Tottenham defender Destiny Udogie will not play again this season due to injury.
The left-back has been in sensational form for Spurs this campaign and, along with right-back Pedro Porro, has been a huge part of how Ange Postecoglou’s team play. After linking up with the first team after returning from his loan spell with Italian side Udinese, Udogie has made 30 appearances in all competitions for Tottenham this season.
The 21-year-old , who has scored two goals and also has three assists to his name, will be a big miss for the remaining six games as Spurs bid to finish in the top four. Aston Villa currently occupy fourth in the Premier League but the Lilywhites have two games in hand.
With Udogie unable to play any of the remaining six games, Postecoglou will need to call on one of his back up options to replace the Italian. football.london takes a look at the players who could replace Ugodie in the Spurs team.
Ben Davies
Ben Davies could very well come back into the team in his usual position. The 30-year-old has played for Tottenham 18 times this season, both at left-back and centre-back.
The 30-year-old played at left-back against both Brighton and Wolves in February, although his best form this season arguably came during Spurs’ centre-back injury crisis when he was forced to play in the heart of defence for nine Premier League games in a row during November and December.
READ MORE: Destiny Udogie to miss the rest of Tottenham’s season after injury announcement
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The problem is Davies has not played for Spurs since the 2-1 home loss against Wolves on February 17. He has played for Wales in that time, however, in two Euro 2024 play-off fixtures.
Emerson Royal
Another option for Postecoglou is Emerson Royal. The Brazilian’s normal position is at right-back but he has shown his versatility this season as he has also featured at centre-back and left-back.
The 25-year-old has 21 appearances for Tottenham this campaign and was brought on for Pedro Porro during the 4-0 loss to Newcastle last weekend. Royal has played left-back for Spurs a number of times this season, showcasing his defensive capabilities during a run of four games in October and November. During that time, much like Davies, Emerson was also forced to play centre-back due to Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven being suspended and injured respectively.
Micky van de Ven
Capable of playing at left-back due to his pace and technical ability, Micky van de Ven has only featured at centre-back for Tottenham since making the move from Wolfsburg. He has made 23 appearances in all competitions, with part of his season halted by a hamstring injury.
The Dutchman looks fit and ready for the remaining six games, however, and could offer Postecoglou somewhat of a wildcard for the left-back spot. Should Van de Ven be shifted across to the left, it would allow January signing Radu Dragusin to come in and partner Cristian Romero at the heart of defence.
Of course, Postecoglou may not want to break up the Van de Ven and Romero partnership but it remains a viable option. In Davies, Emerson and Van de Ven Tottenham have three quality players to replace Udogie at left-back. Who comes in is up to Postecoglou.
