Postecoglou says Tottenham are likely to be busy in the January window

Ange Postecoglou has given the strongest hint yet that Tottenham will try to strengthen their squad in the January transfer window.

Spurs have had injury problems in recent weeks, with Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero and Richarlison missing.

Postecoglou’s all-round attacking strategy has failed in their absence and Spurs go into Christmas in 11th place in the Premier League after Sunday’s 6-3 defeat at home to Liverpool.

Asked if he was keen to do business when the window reopened next week, the Australian said: “As I said a moment ago, we were planning. A lot will be about where we are now. It is fair to say that we are still a little short in a few areas and need to step up.

“But January is more demanding in terms of what kind of players you can bring in. For us, ideally – for any club, I guess – you want to bring in people who will make you stronger.

“I think the fact that, obviously, we’re still in the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup, that we still have Europe, the FA Cup, that we’re in all the competitions, it’s not that our schedule is going to get any easier at any stage. So I think it makes sense. We will try to strengthen where and what number we will have to wait and see.”

Team news from Ange ahead of our Boxing Day trip to Nottingham Forest 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/Uiqnntmihk

— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) December 24, 2024

Bentancur back

Tottenham go to Nottingham Forest on Boxing Day buoyed by the return from suspension of midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur.

The Uruguay international has missed the last seven home games due to comments about team-mate Son Heung-min, but will be involved at the City Ground.

Left back Destiny Udogie is also available after injury.

Postecoglou added: “As far as the game is concerned, as far as I know, there is no problem. Destiny was on the bench, but he wasn’t 100% right, and he should be right. Bentancur is available after suspension. That’s about it for now.”

Forest return for Johnson

Brennan Johnson returns to his former club on Thursday after losing his place in the squad due to the form of Dejan Kulusevski, but Postecoglou is confident the Wales international will get his chance soon.

“Brennan just needs to keep doing what he’s doing,” he said. “I had Deki there and he was very good and scoring goals. It’s about the balance of the team. It’s about managing that load. We’ve already overburdened some players up there. Brennan will get his minutes.”