Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou has confirmed midfielder Lucas Bergvall has been ruled out for the remainder of the season due to injury.
Bergvall was absent from the matchday squad for the 3-1 win against Bodo/Glimt on Thursday after picking up an ankle injury in the build-up to the first leg of their Europa League semi-final.
Speaking ahead of the meeting with West Ham on Sunday, Postecoglou said: “Lucas, looks like the injury is significant to keep him out for the rest of the season. He tweaked the ligaments in his ankle.”
When asked about how the injury occurred during training, Postecoglou added: “It wasn’t a tackle, he went to turn and his ankle gave way. They are things that happen.
“He is hugely disappointed and there isn’t much you can say. Every experience in life and football makes you stronger. He has an unbelievable career ahead of him.
“It has denied him the opportunity to play in a big game last night. He will come back stronger. Every player has to go through setbacks.”
Tottenham captain Heung-Min Son and Bergvall
The Spurs boss also offered updates on Dominic Solanke and James Maddison, who were forced off with knocks during the win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, as well as captain Heung-Min Son who has missed the last five games.
“Dom [Solanke], we don’t think is anything too serious. He is a doubt for the weekend,” Postecoglou continued.
“[James] Madders is a bit more of a concern as it is the knee. We have sent him for a scan and are waiting for the outcome.
“Son is out on the grass and feels better every day. We will see about Thursday.”
Changes to be made vs West Ham
The Tottenham boss is aware his side have little to play for in the Premier League, given they are languishing in 16th, and admitted he will “likely” make wholesale changes to the starting line-up for the trip to the London Stadium on Sunday.
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Ange Postecoglou is asked what the likelihood of a drink in the pubs with the Spurs fans would be if they were to win the Europa League – hear his response
The second leg of the semi-final is scheduled for May 8, four days after facing Graham Potter’s side in east London, and Postecoglou will use the fixture as an opportunity to rest key players while also getting others up to speed, should they be needed in Bodo.
When asked about whether or not he would make major changes, he said: “Likely. It is important for us because it is a quick turnaround.
“We have had issues and we continue to have them because it is the way our season is going.
“We will make changes to put in a strong performance but also to give some players a rest. We also need to get some up to speed.”
What games will Bergvall miss?
Tottenham fixtures
- May 4: West Ham (A) – Premier League
- 8 May: Bodo/Glimt (A) – Europa League
- 11 May: Crystal Palace (H) – Premier League
- 18 May: Aston Villa (A) – Premier League, live on Sky Sports
- 21 May: Europa League final*
- 25 May: Brighton (H) – Premier League