Japhet Tanganga to Miss Man Utd Clash With Suspected Back Fracture

Japhet Tanganga has been ruled out of Tottenham's return to Premier League action with a suspected fracture to his back.


Spurs resume their top flight campaign after a three-month coronavirus-enforced hiatus with the visit of Manchester United on Friday.


The break has given Jose Mourinho the opportunity to welcome Harry Kane, Moussa Sissoko, Heung-min Son and Steven Bergwijn back into the side after time on the treatment table, but Spurs have been dealt a fresh injury blow ahead of their return to action.


Tanganga has been ever present for Spurs since making his Premier League debut in January

According to the Telegraph, defender Tanganga suffered a suspected fracture to his back during the team's preparation for Friday's clash with Manchester United.


No time scale has been given on the 21-year-old's return, although the report states that there is 'hope' that he will return before the end of the season.


The Premier League campaign concludes on 26 July, with Tottenham travelling to Crystal Palace for their final league fixture.


Tanganga has still been able to work on the training pitches on a fitness program that does not irritate his back, suggesting he will not face a race to get back to full fitness once he has recovered from his injury.


The defender has established himself as a key part of Mourinho's first team squad during the second half of the season.


Tanganga had started Spurs' last three Premier League games before the pandemic struck, in addition to their final game before lockdown - the 3-0 defeat to RB Leipzig in the Champions League.


Tanganga caught the eye on his Premier League debut against Liverpool

Since being handed a surprise Premier League debut against Liverpool in January, the England Under 21 international has started seven out of a possible nine games in the top flight.


Tanganga's versatility has been utilised by Mourinho, with the youngster operating at fullback and centre back when the Spurs boss opts for a 3-4-3 formation.


Giovani Lo Celso is Spurs' only other injury concern ahead of Friday's fixture against Manchester United having missed a selection of training sessions in the last two weeks, while Dele Alli will be serving his one match suspension.



Source : 90min