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Ange Postecoglou will be sweating on the fitness of one of his key men ahead of a trip to the Etihad Stadium after the player picked up an injury while playing for his national side on Tuesday.

Tottenham dealing with a number of absentees

Tottenham are without both Richarlison and Wilson Odobert, with both attackers out with long-term hamstring injuries.

Meanwhile, Micky van de Ven has been out of action since Tottenham’s Carabao Cup win over Manchester City last month and we await news on how close the Dutchman is to returning.

His centre-back partner, Cristian Romero, picked up a foot injury while playing for Argentina last week, with no update regarding the 26-year-old’s situation from the club so far.

Key Tottenham man picks up a shoulder injury

Postecoglou now potentially faces being without another one of his key players for Saturday’s clash against Manchester City.

Dejan Kulusevski delivered an outstanding performance for Sweden on Tuesday, scoring twice and laying on an assist as the home side emerged 6-0 winners over Azerbaijan in Stockholm.

However, Football.London noted that towards the end of the game, the 24-year-old was left in pain after going in for a challenge, with the Spurs man going down holding his left shoulder.

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Kulusevski has had a few shoulder knocks while playing for Tottenham over recent weeks but he has soldiered on, and he did the same on Tuesday.

Postecoglou will thus have a nervous wait as the former Juventus star arrives at Hotspur Way to assess the issue.

Early signs looking positive for Kulusevski

The fact that Kulusevski continued playing on in the final few minutes of the game is good news as that would not have been possible if it was something severe like a dislocation.

The attacker is quite a sturdy individual and does not pick up too many injuries, so Postecolgou will be confident that he will be good to go for Saturday’s clash.

Heung-min Son once again stood up for South Korea in their latest World Cup qualifier, with the Tottenham man producing an outstanding finish.

Heung-min Son continues to produce goods

South Korea are often reliant on their captain to make the difference in the final third, and he produces more often than not. Just look at his 51 international goals tally as proof of that.

The 32-year-old stepped up to convert a spot-kick with consummate ease last week as the East Asian side beat Kuwait 3-1 away from home.

The Tottenham man delivered the goods again in the clash against Palestine on Tuesday, producing a fine finish in the first half to earn his side a draw.

Heung-min Son’s impressive finish

Palestine took the lead against the run of play at the Amman International Stadium in Jordan, with Zaid Qunbar putting the home side in front on 12 minutes.

However, it took only four minutes for the Koreans to respond, with some lovely interplay down the left ending with an arrowed finish into the bottom corner by Son. The Spurs winger opened up his body beautifully to curl his effort into the back of the net.

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However, the Palestinians managed to hold on to a draw despite a barrage of attacks from the away side, emerging with a respectable point.

Despite the dropped points, South Korea are still in a strong position to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, currently sitting at the top of Group B with 14 points.

Son has found his goalscoring boots

Over recent games for Spurs, Son did appear to be getting his sharpness back and showed signs of coming back into form.

These two goals over the international break will do wonders for the Tottenham captain’s confidence when he returns to Hotspur Way.

Up next are Manchester City, who are one of the forward’s favourite opponents, and you would not bet against him finding the back of the net at the Etihad Stadium.

Few footballers exemplify Tottenham Hotspur more than Ledley King, so let’s learn all about the iconic defender and his immense commitment to the Lilywhites over the years.

King only ever played for one club in his career, and were it not for injuries, his reputation would have been even stronger, with many of his peers citing him as one of the most difficult defenders to face.

But who is Ledley King? How many games did he play for Spurs? And what is he doing now? Here, we explain all you need to know about the Tottenham legend.

Ledley King came through the Tottenham Hotspur academy

Ledley King developed through the Tottenham Hotspur academy, after making a name for himself at one of the best Sunday League teams of all time, Senrab FC.

That’s the same team that produced players such as Jermain Defoe, John Terry, Sol Campbell, and the late Ugo Ehiogu.

He was promoted to the Tottenham first-team squad in 1998 at the age of 17, but had to wait until the end of March 1999 to make his debut, getting 45 minutes against Liverpool in a 3-2 defeat.

