Tottenham have been handed a major boost ahead of their Europa League semi-final, as Bodo/Glimt’s injury crisis continues to worsen.
Reaching a Europa League semi-final isn’t something that comes around often for Tottenham Hotspur.
In fact, in their long history, Tottenham have only made it to this stage of the competition five times – and on two of those occasions, they’ve gone on to lift the trophy.
Given how dismal this Premier League season has been, with Spurs losing 19 games and currently languishing in 16th place, a repeat of the 1983/84 campaign – when they last won the Europa League – would be the perfect silver lining to what’s otherwise been a frustrating campaign.
Bodo/Glimt injury crisis ahead of Tottenham clash
Ange Postecoglou’s side will fancy their chances, as they welcome Bodo/Glimt to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Thursday – a side who, on paper, Spurs should be beating.
But while Tottenham supporters have urged caution and warned against complacency ahead of the Glimt showdown, Postecoglou will know better than to underestimate a side in strong form heading into this clash.
Even so, according to The Sun, the Norwegian champions have been hit with a wave of problems ahead of the game, with five important players currently set to miss out due to suspension or injury.
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Bodo/Glimt are already without three suspended players, including their captain and midfield general Patrick Berg.
On top of that, there are now serious doubts over centre-back Odin Bjortuft and winger Ole Blomberg.
Bjortuft, who’s played every minute of their campaign so far, was forced off in the second half of their 3-0 league win over KFUM on Sunday with a groin issue.
He’s now a major doubt for the trip to north London, while Blomberg – another key figure – missed that game entirely after picking up an injury earlier in the month.
Spurs must make Bodo/Glimt absences count
Skipper Patrick Berg, 27, is out after picking up too many yellow cards, alongside midfield partner Hakon Evjen and striker Andreas Helmersen.
Helmersen had been in good form and scored a crucial goal in their quarter-final win over Lazio – one of several big scalps Bodo/Glimt have claimed this season.
Speaking after the KFUM win, manager Kjetil Knutsen said of Bjortuft: “I do not know anything. I never enjoy a player laying down, but the medical staff are looking into it.”
Tottenham have to make this advantage count, especially with the home leg coming first – it’s a chance to take control of the tie before heading to Norway next week.