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‘Probably’: Ange Postecoglou confirms who’s set to partner Radu Dragusin at centre-back for Tottenham now
Ange Postecoglou is going to have to get creative after being left with Radu Dragusin as his only fit remaining central defender.
Postecoglou admitted he is facing the worst injury crisis of his 28-year career in management. The Australian head coach has just lost Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven to injury once again as the duo suffered new issues against Chelsea.
Dragusin is now the North London club’s only fit centre-back with Ben Davies also out with a hamstring injury. Ahead of Spurs’ clash with Rangers, Postecoglou has revealed who is the most likely player to partner the 22-year-old.
Postecoglou reveals Gray will replace Van de Ven and Romero
Ange Postecoglou claims that Archie Gray is set to partner Radu Dragusin as Tottenham’s injury crisis continues to get worse. Gray has filled several different roles under Postecoglou having played midfield, left-back, right-back and centre-back.
The former Leeds star now looks set for a period playing in central defence with Van de Ven expected to be out for two to three weeks and Romero sidelined for around six weeks. The 18-year-old started against Ferencvarosi at centre-back and filled that role for small cameos against Bournemouth and Chelsea.
Postecoglou told the media: “I have to get creative. I think Archie’s probably the one for us at the moment that we need to try and get to fill in there. He’s done right back, left back for us. Had to play at centre-back a little bit this year, he did during the pre-season.
“With him and Radu, they’re the two main sort of defenders. We’ve still got five or six games to navigate, so we may have to get creative at some point and deal with it in a different way.”
Tottenham’s shortage of centre-back will leave them regretting their decision not to have signed one last summer and will only reinforce their desire to land one next month.
Who are Tottenham’s other centre-back options?
Postecoglou has just two alternatives to Gray with Yves Bissouma being one, but given his recent performances, that doesn’t seem like a good idea. The midfielder gave away a penalty against Chelsea and the booking he received means he is now suspended in the Premier League.
The Australian coach could be brave and use the talented Alfie Dorrington. The 19-year-old’s development has been hampered by two bad hamstring injuries just when he looked on course for first-team opportunities.
Dorrington played a key role in helping Tottenham Under-21 to win the Premier League 2 last season and was beginning to catch the eye of Postecoglou. Hopefully, the teenager can recapture his form over the coming months and work his way into the manager’s plans.