A Tottenham legend and one-club man

King made 323 appearances for Tottenham over the course of his career, and never played for another club, remaining fiercely loyal to his beloved boyhood club.

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In those appearances, King bagged 14 goals and registered eight assists from the centre-half position. He even managed to score one of the fastest goals in Premier League history, striking against Bradford City in 2000 after just 9.82 seconds.

King was named Tottenham captain in 2005, and remained so until the day he retired in 2012 at the age of 31. During that time, he was able to lift the League Cup for the club in 2008; the last trophy Spurs won and one of the biggest moments of the club’s modern era.

Thanks to his loyalty to the club, his supreme talent on the field, and his leadership qualities, King goes down as one of Tottenham’s greatest ever players and servants. He is so respected at the club, in fact, that Spurs have unofficially retired the number 26 shirt in his honour.

Injuries held Ledley King back

King saw his playing career severely disrupted by injuries between 2006 and 2011, during which time he missed a massive 105 games.

He suffered six different significant injuries, most notably a couple of spells out with a knee issue, but also affecting his thigh, groin, and adductor. In total, King was out injured for 507 days throughout his career.

Were it not for those injuries, there is little doubt that King would have been regarded as one of the greatest defenders in Premier League history, and he would certainly have racked up more caps for England, too.

King has spoken about these issues quite candidly, claiming he reached a point where he could not train until the day before a game, and those sessions might only last five minutes before he had to give up.

He said: “I’d try to play again on the Saturday and that was the cycle for five years. The biggest problem was muscle injuries during that time. I’d play three or four games and then I felt a hamstring or groin or quad and I’d be out for a few weeks.”

At his peak, King was one of the most revered centre-halves in the game, and the kind of defender forwards hated to play against. Thierry Henry once said: “I don’t like defenders who hold the shirts of other players. The only defender who doesn’t do that and still gets the ball off my feet easily is Ledley King. He is the only guy who doesn’t hold players. He will get the ball off you without you even noticing.”

King has stayed with Spurs since his retirement

Unsurprisingly, King has still not left Tottenham, taking on a coaching role before becoming a club ambassador, a role he still holds to this day.

Upon his retirement, King was offered an ambassadorial role at Tottenham. This role involves him getting involved in community outreach programmes as part of the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation, making guest appearances at various functions, representing the club in the media, and being present on matchdays at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

King was appointed assistant coach to Jose Mourinho in 2020, but returned to his ambassadorial role in 2021 when the Portuguese coach was sacked on the cusp of the 2021 League Cup final.

A brief England career

Ledley King won 21 caps for England and scored two goals for his country. He made his debut in 2002, playing 45 minutes in a friendly against Italy.

Sven-Goran Eriksson handed the Spurs man his debut, but he was left out of the following four games and did not make the World Cup squad.

He had to wait until February 2003 for his next appearance for the Three Lions, playing 45 minutes in a 3-1 defeat against Australia.

Again, King had to wait a long time for his next cap, getting 90 minutes against Portugal in February 2004. That began King’s most consistent period for his country, and he went on to play two games as part of the England squad in Euro 2004.

King’s injuries got in the way from there on out, with the defender largely featuring in the odd friendly and qualifier here and there. His final appearance in an England shirt was a 45 minute outing in World Cup 2010 against the USA.

Ledley King personal information and social media

Ledley King was born in London, England, on October 12, 1980.

He is 1.88m tall, and always had a very athletic physique during his playing days, making him a surprisingly quick footballer.

King was arrested in 2009 for suspected assault and spent the night in a police cell before being released pending investigation. At the time, King released a statement saying: “I sincerely regret that a night out with friends went too far… I fully appreciate that, as a professional footballer, I have a duty to behave in a responsible manner.”

He has been married since 2015, and he and his wife have one child, a son named Coby.

You can find Ledley King on Instagram where he has over 41k followers, or on Twitter where he has 157k followers.

The narrative surrounding Spurs’ defensive approach is that it is Postecoglou’s fatal flaw. The North London outfit concede an alarming number of chances and goals, so today we will be evaluating the main causes of Spurs’ defensive woes.

