Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Football London
Football London
Sport
Andy Ha

Tottenham handed fresh injury worry ahead of Man City clash as squad withdrawal confirmed

Tottenham Hotspur winger Steven Bergwijn has been withdrawn from the Netherlands national team squad after being deemed unfit.

The 23-year-old has travelled back to London after an examination from the Dutch medical staff discovered an unspecified fitness issue.

Holland face Spain on Wednesday night, before Nations League matches against Bosnia & Herzegovina and Poland, but the Spurs forward will now play no part.

Bergwijn has dropped down the Tottenham pecking order in recent weeks, with the arrival of Gareth Bale intensifying competition for places in Jose Mourinho's three-pronged attack.

Jose Mourinho press conference following 1-0 win vs West Brom

The former PSV Eindhoven attacker started for Spurs in last week's Europa League win against Ludogorets, but was left of the matchday squad for Sunday's Premier League trip to West Brom.

In a statement, the Netherlands football association said: "Steven Bergwijn has left the training camp of the Dutch national team.

"The Tottenham Hotspur attacker was examined by Orange's medical staff on arrival in Zeist on Monday. It turned out that he is not fit enough and that the Orange matches must pass by.

"National coach Frank de Boer is not calling for a replacement, so the selection of the Dutch national team now consists of 24 players."

Spurs boss Mourinho will be hoping Bergwijn recovers in time for Tottenham's clash against Manchester City after the international break.

Tottenham already face a nervous wait over the fitness of Gareth Bale, who was seen with ice on his ankle after the West Brom game, and Erik Lamela - who was unfit at the weekend.

Speaking after watching his side grab a late winner against West Brom, Mourinho conceded the hosts made it difficult for his team at the Hawthorns.

“West Bromwich gave us a very difficult match. The way they played meant we had to play even better. I am pleased that we are compensating in away games for the points we have dropped at home but it is too early to get excited about anything at the moment.

"In a lot of countries we might be talked about as title hopefuls, but it is hard in the Premier League. You can have a very good season and still find Liverpool or Manchester City ahead of you.

"I am happy that [Harry] Kane reached another landmark, but mostly I am pleased to have Harry playing for us. His all-round game is worth just as much as his goals. As well as scoring goals he recovers the ball and wins so many challenges.”

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.