AliousIgor Tudor has experienced a tough beginning as interim manager of Tottenham Hotspur, suffering defeat in each of his first three matches in charge. With only nine games remaining in the Premier League season, every fixture has now become critical as the club battles to avoid relegation.
Spurs’ struggles this season have been heavily influenced by a growing injury crisis, particularly since the start of the year. The lengthy list of absentees has forced Tudor to deploy several players in unfamiliar roles during his first three matches. The Croatian coach has not been helped by the ongoing injury problems in north London, and the lack of improvement in performances has only deepened concerns.
However, Tottenham have received a timely boost ahead of their upcoming clash with Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League.
Defenders Djed Spence and Radu Dragusin are expected to be included in the squad travelling to Spain for the European tie. Their return could also prove crucial for the weekend’s Premier League showdown against Liverpool FC at Anfield, especially with key centre-back Micky van de Ven suspended after receiving a straight red card in the 3-1 loss to Crystal Palace.
Spence and Dragusin Return to Training
According to reports from The Standard, both Spence and Dragusin have returned to training ahead of Tottenham’s Champions League meeting with Atletico Madrid. The pair were absent from the squad that faced Crystal Palace last week, making their return a welcome development for Tudor.
Spence had missed Spurs’ previous two matches due to a minor calf injury, but Tudor had already expressed hope that the full-back would be available for the Champions League encounter on Tuesday. Dragusin, meanwhile, was sidelined for the Palace defeat after picking up a knock, though both players were seen training on Monday.
Young defender Souza, who joined from Santos FC in January, made his first start as a left wing-back against Crystal Palace. However, the teenager was substituted before half-time following Van de Ven’s red card.
With Spence now back in training, he could be restored straight into the starting lineup at left wing-back against the side managed by Diego Simeone.
As for Dragusin, the 24-year-old is likely to begin on the bench if he makes the trip to the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium, given that Cristian Romero, Kevin Danso and Van de Ven are all available options in central defence.
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