Rodrigo Bentancur: Tottenham midfielder out for at least 10 weeks with ankle ligament damage

Tottenham midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur’s long-awaited return from injury was sadly cut short after he sustained ankle ligament damage during their 2-1 home defeat against Aston Villa. It was a devastating blow for Bentancur, who was making his first start for Spurs since February, following a serious knee injury.

The injury occurred in the 28th minute of the match when Bentancur was on the receiving end of a poor tackle by Matty Cash. Despite trying to continue, the Uruguayan midfielder was ultimately replaced shortly afterwards by Pierre-Emile Højbjerg. The exact extent of Bentancur’s injury is yet to be determined, but early indications suggest that he will be sidelined for at least two-and-a-half months.

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou expressed his disappointment at losing Bentancur, praising the player’s performance prior to the injury. He highlighted Bentancur’s creativity and the positive impact he had on the team’s overall gameplay. Losing another key player to injury has certainly added to the challenges faced by Spurs, who already have 11 first-team players unavailable for selection.

Despite the setback, Postecoglou remains optimistic and determined to overcome the team’s current injury crisis. He emphasized the need for the team to maintain their intent and continue playing the type of football they displayed in the match against Aston Villa. Postecoglou acknowledged the risks involved in fielding a team with multiple full-backs due to the lack of height, but the positive aspects of their gameplay outweighed the disappointment of the final result.

In the match against Aston Villa, Tottenham had a total of 18 shots, three goals disallowed, and hit the woodwork twice. However, they failed to capitalize on their chances, allowing Aston Villa to punish their profligacy and secure a victory, moving them above Spurs in the Premier League’s top four.

Postecoglou acknowledged the challenging situation the team currently faces with numerous players out injured. However, he remains confident in the team’s ability to overcome this phase and emerge stronger. The manager believes that with time and perseverance, Tottenham will transform into a formidable football team, showcasing their outstanding style of play.

Rodrigo Bentancur has dealt a significant blow to Tottenham, hindering his return to the field after a lengthy absence. Despite this setback, the team remains resilient and determined to navigate their injury woes. With the continued display of strong intent and the brand of football they showcased against Aston Villa, Spurs are poised to emerge as a formidable force in the near future.