A ‘suicidal’ style of football

Since Ange Postecoglou‘s arrival in North London last summer, he has effortlessly implemented his distinct style of football. The Australian’s impact on the club was immediately clear, with Tottenham going on a ten-game unbeaten run to kickstart the Postecoglou era.

Over the course of last season, teams began to exploit the flaws in Spurs’ system – whether that be utilising the wide space afforded by the advanced full-backs, or overloading the midfield to subdue Spurs’ lone defensive midfielder.

Critics argue that the reason Tottenham concede so many goals under Postecoglou (74 Premier League goals and counting) is because of the ‘suicidal’ style of football governed by the Australian. Despite the exciting front-foot football, creating a plethora of chances, Spurs also give up chances easily, with opponents always having the feeling that there will be opportunities to score against The Lilywhites.

Ange’s persistence with his infamous high line, even without recovery specialist Micky van de Ven, has proved to cost Spurs at times, as clinical teams take advantage of the space in behind which quite often leads to goals.

An example of this would be Tottenham‘s home game against Chelsea, where the hosts were left with nine on the field, camping on the halfway line. This undoubtedly supports the argument that Postecoglou‘s impudence will be his undoing, as his team went on to lose that game 4-1.

A problem with personnel

It could be argued that a great deal of the goals conceded by Spurs come subject to individual errors paired with issues regarding the fragile mentality of much of the dressing room.

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Just this season, Tottenham have lost a number of games purely due to defensive stupidity, with the result against Brighton springing to mind instantly. In that game, Spurs’ backline capitulated, conceding three goals in eighteen minutes.

Unfortunately, it’s an ongoing theme amongst Spurs defenders this season that when they have their backs against the wall, they crumble, nullifying all of the good work the team had done beforehand. The worst part about that result at The Amex is the fact that all the goals conceded were so avoidable, however individual errors from Udogie, as well as sloppiness from the centre-backs, decided Spurs’ destiny.

The roots of Spurs’ defensive issues may also stem from the lack of quality depth in the squad, particularly the rearguard. Should Spurs lose one of their defensive stalwarts, the decrease in quality is painfully obvious. In recent weeks, Dragusin has been found out, and while Davies tends to be reliable, he’s no Van de Ven and he is certainly ineffective when inverting as a full-back.

What the Spurs stats suggest…

From the naked eye, we may judge Spurs’ defence to be abysmal. Beyond bad. Depressing to watch. Call it what you like. But some of Spurs’ defensive statistics may surprise you…

Ange Postecoglou’s men have conceded the fourth least xGA (expected goals against) with 14.36 (Understat.com) and have conceded the sixth least goals in the Premier League this season with 13. This means that Spurs have conceded the same number of goals as Premier League champions Manchester City, and one less than the ‘best defence in the league’ Arsenal. Makes you think…

These stats do not invalidate my earlier points, but they rather reinforce the idea that Postecoglou and Spurs are heading in the right direction, and with a few more transfer windows and a bit more investment in the defence, the issues will resolve themselves.

Tottenham Hotspur has seen some incredible wingers over the decades, from Gareth Bale’s explosive brilliance to the mesmerising flair of Chris Waddle, but how does Heung-min Son compare to these legends, and is he already the best?

A tireless left winger who brought balance to a star-studded Spurs side. Galvin played a pivotal role in the club’s FA Cup wins in 1981 and 1982 and the UEFA Cup triumph in 1984. While not the flashiest, his consistency made him a fan favourite.

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The Frenchman lit up White Hart Lane with his flair, winning the League Cup in 1999 and claiming both the PFA and FWA Player of the Year awards in the same season. Ginola’s artistry and spectacular goals made his short stint unforgettable.

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A key figure in Spurs’ double-winning 1961 season, Medwin was a reliable right-winger who thrived alongside some of the best players in Tottenham’s history. His contributions in the final third were crucial during one of the club’s most successful eras.

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Known for his relentless work ethic, Dyson was instrumental in Tottenham’s European Cup Winners’ Cup triumph in 1963, scoring a stunning goal in the final. His versatility and determination earned him a spot in Spurs folklore.

