Tottenham Hotspur have been dealt a fresh injury blow ahead of their crucial Europa League clash with AZ Alkmaar on Thursday, with centre-back Kevin Danso set to miss the match. The 26-year-old suffered a muscle injury during Spurs’ 2-2 draw against Bournemouth and has withdrawn from the Austria squad for their upcoming Nations League play-off against Serbia.
Since joining Spurs on loan from French club Lens in January, Danso has started seven consecutive matches and established himself as a key figure in the defence. However, after completing the full 90 minutes against Bournemouth, he walked straight down the tunnel accompanied by the club’s medical staff, signaling the injury concern. Reports suggest that the muscle issue could see him sidelined for some time, and manager Ange Postecoglou is expected to provide further details in his pre-match press conference.
Losing Danso would be another setback for Tottenham, particularly with Radu Dragusin already ruled out for the remainder of the season due to a cruciate ligament tear. However, Spurs could find some relief with the return of key defenders Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven, both of whom made their first league appearances in three months against Bournemouth. The pair could be called upon to start together for the first time since December 8, with a tough test ahead against Alkmaar, who lead 1-0 from the first leg.
In addition to Romero and van de Ven, Tottenham also have teenage midfielder Archie Gray, who has filled in at centre-back this season. Ben Davies, who has also been absent, was seen training on Wednesday ahead of the match, while the players wore odd socks to mark the upcoming World Down Syndrome Day on March 21.
Tottenham’s injury woes don’t stop with the defence, as forward Richarlison (calf) and winger Dejan Kulusevski (foot) both missed training on Wednesday. Additionally, midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur will be suspended for Thursday’s match after receiving a booking in the first leg. Spurs will now have to cope with these injury concerns as they aim to overcome Alkmaar and progress in the Europa League.
