Ange Postecoglou will surely hand Rodrigo Bentancur his first start of the season against Aston Villa today.
Spurs head into today’s game short of options in defence and midfield due to injuries and suspensions.
Indeed, Micky van de Ven and James Maddison are facing spells on the sidelines until the new year.
Yves Bissouma will also miss out on the game due to suspension while Cristian Romero remains suspended after his red card against Chelsea.
Postecoglou is sweating over the fitness of Pape Matar Sarr after the Senegal international didn’t train on Friday.
It leaves the Aussie boss short in midfield and he’s been reluctant to start Rodrigo Bentancur up to this point.
The Uruguayan returned to action last month after suffering an ACL injury back in February. Bentancur started for Uruguay during the international break and got some valuable minutes under his belt.
And in our view, it feels like the right time for Bentancur to return to the starting XI against Villa today.
Bentancur will surely start against Villa
Bentancur has made three appearances from the bench since returning to action last month.
The 26-year-old was a key player for Spurs last season before picking up a campaign-ending injury.
The £19 million man seems like a good fit for Postecoglou’s system due to his ability on the ball and his tireless work-rate.
With Maddison sidelined and Bissouma suspended, Spurs may need to lean on Bentancur’s ability with the ball at his feet against Villa.
Of course, Postecoglou could also turn to Giovani Lo Celso, who impressed in his 15-minute cameo against Wolves last time out. But with doubts over Sarr’s fitness, Bentancur will surely get a chance to start from the off in North London today.
You can understand why Postecoglou has been reluctant to rush Bentancur back after such a serious injury. Yet, the midfielder seems to be approaching full fitness once again and will be boosted after starting for Uruguay in the international break.