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Waddle was a magician on the pitch, known for his dazzling dribbling and goal-scoring ability. Despite a brief four-year spell, he remains one of the most naturally gifted players to grace White Hart Lane.

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Lennon epitomised pace and trickery on the wing, thrilling fans during an otherwise inconsistent era for Spurs. His 10-year stint included iconic moments and an impressive assist record for someone not primarily known for his end product.

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Converted from left-back to world-class winger, Bale carried Spurs during his prime years with breathtaking goals and match-winning performances, including his famous hat-trick against Inter Milan.

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A legend in Tottenham’s golden era, Jones combined flair with a prolific scoring touch, netting 159 goals during his decade at the club. His ability to dazzle defenders and score crucial goals made him a standout figure.

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Son’s loyalty, goal-scoring prowess, and adaptability have made him a modern Spurs icon. From his Puskás Award-winning goal to the 2021/22 Golden Boot, he has cemented his legacy as one of the club’s all-time greats.

Heung-min Son notable Tottenham stats and achievements

While Bale dazzled for shorter spells and players like Waddle and Ginola entertained with their artistry, Son’s blend of technical brilliance, clinical finishing, and longevity makes a strong case for him being Spurs’ greatest-ever winger. Fans will also remember his captaincy during a period of significant transition, as he took on greater leadership responsibilities after Harry Kane’s departure in 2023.

The missing piece for Heung-min Son at Tottenham

For all of the achievements Heung-min Son has under his belt, one elusive factor remains: a major trophy with Tottenham. While he has come close, notably during the Champions League final in 2019, silverware would elevate his already legendary status into untouchable territory.

Son’s importance to Spurs is clear, and as they mount challenges in the Europa League, Carabao Cup and FA Cup under Ange Postecoglou, he has the opportunity to cement his legacy further. If Spurs manage to lift a trophy this season, it would be fitting for a player who has given so much to the club to finally receive the reward his efforts deserve.

I think extending his contract is not just about rewarding his loyalty but ensuring the club retains its heart and soul. Spurs have a captain and leader capable of guiding them to glory, and with the right support, Son could yet achieve his dream of lifting a trophy in Lilywhite.

In my opinion, Son is already Spurs’ greatest winger; however, if he were to win a trophy in his remaining years, it would silence any lingering doubts about his legacy and make his story even more extraordinary. His goals, his loyalty, and his leadership are the foundation of a legacy that fans will cherish for generations, but a trophy would provide the exclamation mark that his career so richly deserves.

Tottenham Hotspur are looking to sign a forward who is making waves in the EFL, but they could face competition from a Premier League rival.

Spurs eyeing raid of talented 21-year-old

Tottenham are not shy of signing players on the back of impressive performances in the EFL, with the likes of Djed Spence, Archie Gray and Ashley Phillips all being signed after shining in the Championship.

It has now emerged that the North London club’s attention has been caught by a young wide-forward, who is turning a lot of heads with his performances in League One.

The player in question is Aston Villa’s Louie Barry, who is impressing on loan at Stockport County, with 12 goals in 17 matches across all competitions so far this season (Transfermarkt).

Tottenham facing PL competition for Louie Barry

This update comes from Fichajes, who say that Barry’s eye for goal, his pace, and his movement have caught the eye of top-flight sides, with some talent spotters of the opinion that the forward is one of the best young talents in English football.

Although a left-winger by trade, the Villa academy graduate can operate on the right or as a centre-forward, with Spurs and Leicester City both said to be plotting moves for the player.

It is explained that Tottenham want to continue investing in promising youngsters and see Barry as a perfect fit for their project.

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Meanwhile, the Foxes are in need of more firepower in their frontline and believe that the Birmingham-born man could be the ‘ideal option’.

Will Aston Villa sell Barry?

Fichajes claim that the lure of playing Premier League football could be enticing for Barry and suggest that the forward could be available for €15m (£12.5m).

However, it remains to be seen if Villa would want to let such a promising talent go, particularly to a direct rival in the Premier League.

