Ange Postecoglou was reportedly expected to hand Tottenham Hotspur youngster Ashley Phillips a chance in the first-team before he picked up an injury last week.
That’s according to 90 Min, with the outlet claiming the former Blackburn Rovers defender has impressed for the Under-21s this season.
Tottenham are currently short of options at centre-back, with Micky van de Ven sidelined until the new year and Cristian Romero suspended.
Postecoglou has experimented in the duo’s absence so far. The Aussie used a partnership of Eric Dier and Ben Davies against Wolves and then played Emerson Royal as a centre-back in the defeat to Aston Villa on Sunday.
Many thought Ashley Phillips would get an opportunity to shine given Tottenham’s lack of options in the position.
But the 18-year-old faces a month on the sidelines after picking up an injury last week.
And it seems that Postecoglou was ready to hand Phillips his debut before he picked up an ankle injury.
Postecoglou was about to hand Phillips his debut
90 Min reports that Phillips was expected to be handed a chance in the first-team due to the injury crisis at Tottenham at the moment.
But the defender picked up an ankle injury while on international duty with England Under-19s.
Phillips has been training with the first team on a regular basis this season but is yet to make his Spurs debut.
The Englishman has impressed Postecoglou with his performances in training but he will now be forced to wait for his opportunity.
Spurs will welcome Romero back from suspension after their trip to the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
Barring an injury to Romero, it’s difficult to see Phillips getting a chance once the Argentine returns.
Davies has been fairly solid at centre-back and you’d expect him to continue alongside Romero.