OPINION
Tottenham’s injury crisis shows no signs of abating.
With Mousa Dembele jetting out to Qatar for treatment on an ankle problem that will sideline him until the new year, Danny Rose not expected back until next month and Jan Vertonghen another notable and long-term absentee, Spurs’ troubles remain rife.
Mauricio Pochettino has been hit by more bad news after Kieran Trippier was sent back to Tottenham to undergo rehabilitation after hooking up with England at the start of the week.
As reported by BBC Sport, the right-back has withdrawn from selection for the two internationals against United States and Croatia this week as a result of the groin injury he sustained against Crystal Palace last weekend.
There must be real concern for Pochettino and the Spurs coaching staff that the injury could be worse than first thought and that he may face an extended absence after reports that a scan had ruled out a serious problem.
Virtually all of Tottenham’s World Cup stars have been hit by serious injuries this season, with Hugo Lloris, Dele Alli and Christian Eriksen joining Dembele, Rose and Vertonghen in suffering lengthy absences.
Of those who featured heavily in Russia, only Toby Alderweireld, Harry Kane and Davinson Sanchez have escaped serious injury, although the Colombian did miss the Palace clash with a hamstring problem.
Trippier is the first choice right-back at Tottenham and he is a player they can ill afford to be without.
Serge Aurier can slot in on the right side of defence but he lacks the consistency of the Englishman, as well as his crossing expertise.
The man who has started Spurs’ last 11 league encounters has supplied four assists already this season as well as scored his second goal for the club.