a World Cup, a long World Cup and we already knew after the World Cup it could be a difficult management for him and for Udogie, last season (he) suffered many injuries, he played 60 minutes in Nottingham and we have to manage also Destiny in the best way we can.”
Watch De Zerbi’s comments below:
Does it serve any purpose to tell Everton about these injuries?
If these are minor problems, one does wonder what purpose is served by giving out this information publicly.
While Tottenham fans may appreciate transparency, one would think that it is an advantage for Everton to know that Archie Gray is likely to start at right-back over Porro.
Tyrique George has made a strong start to the campaign for the Toffees, and Gray will certainly have his work cut out to keep him quiet on Everton’s left flank.