Tottenham remains uncertain about Timo Werner’s future – Postecoglou

Ange Postecoglou said Tottenham are undecided whether to exercise their option to sign Timo Werner after the winger’s season ended early due to injury.

Werner suffered a hamstring problem in Sunday’s 3-2 home loss to Arsenal and, although he will not play again, sources tell ESPN that the 28-year-old is expected to undergo surgery. further rehabilitation at Spurs rather than immediately returning to his parent club, Red. Toro Leipzig.

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Tottenham brought Werner to north London in January as part of a loan deal that included an option to buy for a fee of around £15m. He has recorded two goals and three assists in 14 appearances, and while Postecoglou praised Werner’s positive impact at Spurs, the Australian insisted a final decision would not be made until the season was over.

“The only reason is that it’s not about the here and now, but about the overall strategy,” Postecoglou said. “I’m talking about where I want us to be (in) the next six months to be in a better place than today. We signed Timo on loan until the end of the season and he is part of that strategy to see what we need.” do in the summer and we can do it.

“Will there be other gaps and where Timo fits into that strategy? So we have a plan in place, and that was independent. I think it’s been very good for us. It came at a really important time in January.” When Sonny (Son Heung-Min) was away (at the Asian Cup), Richy (Richarlison) got injured.

“We were short in wide areas. His arrival was very helpful for us and I think he has had an impact, but in my opinion, to make those final decisions, I still need some clarity on what we have here first.”

Postecoglou has faced further criticism for Tottenham’s set-piece defense after conceding two goals from corners against Arsenal.

The 58-year-old has never hired a set-piece coach in his career and Spurs have conceded 12 goals in the Premier League this season from set-piece situations. Only five teams have a worse record.

When asked if he resented that scrutiny, Postecoglou cited the Billy Joel song “You May Be Right” in response.

“Not at all. I get it. It’s not an answer (people want). To quote Billy Joel, ‘you may be right, you may be crazy, but maybe what you’re looking for is a lunatic,'” Postecoglou said. .

“I’m just not interested in that. I never have been. Many of you have done enough research on me to know that this isn’t the first time I’ve been asked about set pieces in my coaching career.

“There’s an underlying reason for this that I feel very, very comfortable with.”

When asked to explain that reason, Postecoglou said: “No. Work a little, buddy. Come on.”

Ben Davies has also been ruled out until next season with a calf problem, meaning Emerson Royal is likely to deputize at left-back for Thursday’s trip to Chelsea.