Former Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Paul Robinson believes that Daniel Levy struck an “incredible” transfer deal in the summer.

Tottenham’s unique transfer agreement

The deal Spurs struck with Real Betis back in the summer was groundbreaking, with the Lilywhites agreeing an option to buy Johnny Cardoso next summer as a part of Giovani Lo Celso’s return to his former club.

According to reports, Tottenham have the option of signing the USA international for £25m next summer, and they will get a sell-on clause for the player if they decide against activating the clause (Football.London).

However, Spurs still face the prospect of losing Cardoso to other clubs, with the likes of Aston Villa, AC Milan and Atletico Madrid thought to be eyeing a January move for the midfielder (Estadio Deportivo).

Paul Robinson praises Spurs for smart deal

Robinson is impressed by the kind of deal that Spurs struck in the summer, suggesting that it is a ‘win-win’ situation for the North London side.

The former England man insisted that the USA international would be a tempting option for Ange Postecoglou‘s side, given the kind of performances he has been delivering in Spain.

When asked about Spurs’ agreement for Cardoso, Robinson told Football Insider: “They’re in a win-win situation at Tottenham. You either get a top player in great form, who’s almost doubled his value over the last six months, or they get a share when he’s sold for a fortune.

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“It’s very much a Daniel Levy deal. It’s incredible. They get first dibs on a player, and if he doesn’t sign for them, they get a percentage of his sale. He’s still only 23, got 17 caps for the USA and he’s got room to get better.

“He’s been playing very well for Betis this season and he’s clearly a good player. The Premier League is very different to La Liga with the pace of the game, but he’s definitely an option for them.”

Why a midfielder is not a priority for Spurs

However, Robinson does not think that signing a number six should be a priority for Tottenham. The former Spurs number one questioned where Cardoso would fit in at N17, given the other options that Postecoglou has in the middle of the park.

He added: “There’s an abundance of talent in that Tottenham midfield, but he’s playing well and he’s put in a couple of man-of-the-match performances.

“It’s an interesting one to keep an eye on, but does he start for Spurs? He’d be a good player for the squad but I’m not sure where he fits in. But the deal is one I don’t think we’ve ever seen before.”

Ben Davies makes an interesting comment about the FA’s Rodrigo Bentancur ban and reveals how the Tottenham squad reacted to the Uruguayan’s comments back in the summer.

Rodrigo Bentancur hit with a seven-match ban

The FA confirmed on Monday that an independent regulatory commission had handed Bentancur a seven-match ban and fined the midfielder £100,000 after his distasteful joke about Heung-min Son was found to have broken the FA’s Rule E3.1.

According to The Telegraph, the length of the suspension has left many clubs across the Premier League shocked, given the perceived inconsistencies in the FA’s ruling on other instances where racially insensitive comments have been made.

The report explained that the feeling among Tottenham‘s rivals is that Bentancur and Spurs have been made an example of, with the Lilywhites said to be considering whether to appeal the verdict or not.

Ben Davies reacts to Bentancur’s ban

Ben Davies was asked about the news while on international duty with Wales, and the Tottenham defender admitted that everyone at Hotspur Way had drawn a line under the incident and moved on.

However, the 31-year-old acknowledged that the issue deserved to be looked at with the kind of seriousness that it was by the FA.

When asked about Bentancur’s seven-match suspension, Davies told Football.London: “I read the news this morning, probably just like everyone else did. It’s something that it felt like at Spurs it’s been handled in-house and now it’s been handled outside as well.

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“I think that as a group, as a team at Tottenham, we’ve all put a line under it and moved on, but I think ultimately, it’s important that we realise that these kind of things need to be looked at with the seriousness that it has been. As far as I’m concerned and the team’s concerned, there’s a line under it now and we move on.”

Will Tottenham appeal the verdict?

Spurs face a difficult decision on whether or not to appeal the verdict, despite the reported sense of injustice felt at N17 due to the FA’s perceived inconsistency.

Appealing against a verdict which has been handed because of a racially insensitive comment would not be a good look for the club.

The Telegraph have revealed that the FA’s decision to hand Rodrigo Bentancur a seven-game suspension for his comments about Heung-min Son has left Tottenham and their Premier League rivals completely shocked.

