Tottenham may have some defensive issues on the horizon, according to Jamie Redknapp.
Pundit Jamie Redknapp has told the Daily Mail that he thinks Tottenham’s point at Manchester City may have come at a huge cost with Toby Alderweireld – especially with Kevin Wimmer struggling.
Spurs travelled to the Etihad Stadium to take on Manchester City on Saturday evening, and with six Premier League wins in a row, Mauricio Pochettino’s men went into the game with major confidence.
However, after a shaky first half, Spurs fell behind when Hugo Lloris’ headed clearance handed Leroy Sane an open goal, and Lloris was at fault for the second goal shortly afterwards too, as he fumbled the ball to allow Kevin De Bruyne to score.
Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero in action with Tottenham’s Toby Alderweireld
Spurs had to battle back and show some character, and they did just that as Dele Alli headed home Kyle Walker’s cross before Heung-min Son completed the fightback by placing the ball into the corner of the net from Harry Kane’s lay-off.
Pochettino will have been delighted with his side’s recovery, but he came out of the game with major concerns in defence as Kevin Wimmer struggled and Toby Alderweireld was taken off through injury.
Alderweireld appeared to have a hamstring problem and was subsequently replaced on 65 minutes, and with Jan Vertonghen also out injured, Spurs will be sweating on the fitness of Alderweireld, who has been key to Tottenham’s defensive solidity over the last 18 months.
Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp
Meanwhile, Wimmer endured a nightmare first half, looking shaky defensively and ponderous in possession, which led to Pochettino hauling him off at the break in favour of Son, who scored the all-important equaliser.
Now, pundit Jamie Redknapp has told the Daily Mail that Tottenham were ‘very fortunate’ against City, and their point came at a cost with Alderweireld’s injury – and he suggested that Wimmer ‘really struggled’ on Saturday, meaning Spurs will be sweating on their various injury blows in defence.
“Tottenham were very fortunate to rescue a point against Manchester City but it may have come at a cost,” said Redknapp. “They will be desperately hoping Toby Alderweireld’s hamstring injury isn’t serious. Tottenham are already without Jan Vertonghen at the back while Kevin Wimmer, his replacement at the Etihad, really struggled and was taken off at half-time.”
“Vertonghen and Alderweireld are the Premier League’s best centre back pairing and would be a big miss for Mauricio Pochettino’s side,” he added.
Do you think Tottenham can cope without Alderweireld and Vertonghen?
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
