With a Europa League final now firmly in sight, Tottenham Hotspur must be smart with their selections for the second leg in Norway, and that means leaving key players out to avoid the unforgiving surface in Bodo. Here are three Tottenham players who should go nowhere near the Bodo/Glimt artificial pitch.
Tottenham Hotspur are within touching distance of a European final after their impressive 3-1 win over Bodo/Glimt in the first leg of the Europa League semi-final.
It was a commanding performance that has allowed supporters to dream of a trip to Spain and the chance to bring silverware back to north London.
Avoid defeat, pick up a draw or even another win, and Tottenham will be making plans for the final. But progression alone is not enough – Spurs need to give themselves a real chance of lifting the trophy by arriving in the best possible shape.
At the moment, a final against Manchester United looks increasingly likely, as Ruben Amorim’s side were ruthless in their own semi-final, dismantling Athletic Bilbao 3-0.
An all-English showdown is very much on the cards, and for Tottenham to finally end their 17-year trophy drought, they must have a fully fit squad heading into the final.
That is why there are three players who should not go anywhere near the artificial turf in Bodo next Thursday.
Micky van de Ven must be protected for Tottenham final run-in
It is no secret that Bodo/Glimt are a different animal at home in this competition. The Norwegian side boasts a 100% record in the knockout stages, winning every game on their own patch, and the artificial pitch has clearly played a big part in that.
Top-level sides are rarely exposed to such conditions, and Tottenham’s squad struggled with the effects the last time they played on astroturf, with many players feeling the impact long after full-time. It is a surface known to increase the risk of muscle injuries and fatigue.
With that in mind, it would be a major risk to play Micky van de Ven. The Dutchman’s pace and composure at the back will be crucial if Spurs reach the final, and there is no reason to jeopardise that. Ange Postecoglou should turn to Kevin Danso instead for the second leg.
James Maddison should be rested for Spurs trip to Bodo/Glimt
James Maddison has been one of Tottenham’s standout players in the knockout rounds, stepping up when it matters most. He has delivered big moments against AZ Alkmaar, Eintracht Frankfurt – where he won a crucial penalty – and Bodo/Glimt.
The England international needs to be protected. Maddison has already shown signs of struggling on similar surfaces, most notably away to Tamworth, where he was withdrawn after 90 minutes without making much of an impact.
In contrast, Dejan Kulusevski performed well and even grabbed a goal on the artificial turf. If Spurs are to reach the final and take on Manchester United, they will need Maddison fit and firing. He scored when the sides last met and his creativity could be decisive on the big stage.
Ange Postecoglou revealed that Maddison has been sent for a scan following an injury he sustained to his knee on Thursday, so it remains to be seen whether he will even be available to travel.
Richarlison should be spared injury risk on Bodo pitch
Since returning from injury, Ange Postecoglou has managed Richarlison’s minutes carefully while also drawing out his best form. The Brazilian has been deployed both centrally and out wide, making a telling impact in both roles.
He found the net against Nottingham Forest as a centre-forward and then turned provider from the flank against Bodo/Glimt. That versatility could be vital if Tottenham reach the final.
But Richarlison’s injury history cannot be ignored. An artificial pitch is not the place to gamble on his fitness. Given his fragility, he is probably the least likely to come through the game unscathed – it would be wise to keep him fresh for what could be the most important game of the season.