Inconsistencies of the FA leave everyone scratching their heads

Bentancur has been handed a seven-match ban and hit with a £100,000 fine for the derogatory joke he made about Son, with an independent regulatory commission ruling that the midfielder had breached FA’s Rule E3.1.

The Telegraph reports that this decision has surprised many across the Premier League, given the inconsistencies in punishment handed to other players over alleged racial remarks.

It is pointed out that Enzo Fernandez and Rodri escaped FA investigations over allegedly racially insensitive comments made while on international duty this summer.

Meanwhile, Bernardo Silva was given a one-game ban in 2019 for a tweet involving his former Manchester City team-mate Benjamin Mendy while former Man Utd striker Edison Cavani was suspended for one game in 2021 over a social media post in which he used the term “negrito”.

Rodrigo Bentancur has been made an example of

The outlet points out that even though the FA had introduced a six-game ban for racist abuse five years ago, Bentancur’s seven-match suspension has caused shock, given the precedent that has been set in the aforementioned cases.

There is a belief across the Premier League that Tottenham and Rodrigo Bentancur have been made an example of and that the player’s own apology, together with the backing of Son, has been used against the Uruguayan.

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While Spurs have not commented on the ban, there is thought to be a lot of frustration and bewilderment at Hotspur Way at the FA’s decision.

How Bentancur’s apology has been used against him

The report explaining the independent regulatory commission’s decision states: “His first apology, drafted without consultation with THFC or any other adviser and posted the day after the film had been brought to his attention, explained it as ‘just a very bad joke’ (although in his statement, he said that “sarcastic” would have been a better word than ‘joke’).

“That suggests that the player himself realised what he had said was offensive, and was anxious to correct it as soon as possible. His second apology equally appears to have acknowledged that his remarks had been objectively offensive, which is why he apologised for the offence caused.

“In these apologies (particularly the first), the player appears to realise and accept that his remarks were objectively insulting and/or abusive and offensive, and apologise for the offence he has caused to Heung-Min Son and those who share his characteristics of nationality and/or race and/or ethnic origin.”

The Telegraph reveals that many sources outside Tottenham have expressed surprise that Bentancur’s own attempt at an apology would be effectively used against him.

They are particularly surprised that the independent commission has done this when English is not even the Tottenham man’s first language. The publication adds that Spurs have a right to appeal the verdict and are now considering their next step.

Tottenham Hotspur reportedly face a major battle with a few of their Premier League rivals for one of their top midfield targets.

Tottenham eyeing move for Bundesliga starlet

It has been widely reported over recent weeks that Tottenham are looking to make additions to their midfield in January, and one man who has caught their eye is a young Swede who is turning a lot of heads in the Bundesliga.

The player in question is Hugo Larsson, who is quickly emerging as a star at Eintracht Frankfurt, with Florian Plettenberg revealing earlier this month that Tottenham are one of the sides keen on landing the player.

However, the journalist explained that Frankfurt want to keep the 20-year-old until the summer, and are well protected since his contract at the club runs until 2029.

Competition for Hugo Larsson intensifies

Christian Falk has now offered an update on Larsson’s future in his Daily Briefing, with the journalist revealing that Spurs have been keeping an eye on the youngster since April.

However, he explains that the Lilywhites might now have to contend with competition from both Arsenal and Liverpool for the midfielder.

The journalist claims that it would take an offer of £70m to prise the Swedish nternational away from Deutsche Bank Park.

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Falk adds that of the three Premier League clubs, Liverpool could be the most serious suitor for Larsson as the Reds were keen to sign a deep-lying playmaker in the summer.

Will Tottenham get involved in the race for Larsson?

If Falk’s latest information is to be believed, Tottenham would have to shatter their transfer record to land Larsson.

As talented as the Swede is, it remains to be seen if Spurs would spend £70m on a position where they are fairly well stocked with Yves Bissouma, Rodrigo Bentancur and Archie Gray.

Ange Postecoglou might prioritise reinforcing his defence and signing a direct winger in January.