Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg has told Tottenham Hotspur’s website that “it hurts” to lose his midfield partner in Rodrigo Bentancur for the rest of the season – after the Uruguay star suffered an ACL injury in the 4-1 loss to Leicester City.
Bentancur, 25, has arguably been Tottenham’s best player this season, other than Harry Kane. A regular in the side and starting to add goals to his game. He had scored the opener against Leicester, but the Foxes went on to win easily.
Losing Bentancur is a huge blow. Tottenham are struggling, with Antonio Conte now resting in Italy after returning too soon following his operation. Cristian Stellini will be the man in the dugout when Spurs face West Ham on Sunday.
With Yves Bissouma also injured, Hojbjerg was suspended on Tuesday night and it saw Pape Sarr and Oliver Skipp play in the middle of the park against Milan. Hojbjerg is back for Sunday’s game. He spoke of the injury to Bentancur.
“It does hurt,” Hojbjerg told Tottenham. “You have a feeling he makes you better playing alongside him and that is a mutual feeling. “We have to manage it; we have to overcome this. I told him personally how great I think he is.
“But this is a time to come back stronger and grow, which life gives you sometimes. It is not easy, there will be difficult moments, but he is a strong and smart person who will find his way,” Hojbjerg added, discussing Bentancur’s injury.
Hojbjerg: It hurts to lose Tottenham midfield partner Bentancur
Bentancur might not even be back for the start of next season. But, Spurs do have plenty of cover. Bissouma though, is also likely to be out for the best part of two months. So, Skipp and Sarr are in line to start with Hojbjerg on Sunday.
Indeed, the young duo were impressive against Milan in the San Siro – given the circumstances. They will get plenty of game time between now and the end of the season as Spurs look to reach the top four. But, they have taken a blow.
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