Tottenham to be targeted by rivals after ‘huge’ Ivan Perisic blow – pundit
Ivan Perisic’s continued absence from Hotspur Way is a “huge blow” for Tottenham.
That’s according to former Hibernian striker Tam McManus, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the Croatian’s continued absence.
Perisic, 33, has been a standout player for Croatia at the Qatar World Cup, starting all six of his country’s games before they crashed out at the semi-final stage.
The versatile left-sided attacker has scored once and provided two assists at the tournament, carrying on from his excellent start to the season with Spurs.
He will now play in the third-fourth playoff on Saturday (17 December) extending his absence from Hotspur Way.
McManus insists this is a “huge blow” for the club.
“Perisic has been such a big part of their season,” McManus told Football Insider‘s Ben Wild.
“He came in and has played a lot of football because he is clearly the best option for Tottenham at this point.
“One on hand, it says a lot about where Tottenham were that this guy came in and they now look so weak without him.
“On the other hand, he is clearly a quality player who has just helped his side reach the World Cup semi-finals. He is clearly going to be missed.
“Now he has to play in the third-fourth playoff, how many Tottenham games is he going to miss? Two or three?
“That defence has been really poor all season, West Ham and Everton, who are right down the bottom, have been far better.
“So for them to be missing Perisic for those games is going to be a huge blow. I think teams will target that.”
Perisic signed for Tottenham on a free in the summer of 2022 after his Inter Milan contract expired.
He has so far made 21 appearances for the club, registering seven assists in those outings.
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