Injury expert issues ‘massive’ Rodrigo Bentancur claim as Tottenham hit by ‘major blow’
Rodrigo Bentancur is not fit to start for Tottenham in the north London derby amid struggles with an adductor injury.
That is the view of medical expert Ben Dinnery, who runs the Premier Injuries site and has a background in injury and data analysis, speaking exclusively to Football Insider.
Bentancur last featured for Spurs in November, when he scored twice in a 4-3 victory over Leeds United.
Tottenham have felt the 25-year-old’s absence, with Antonio Conte’s side dropping out of the top four in the Premier League and only picking up one win in the four games missed by the Uruguayan.
Conte said Bentancur’s situation was “improving” ahead of the north London derby on Sunday (15 January), but refrained from revealing if he was fit for selection.
Dinnery insists it would be a “massive” risk to start Bentancur against the Gunners, with Yves Bissouma predicted to step up in the Spurs midfield.
“Bissouma has been struggling with an ankle injury for a while now,” Dinnery revealed to Football Insider’s Sean Fisher.
“But in the grand scheme of things it hasn’t been too much of a worry or a concern for Tottenham.
“He’s certainly available for selection in the north London derby and could even be in line for a spot in the starting lineup.
“Conte has been hit with a major blow with Rodrigo Bentacur suffering from that adductor issue, and it would be a massive risk to start him against Arsenal.
“The midfield partnership is something Conte will have to give some serious consideration to.”
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