Jermain Defoe puts Tottenham injury crisis into perspective using Gareth Bale
At the height of Tottenham Hotspur’s injury woes this season, the squad was left severely depleted, with up to 12 first-team players sidelined. Now, former Spurs striker Jermain Defoe has weighed in, expressing sympathy for the current team and reflecting on how similar struggles would have impacted his own era.
At one point this season, Tottenham found themselves in a dire situation. Injuries had ravaged every area of the pitch, leaving them with what could have been an entire starting eleven watching from the sidelines.
The crisis derailed their campaign, forcing manager Ange Postecoglou into a desperate juggling act with his squad selections.
While key players have since returned, and measures have been taken by Tottenham to avoid another injury crisis, only time will tell if those efforts bear fruit.
Jermain Defoe reflects on Tottenham’s injury struggles
Speaking to Squawka, former Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe acknowledged just how damaging the injury crisis was for his old club.
The ex-England international admitted that had a similar situation occurred during his time at Spurs, the impact would have been just as severe.
He said: “If I played in a team where (Heurelho) Gomes was injured and Ledley King was injured, and (Michael) Dawson was injured, and then I was injured, Gareth (Bale) was injured, (Aaron) Lennon was injured, (Peter) Crouchy was.
“Of course, it’s going to be difficult for the players. Especially the players who haven’t played and who get to come in and keep the club at that sort of level. So we understand that. But there’s still an opportunity to win a trophy.”
Tottenham’s season hangs on Europa League triumph
Undoubtedly, Tottenham’s injury struggles have played a major role in what is shaping up to be their worst Premier League campaign in over a decade.
Their hopes of domestic silverware were dashed early, with exits from both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup leaving them reliant on their Europa League run to salvage their season.
With most of their key players now back to full fitness, Spurs will be hoping for a strong finish to the campaign.
A deep Europa League run could yet provide some redemption, but anything less would leave fans with little to celebrate in what has been a frustrating season.
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