Gameweek 11 is over and it was quite eventful one. Let's take a look at the updates on Maddison's injury and suspension of Udogie and Romero.
A crazy day in North London added insult to injury for numerous Fantasy Premier League managers during Gameweek 11. Chelsea managed to score four goals against the previously undefeated Tottenham Hotspur, who had to continue the match with only nine players for over 40 minutes due to the red cards shown to Destiny Udogie (4.8m) and Cristian Romero (5.0m).
In Gameweek 11, Spurs faced multiple setbacks, including two injuries in addition to the previously mentioned red cards. Both James Maddison (8.1m) and Micky van de Ven (4.7m) were substituted during first-half stoppage time, with the latter sustaining what appeared to be a significant hamstring injury. Van de Ven is almost certainly ruled out for Gameweek 12, while there is concern about Maddison’s fitness, given the relatively short turnaround before the Saturday’s kick-off against Wolves.
“It’s too early but looking at Micky, you’d think it’s a pretty significant one. I’d assume he’ll be out for a little while. Madders got a knock on the ankle, we’ll just have to see how he is.” – Ange Posteoglou on team’s injuries
Romero received a red card for serious foul play, while Udogie received his second booking 10 minutes into the second half. Romero will be absent for the next three league matches, and Udogie will only miss Gameweek 12, returning after the November international break. Spurs’ center-backs have been in excellent form this season, playing every minute together from Gameweeks 2-10 and being part of a defense that conceded only seven goals in nine games. However, this partnership will be disrupted for at least three matches, possibly longer if van de Ven’s injury is serious.
In Gameweek 11, Spurs finished with Eric Dier (4.2m) and midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojberg (5.2m) as center-backs, as Ben Davies (4.3m) was also sidelined due to injury. While Dier and Hojberg received praise for their determined performances, Ange Postecoglou’s insistence on maintaining a high defensive line, even with the personnel changes and being two men down, ultimately led to Chelsea scoring their final three goals.
“It is just who we are mate, it is who we are and who we will be for as long as I am here. If we go down to five men we will have a go.” – Ange Postecoglou, when asked about sticking with his high line
Postecoglou may have the chance to include Davies in the lineup for Gameweek 12, and Emerson Royal (4.4m) is another potential option at center-back. However, Emerson may be needed at left-back against Wolverhampton Wanderers this weekend due to Udogie’s absence. From an FPL perspective, it’s worth noting that Spurs could be without both their first-choice center-backs in the matches against Aston Villa and Manchester City in Gameweeks 13 and 14.
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