Tottenham Hotspur boss Ange Postecoglou spoke to the press in the build-up to Spurs’ London derby against Chelsea on Thursday.
In an interview with the club’s website, Postecoglou confirmed Timo Werner will miss out on the rest of the season due to a hamstring injury.
“Unfortunately, we’ve had a couple of issues from the last game,” he said.
“Timo, with a hamstring (issue), so he’ll miss the rest of the season. Obviously, with only three weeks to go, he won’t be back.”
With only three rounds left before the curtain drops on the 2023/24 Premier League season, Spurs need all hands on deck to haul back a seven-point deficit on fourth-placed Aston Villa.
They have two games in hand and could still make a late top-four push, but there’s no margin for error down the final stretch.
Losing Werner at this crucial juncture is a blow for Postecoglou’s side, especially as the winger has established himself as a regular starter since joining the club on loan from RB Leipzig in January.
Tottenham signed the former Chelsea flop on a short-term deal in the winter with a buyout clause set at €16 million.
Werner’s arrival was supposed to fill the gaps up top amidst a severe injury crisis, but a lack of consistency has plagued the German on his Premier League return.
He has racked up two goals and three assists in 13 league appearances, yet couldn’t help but waste a number of golden chances in the process.
As Spurs gear up for the final sprint, it should’ve been Werner’s opportunity to convince Daniel Levy to hand him a permanent contract in North London.
Now, everything is in doubt.
Richarlison is back from injury and eager to prove his value at the backend of a vital season for Tottenham’s revival.
Brennan Johnson and Dejan Kulusevski have had impressive moments this term and will take advantage of Werner’s absence to cement their places on the flanks.
The 28-year-old seemed on course to secure a permanent transfer, but fate might have conspired against him in these season-defining moments.
