Tottenham suffer injury woes in stalemate with Rennes

Tottenham suffer injury woes in stalemate with Rennes

 

Tottenham lost Lucas Moura and Steve Bergwijn to injuries in the 2-2 draw with Rennes in the UEFA Conference League on Thursday. (Photo credit: Sky Sports)

Steven Bergwijn and Lucas Moura both sustained what looked to be significant injuries in Tottenham Hotspurs’ 2-2 draw in their opening group game of the newly formed European Conference League on Thursday night.

Tottenham led though a Loic Bade own goal but the home side turned it around to lead 2-1 through goals from Flavien Tait and Gaetan Laborde however, a late goal from Danish midfielder Pierre Emile Hojbjerg settled the scores.

Tottenham already have enough problems on their hands, Erik Dier and Japhet Taganga are both out on injury and suspension grounds respectively and South Korean Heung Min Son is also out injured hence a heavy headache on the necks of Nuno Espirito Santo with the fresh duo unavailable for selection.

Tanguy Ndombele made his first start of the season for the North London side in the game after the summer window drama that nearly saw him exit the club; Harry Kane captained the side as Hugo Lloris was rested for the battle against Chelsea on Sunday.

Both players combined in the buildup for the opening goal after 11 minutes. Ndombele produced a stunning backheel to keep the ball in play which Kane knocked on to Moura, and his cross was turned into his own net by Bade.

Rennes started to dominate after the goal and grabbed a deserved equaliser after 23 minutes when Tait curled the ball into the bottom corner from outside the box.

Hojbjerg replaced the injured Bergwijn just after the half an hour mark but Spurs' play didn't improve and were lucky to finish the half at 1-1 with Rennes threatening and looking the likelier to score as the half wore on.

Moura picked up a knock during the early stages of the second half after a heavy challenge and was replaced moments later.

Rennes took the lead after 72 minutes when Laborde was the quickest to react to Pierluigi Gollini's save to tap home.

Spurs levelled five minutes later when Hojbjerg collected former Wolves defender Matt Doherty's deflected cross to score from close range.

When asked about the injuries after the game, Nuno said: "It's been terrible, I must be honest. Let's not hide behind anything.

"After the Watford game, everything that has happened has not been very good for us. But this is football. And we know it's a moment we have to overcome."