For some weeks the fitness of two of Spurs’ international forwards has been in the balance for Saturday’s derby with West Ham United. Son Heung-min and Richarlison have, at various times been described as ‘doubtful’ or ‘unavailable’ through injury but a report just out today does not make good reading for Julen Lopetegui and the Hammers’ squad.
Coming from Reuters today is news that: ‘Spurs get attacking boost ahead of clash with West Ham:
“Tottenham Hotspur captain Son Heung-min and forward Richarlison are fit to face West Ham United in the Premier League after recovering from injury, manager Ange Postecoglou said on Friday. Son has missed the last three games after injuring his hamstring against Qarabag in the Europa League late last month.”
Quite a contrast from last week when we were expecting both to miss the derby. Son, in particular has a depressingly good record against West Ham, with six goals and four assists in the Premier League.
And for Brazilian Richarlison:“We’ve taken our time with Richy and we have taken time to build his fitness base up. He has worked hard, trimmed down, and looks lean. He’s good to go now.” This after previous reports suggested he’d be out until November.
If only there were similarly good news from our own stricken international Niclas Fullkrug: Well we could do with a bit of good news or a miraculous recovery for our summer recruit who is yet to fire in the Premier League.
