Ange Postecoglou has suggested that the extended format of European competition will make it more difficult to sign players in the January transfer window.
The Spurs boss bemoaned the absence of ten first-team players, keen to bolster his options after he was forced to field a back-up goalkeeper. Fraser ForsterOut of favor defender DZ Spence and right-back Archie Gray As a makeshift centre-back on Sunday 6-3 loss at home from Liverpool.
Spurs are looking to sign at least one defender next month and Postecoglou has previously confirmed his long-term aim to bolster their attacking options. Spurs are in the distance with a reported move for sources atlanta the defender Ben Godfrey.
Postecoglou said he believed their immediate goals could be complicated by having two more matchdays in UEFA competitions outside of Christmas for the first time.
The Champions League group stage — increased from six games to eight — will now conclude on January 29, a day after the Europa League. The next transfer window closes on February 3
Asked whether Tottenham could find the right players to improve the team or just improve the squad, Postecoglou replied: “Those are two different questions. To improve the team? Maybe a bit challenging.
“But improve the depth of our squad? I think there’s always potential. It’s a bit more challenging this January because of the way European football is set up. Sometimes in January, you might be out of a couple of clubs. The Champions League debate for those who think: ‘Well , we are not in the Champions League so maybe we can leave a few people off our list.’
“It doesn’t exist now because all the European competitions are still in the balance. It probably adds another layer of difficulty to it but we will try because I think we definitely need to strengthen. We will see how successful we are at that.”
Destiny Udogi Spurs’ are set to return for the Boxing Day clash Nottingham Forest After missing the last two matches with fatigue Rodrigo Bentancur Available again after suspension.
Ben Davis (hamstring) resumed training on Christmas Eve and will be assessed ahead of the Forest game.
