Tottenham receive Boxing Day squad boost as key player returns

After a seven-match absence, Rodrigo Bentancur is set to rejoin Tottenham Hotspur’s lineup, bringing a much-needed boost to Ange Postecoglou’s squad as they prepare for a crucial clash against Nottingham Forest on Thursday.

The suspension that sidelined Rodrigo Bentancur

Just a few months ago, the Football Association charged Rodrigo Bentancur with an “aggravated breach” of its rules, following comments made about his teammate Heung-min Son during the summer.

In what was described as an ill-judged attempt at humour, the Uruguayan midfielder suggested in an interview that Son and his cousins “all look the same.”

Though Bentancur quickly apologised for what he admitted was a “bad joke,” and Son publicly accepted the apology, the FA initiated an investigation into the incident.

The governing body’s decision to impose a seven-game ban on Bentancur left Tottenham in a precarious position, removing a vital cog from their midfield.

The suspension meant Bentancur missed critical fixtures, including matches against Manchester City, Chelsea, and Liverpool, among others.

His absence was a significant blow to a squad already grappling with a thin roster, further exposing Tottenham’s lack of depth.

Rodrigo Bentancur’s return: a timely boost for Spurs

With the Liverpool game marking the final instalment of Bentancur’s seven-match suspension, the Uruguayan is now eligible for selection as Spurs prepare for their next league outing against Nottingham Forest.

The news is a significant boost for Ange Postecoglou, whose side has struggled to maintain consistency during a congested schedule that has tested the squad’s resilience.

The midfield dynamo’s return comes at a time when Tottenham are crying out for reinforcements in their engine room, particularly with injuries thinning the ranks.

His ability to dictate tempo, combined with his defensive tenacity, offers Postecoglou a versatile option capable of turning games in Tottenham’s favour.

What the numbers tell us about Spurs without Bentancur

The absence of Rodrigo Bentancur over the last seven Premier League games has been keenly felt, with Tottenham managing only three wins during this period.

Victories against Manchester City, Southampton, and Manchester United provided some respite, yet these were offset by losses to Bournemouth, Chelsea and Liverpool as well as a disappointing draw against Fulham.

Tottenham’s inconsistent form has raised questions about their ability to compete at the highest level, particularly when key players are unavailable.

Bentancur’s return will not solve all of Tottenham’s problems, but his presence in midfield could help stabilise a side that has at times looked overrun in critical moments.

Nottingham Forest, will provide a stern test for Spurs and a litmus test for Bentancur’s readiness to perform at his usual high standards.

Whether he can hit the ground running remains to be seen, but there is no doubt that his return has the potential to galvanise a Tottenham side desperate for consistency.

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