Tottenham midfielder Bentancur set for surgery and three-month spell out with hamstring injury
The Uruguayan picked up the issue in the loss to Bournemouth last week
Tottenham midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur is set to miss at least three months after it was confirmed he requires surgery on a hamstring injury, dealing another significant blow to Thomas Frank’s struggling side.
The Uruguay international, a key figure in midfield this season, was injured during Spurs’ Premier League defeat by Bournemouth last week.
With the 28-year-old facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines and likely to miss the majority of the remaining campaign, Tottenham may now be forced to consider entering the transfer market to reinforce their midfield options during the January window.
Bentancur joins Mohammed Kudus on the injury list, with the Ghana winger ruled out until after the international break in March due to a thigh problem.
Spurs have also reduced their attacking options this month after selling forward Brennan Johnson to Crystal Palace for £35m.
The timing of Bentancur’s injury compounds the pressure on Frank, with Tottenham enduring a difficult run of form.
They sit 14th in the Premier League and were knocked out of the FA Cup in the third round on Saturday following a defeat by Aston Villa. Supporter frustration was evident during that match, with boos ringing out at half-time as Spurs trailed 2-0.
Discontent among the fanbase is continuing to grow, with supporters planning an organised protest at Saturday’s home game against West Ham.
Fans’ group Change for Tottenham have called on supporters to bring yellow banners, flags and scarves for a demonstration inside the stadium ahead of kick-off.
The protest follows criticism from the Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust, which accused the club of a “dramatic fall in ambition” after discussions with senior figures at the club.
In a statement, Change for Tottenham said: “There is growing frustration within the fanbase surrounding the board’s transfer strategy, clarity on the director of football role, our continuous injury crises season after season, recent results/performances on the pitch and extortionate ticket prices.
“We believe acting now will hopefully mean our voices are heard at such a pivotal time during the January transfer window.
“Our first team and squad needs serious investment, and after The Lewis Family Trust, Vinai Venkatesham and Fabio Paratici told supporters that they were ready to be ambitious and prioritise trophies after Daniel Levy stood down, all we ask as fans is that these promises are kept.”