Is the Spurs' Situation with Just 11 Fit Players Really Disgraceful?

Tottenham Hotspur captain Cristian Romero has expressed his frustration over the club's current situation, calling it "disgraceful" that only 11 senior players were available during their recent 2-2 draw with Manchester City. The team is grappling with numerous injuries and has seen key player departures, raising concerns about their performance in the Premier League.

Last updated: 25 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Tottenham's recent draw against Manchester City has highlighted significant issues within the club, particularly regarding squad depth and player availability. Cristian Romero, who had to leave the match due to illness, lamented the fact that the team was down to just 11 senior players, underscoring an alarming trend of injuries and a lack of reinforcements during the January transfer window. With the club currently positioned 14th in the Premier League, concerns are mounting about their ability to compete effectively in both domestic and European competitions.

Key takeaways

Tottenham has suffered nine injuries in the current season, severely affecting squad depth.
Cristian Romero described the situation as "disgraceful," emphasising the lack of available players.
The club made only two senior signings during the January transfer window.

Timeline: how we got here

The situation at Tottenham has evolved significantly since the start of the 2023 season. Here’s a brief timeline of key events leading up to the current issues:

August 2023: Tottenham begins the season with a relatively strong squad.
September 2023: Multiple injuries start impacting player availability, with key players sidelined.
January 2024: The club sells top scorer Brennan Johnson to Crystal Palace and signs Conor Gallagher and 19-year-old Brazilian defender Souza.
25 October 2023: Cristian Romero publicly voices his concerns following the 2-2 draw with Manchester City.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Cristian Romero's remarks regarding the lack of players available for the match against Manchester City reflect growing discontent within the squad. His statement has been widely shared and discussed among fans and pundits alike, highlighting the ongoing struggles the team faces.

What was already established

Prior to Romero's comments, it was already known that Tottenham had been experiencing a series of injuries that had depleted their squad. The sale of key players and minimal activity in the transfer window had raised eyebrows, particularly as the team struggled to maintain a competitive position in the Premier League.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The ongoing struggles of Tottenham may affect fan engagement and attendance at matches. As the club teeters closer to the relegation zone, the atmosphere around fixtures may shift, potentially impacting local businesses reliant on match-day crowds.

Businesses and jobs

With the club's performance deteriorating, there may be implications for jobs within the organisation. If Spurs fail to turn their fortunes around, management decisions could lead to changes in coaching staff or player contracts, affecting employment stability.

Policy and regulation

The Football Association and Premier League may need to address issues surrounding player welfare and injury management, particularly as clubs face challenges related to fixture congestion and squad rotation. Future regulations may focus on ensuring teams maintain sufficient squad depth.

Numbers that matter

9 injuries reported this season, significantly impacting team selection.
14th position in the Premier League, closer to relegation than European qualification.
2 senior signings made in January, raising questions about transfer strategy.

Definitions and jargon buster

Premier League: The top tier of professional football in England.
Transfer window: Designated periods during which clubs can buy and sell players.
Squad depth: The number of players available to fill positions in a team, particularly during injuries.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Fans and stakeholders should closely monitor upcoming matches to see if Tottenham can field a more complete squad. The immediate focus will be on recovery for injured players and potential internal changes to improve performance.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the season progresses, Tottenham will need to reassess their transfer strategy and player management. The next transfer window will be crucial for the club to rebuild and strengthen their squad.

Signals to watch

Injury updates on key players and their potential return dates.
Performance in upcoming fixtures, particularly against lower-table teams.
Any announcements regarding management changes or new signings ahead of the next transfer window.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay informed about team news and injury updates.
Support the team during matches, regardless of current performance.

Don’t

Engage in negative speculation about player performances or management.
Lose hope; seasons can change dramatically with a few good results.

Checklist

Monitor injury reports to see who may be returning.
Follow the latest news on potential signings or transfers.
Watch for changes in management or coaching staff.
Attend matches to show support for the team.
Engage positively with fellow fans to maintain morale.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

As the season progresses, there are risks associated with the potential for further injuries, which could complicate Tottenham's ability to compete effectively. Additionally, the outcomes of managerial decisions and transfer strategies remain uncertain, with no guarantee that they will lead to improved performance on the pitch.

Bottom line

The current state of Tottenham Hotspur is precarious, with captain Cristian Romero's comments revealing underlying issues related to squad depth and management decisions. Fans and stakeholders must remain vigilant and supportive as the team navigates a challenging season, while looking ahead to potential changes that could influence future performances.

FAQs

Why did Cristian Romero call the situation "disgraceful"?

Cristian Romero described the situation as "disgraceful" due to the lack of available senior players for the match against Manchester City, highlighting the club's injury struggles and overall squad depth issues.

What signings did Tottenham make in January?

In January, Tottenham signed Conor Gallagher from Atletico Madrid and 19-year-old Brazilian defender Souza from Santos, while also adding 18-year-old James Wilson on loan from Hearts.

How is Tottenham performing in the Premier League?

Tottenham is currently 14th in the Premier League, which is concerning as they are closer to the relegation zone than to European qualification spots.