Wilson Odobert will be unavailable for Tottenham Hotspur's match against Brentford tomorrow after picking up a hamstring injury against Coventry.
The Frenchman, who joined from Burnley in the summer, went off injured in the first half in the Midlands. The 19-year-old had a bright start to life in N17, but he is now set for an extended period on the sidelines.
"Wilson [Odobert] does not look good. We are still waiting for it to settle down and get all the information, but he will definitely be out for the next period," Ange Postecoglou said during his pre-match press conference.
Timo Werner is available despite also going off injured against Coventry, whilst Yves Bissouma – who missed the past two matches – is free for selection.
He [Bissouma] trained today. He trained fully. It was his first session so we will have to see how he pulls up. If he is available, he is available [to start]," Postecoglou stated.
Tottenham have had a rocky start to the new Premier League campaign, losing their past two matches against Newcastle and rivals Arsenal. They currently sit 13th in the table.
A last-gasp Carabao Cup win against Coventry City has provided a momentary break from the disappointment, but even that performance left several questions answered.
Before Djed Spence and Brennan Johnson struck in the 88th and 90+2nd minute respectively, Spurs were outplayed and outclassed by their Championship opposition. They play Brentford tomorrow looking to bounce back strongly.
Spurs' performances 'have been really consistent'
Some fans have started to question the process Spurs are going through under Postecoglou. Results have dipped significantly – and a third-straight home defeat to Arsenal only added fuel to the fire – but The Lilywhites have had more control recently.
Criticism is something Postecoglou has become used to in his career, but he is not worried about increased pressure going into the match against Brentford.
"It does not change [the importance of the match]. It's the same. Whether you won the first four, you can't go into this game thinking you are going to lose it. You are trying to win every game. We are at home and we have also played well in those four games," the Australian answered.
"In the league, performances have been really consistent in terms of dominating games, but we have not got the reward for our dominance. That's the area we are still trying to focus on in the front third to make sure we get the rewards."
Spurs style of play has also struggled to succeed this campaign, with the team having control in the middle of the park, but lacking conviction in the final third. Postecoglou is not focused on winning tomorrow purely to bring back the 'feel-good factor', though.
"If you start thinking in those terms, you miss the priorities of what you need to do to stay competitive in this league. Every week is a challenge. If we got four wins so far, which we could have with our performances, and the feel-good factor was around, dropping a game tomorrow would not have made us feel any better," the 59-year-old stated.
"The challenge is always the same. That's the beauty of the competition we are in. Every week you have to be up for it.
"It depends on what you mean by level. In our first four games, we have been as dominant as we were last year for any series of games. In all four games we have outpossessed the opposition, created double the chances and have played the game in their half, but – because you do not win – people look at the outcomes. It's understandable.
"For me, I think we need to maintain what's important to us and the principles of our play. If we show a bit more conviction in that front third, I am sure we will get the rewards for it soon."
Meanwhile, there's a quick turnaround for Spurs. It's their third match in seven days, with Postecoglou outlining that the schedule needs to be analysed.
"I think it's something that needs to be looked at. It's not just club football – it's international football [as well]," he stated.
"It's about how much recovery you give players in between seasons. That's where the biggest problems lie for me anyway.
"If you give players enough time to recover between seasons, it gives them a better opportunity to play games that seem to be in the schedule now, but it seems like the windows for recovery are getting smaller and smaller. That's an issue."
