"It's literally the worst."
Tottenham announced on the 2nd (Korean time) via the club's official channel that "Lucas Veribal suffered ankle ligament damage during training and will not be able to participate in matches for the rest of the season." He is out for the season.
Excluded from the roster for the UEFA Europa League semifinals first leg against Bode/Glimt on the 2nd, he was spotted wearing an ankle guard at that time, raising concerns. After the match, coach Ange Postecoglou noted in a press conference that "the ligament injury is quite serious. It will be difficult for the rest of the season," officially confirming that he is out for the season.
Veribal is considered a case of 'forced growth' for Tottenham this season. He was utilized as key players like Rodrigo Bentancur, Pape Sarr, and Yves Bissouma were sidelined due to injuries, and gradually adapting to the Premier League tempo, he has established himself as a core resource.
Just before the injury news, he signed a contract extension with Tottenham until 2031, proving the club's expectations. Veribal expressed, "I am proud to play at this club. This season has not been easy, but I am learning a lot and growing."
The joy did not last long. He sustained an injury during training right after the contract extension announcement, leading to an early end to his season. As information leaked to foreign media and rumors about being out for the season spread, the club officially acknowledged it.
Coach Postecoglou mentioned, "It wasn't a tackle situation; he simply got injured during a turning motion. This must be a very disappointing situation for him. However, such experiences make players stronger," as he extended his support to the player.
Meanwhile, James Maddison and Dominic Solanke, who scored in the match against Bode/Glimt, were also substituted due to injuries. Maddison complained of knee discomfort, while Solanke expressed issues with his thigh. Coach Postecoglou stated in a pre-match press conference ahead of the Premier League match against West Ham United on the 3rd, "Maddison is undergoing detailed examinations, and while Solanke’s injury isn’t serious, his availability for this weekend is uncertain."
Tottenham is chasing two rabbits: reaching the Europa League final and competing for league standings in the final stretch. However, the season-ending injury to a key midfielder and consecutive injuries to key resources are no trivial variables. Meanwhile, Coach Postecoglou expressed strong dissatisfaction regarding the leak of Veribal's injury information.
Coach Postecoglou said, "It seems there is no concept of courtesy or respect in football these days. I don’t understand why a player's injury should be sensitive medical information leaked without their consent." He added, "How frustrated must Veribal be? He needed time, and we didn’t have to disclose it immediately. This isn't about being cautious towards opponents; it was about wanting to give him time to accept and process this situation."
He continued, "Veribal is still a young man. He was enjoying the best feelings while extending his contract, and his performance was good. In fact, in the previous match, his whole family came to watch the game, and he was filled with anticipation. I wanted to protect him above all else." He further expressed frustration, saying, "However, there is someone who completely disregarded such a player's feelings and just spread the news. Some media prefer to run wild with information, regardless of its credibility. This is what ruins players and football."
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