TOTTENHAM supporters were left claiming “we’re cursed” as they were hit by yet another injury.
Spurs beat Bournemouth 3-1 on New Year’s Eve to end 2023 with a victory.
Despite a host of injuries across his squad, Ange Postecoglou’s side go into 2024 sitting fifth in the table with 39 points and just three behind leaders Liverpool.
However, they are set to lose captain and top scorer Son Heung-min to Asia Cup duties for a number of weeks this month.
And they suffered yet another injury blow after striker Alejo Veliz was spotted leaving the Tottenham Stadium on crutches yesterday.
The 20-year-old Argentina U20 international joined Spurs in a £12million transfer from Rosario Central in August.
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Postecoglou has so far only used him sparingly while he settles into life in England.
But the hotshot, who got his first goal for the club in last week’s defeat at Brighton, looked set for his big opportunity over the coming matches due to the absence of Son.
But any hopes he had of making an impact appear to have been dashed after Veliz was helped off the pitch in tears by medical staff during the closing stages against Bournemouth.
He was in pain within minutes after coming on as a substitute and looked to be visibly distressed as medics and team-mate Richarlison helped him off the pitch.
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The ace was then spotted wearing a boot on his right foot after the game – and he is not the only new casualty for Postecoglou.
Senegal star Pape Matar Sarr’s Afcon dream is in tatters after he was also forced off through injury.
And with the likes of James Maddison and Cristian Romero among the long-term casualties, Spurs fans were cursing their luck.
“We can’t catch a break ffs,” wrote one on X.
Another said: “We’re cursed, there’s no other explanation at this point. It’s a player a game.”
While third added: “Football can be so cruel, this would have been his opportunity.”
Postecoglou said afterwards: “Alejo, it’s hard to say. He was in a lot of pain.
“I don’t know the extent of it, obviously it’s disappointing for him as well. We’ll see what the outcome is.
“Sonny leaves today (for the Asia Cup with South Korea) with Biss (Yves Bissouma, to the AFCON with Mali), so, more challenges for us, but nothing we haven’t faced before.
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“Pape felt his hamstring. He’s obviously very disappointed because he’s going away with his national team, and he doesn’t want to miss out on that.
“We’re hoping it’s nothing too serious that would keep him out for the whole bit.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
