Tottenham are dealt yet ANOTHER injury blow – as Ange Postecoglou explains key star’s absence from Leicester clash

Tottenham have been dealt yet another injury blow as a key star was ruled out of their clash with Leicester.

The club have been dealing with a plethora of injury issues this season, often fielding a patched-up side with it, at times, feeling like players have been dropping from the squad like flies.

First-choice centre back pairing Cristian Romero and Micky Van De Ven have been missing for a number of weeks, with first-choice striker Dominic Solanke also going down in recent days.

Elsewhere, the likes of Guglielmo Vicario, Destiny Udogie, Timo Werner and Brennan Johnson are also out.

Stars such as Ben Davies and Richarlison have recently returned to action, and it had looked like the tide was somewhat turning, only for yet another first-team player to be ruled out of Sunday’s clash. 

James Maddison was a surprise omission from the squad to face the Foxes, and Ange Postecoglou explained why he was not involved.

‘He [Maddison] is still a bit sore from the other night,’ the Australian told Sky Sports before kick-off. ‘It took a fair bit out of him and he was not 100 per cent, so he misses out.’

Asked if the injury was serious, Postecoglou said: ‘No we hope not. He should be alright for next week.’

It is reported that Maddison did travel to the stadium with his team-mates, but wasn’t passed fit to be included.

His absence came just a matter of days after he shone in Spurs’ Europa League win over Hoffenheim on Thursday, where he scored the opening goal of the 3-2 win.

Also absent was full back Djed Spence, who failed a late fitness test, though Pape Matar Sarr passed his late test and lined up in midfield alongside Rodrigo Bentancur and Lucas Bergvall. 

Postecoglou has signed goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky this month and says the club have been working hard to find further reinforcements.

Speaking last week, he said: ‘It is tricky as all clubs are finding. I guess traditionally it ramps up in that final week so we’re approaching there for all clubs.

‘It’s even trickier in January because once you try to acquire a player, the club wants to replace that player. So there’s all sorts of logistics involved.

‘It’s not frustration. It would be frustration and disappointment if the club weren’t working hard, but they are. It’s an easy word to say but I know how hard the club have been working behind the scenes to get something done, but it’s not easy.’