Tottenham are reportedly exploring the choice of recalling 19-year-old defender Ashley Phillips from his mortgage spell at Stoke Metropolis as they grapple with a worsening defensive harm disaster.
The North London membership has confronted a tumultuous season, significantly on the again, with key centre-backs Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven suffering from accidents.
Whereas each gamers returned in Spurs’ current 4-3 defeat to Chelsea, their comebacks had been short-lived. Romero was substituted after simply quarter-hour as a consequence of a recurring problem, whereas van de Ven exited late within the recreation with a suspected hamstring harm.
Including to the defensive woes, Ben Davies stays sidelined, leaving supervisor Ange Postecoglou with restricted choices because the busy winter schedule approaches.
Tottenham contemplating recalling Ashley Phillips from mortgage
In accordance with The Normal, Tottenham are significantly contemplating recalling Phillips to bolster their defensive choices.
Phillips joined Spurs in August 2023 and has proven appreciable promise since then. Following a productive mortgage spell at Plymouth Argyle final season, the place he performed a pivotal position in avoiding relegation and earned the Younger Participant of the Season award, Phillips has continued to develop at Stoke Metropolis.
This season, {the teenager} has made 13 appearances in all competitions for the Championship aspect, even scoring a purpose.
Whereas recalling Phillips may supply rapid reduction, the choice isn’t with out its complexities. Terminating his mortgage mid-season may disrupt his growth, as constant recreation time at Stoke has been integral to his development.
Ashley Phillips in motion for Stoke Metropolis. (Photograph by David Rogers/Getty Pictures)
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With the January switch window approaching, Spurs may additionally look to usher in exterior reinforcements to navigate their harm challenges. Nevertheless, recalling Phillips may show to be a extra rapid and cost-effective answer, particularly as accidents proceed to restrict Postecoglou’s choices.
As accidents proceed to plague the squad, Postecoglou and the Spurs hierarchy should determine if recalling Phillips is the most effective answer to fortify their defence whereas navigating this difficult interval.