Tottenham hit by Ivan Perisic injury blow ahead of North London derby clash with Arsenal

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PREMIER LEAGUE Tottenham hit by Ivan Perisic injury blow ahead of North London derby clash with Arsenal

Festus Chuma 19:00 - 20.09.2023

Tottenham's Ivan Perisic faces season-ending ACL injury ahead of the North London Derby showdown with Arsenal, leaving Spurs reeling.

Tottenham Hotspur left winger Ivan Perisic is set for a prolonged spell on the sidelines after the club confirmed that the Croatian midfielder has suffered a severe Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury in his right knee. 

The 34-year-old sustained the injury during non-contact training, dealing a significant blow to Spurs' prospects for the season.

Perisic had recently made a crucial impact for Tottenham when he came off the bench to help orchestrate a stunning comeback against Sheffield United last weekend. However, this promising display was marred by the unfortunate injury setback.

The news was officially announced by the club on their website, with a statement expressing their concern for the experienced midfielder's well-being.

"We can confirm that Ivan Perisic has suffered a complex Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury in his right knee," the statement reads. 

"The experienced Croatia international sustained the injury in non-contact training and will undergo surgery. Wishing you well in your recovery, Ivan."

This devastating injury has shattered Perisic's hopes of contributing significantly to Tottenham's campaign under manager Ange Postegoclou.

Since the Australian coach took charge, Perisic had mostly been utilized as a winger in a 4-3-3 formation, showcasing his versatility and experience.

Last season, under the guidance of Antonio Conte, Perisic played a vital role as a wing-back in the Tottenham side that secured an eighth-place finish in the Premier League. 

Perisic's absence will undoubtedly be felt by Tottenham, as they aim to improve upon their previous season's performance and make strides in domestic and European competitions. 

The Croatian's ability to provide width and creativity down the flanks will be sorely missed.

Tottenham fans will hope for a swift and successful recovery for Perisic, though ACL injuries typically require an extended period of rehabilitation and careful management.

 His absence will provide opportunities for other players in the squad to step up and fill the void left by the experienced midfielder.

In the meantime, Tottenham will face the challenge of adapting their tactics and finding a suitable replacement to maintain their momentum. The north London derby against Arsenal, which Perisic was initially preparing for before the injury occurred, will be a significant test of their squad's depth and resilience.