Manager Ange Postecoglou has revealed the Tottenham squad he believes can defeat Bodo/Glimt in the first leg of the Europa League semi-final.
The Norwegian team has been formidable at home this season in the tournament, suffering just one defeat, and Spurs are aware they need to capitalize in the return leg next week in Bodo. With several players missing due to injuries and suspensions, Tottenham must seize this opportunity.
Postecoglou will be without his captain Son Heung-min due to a foot injury, along with long-term injury absentee Radu Dragusin, and now Lucas Bergvall adds to that list.
“Regrettably for Lucas, he sustained an ankle injury during training yesterday. He twisted his ankle, and thus he won’t be participating tonight. It’s disappointing for him as he has been exceptional this season, and he’s really upset about it, and unfortunately, he is sidelined,” Postecoglou told TNT Sports prior to the match.
He has reinstated all the players who were rested during the loss to Liverpool on Sunday, resulting in Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven partnering in central defense for today’s game, with Pedro Porro and Destiny Udogie acting as the full-backs.
With Bergvall out, Yves Bissouma re-enters midfield, while Brennan Johnson starts on the right flank alongside Richarlison, who is paired with Dominic Solanke up front, leaving Dejan Kulusevski and Mathys Tel on the bench.
Regarding Bissouma, Postecoglou remarked: “I believe the composition of our midfield is crucial for what we need to achieve tonight and against what we are up against. The advantage of Lucas was that he provided us with the necessary balance there, and tonight, Biss will deliver the additional input we require.”
Commenting on Richarlison’s inclusion, the Spurs manager added: “Once more, I feel we need to be assertive tonight. Richy has been regaining his fitness, and historically, he has frequently played on the left. I think tonight, with his experience and capabilities in and around the box, we aim to apply pressure on them, and he can assist us in that regard.”
Here is the Tottenham team that Postecoglou has opted for in facing the Norwegian opponents:
Vicario, Pedro Porro, Romero (c), van de Ven, Udogie; Bissouma, Bentancur, Maddison; Johnson, Solanke, Richarlison. Substitutes: Austin, Whiteman, Spence, Davies, Danso, Gray, Sarr, Kulusevski, Moore, Odobert, Tel.