Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou has confirmed that Lucas Bergvall is likely to miss the rest of the season due to the ankle injury he sustained in training.
The Swedish teenager was an unexpected absentee from Thursday's 3-1 win over Bodo/Glimt in the first leg of the Europa League semi-finals, and he was seen on crutches on the sidelines.
Bergvall's use of aides inevitably sparked concern surrounding his situation, and Postecoglou revealed that the 19-year-old has picked up an issue to his ankle during the week.
Speaking to the media ahead of Sunday's Premier League London derby with West Ham United, the Australian confirmed that Bergvall's issue would "probably" be serious enough to prevent him from playing again this term.
"With Lucas, it looks like the injury is significant enough to probably keep him out now for the rest of the season. He tweaked his ligaments in his ankle so he is out," Postecoglou told reporters.
Tottenham's Bergvall likely to miss rest of the season
© Imago
Bergvall's season-ending injury is a cruel blow to a player who has quickly become integral to Postecoglou's team, making 45 appearances in all competitions this season despite his tender age.
The 19-year-old has provided one goal and four assists in that time, form that recently earned him a new long-term contract until 2031, and he would have been expected to start Thursday's game had he not damaged his ligaments in the week.
Nevertheless, Bergvall's replacement Yves Bissouma earned plaudits for his performance in the engine room in the first-leg win, where Brennan Johnson, James Maddison and Dominic Solanke struck before Ulrik Saltnes's consolation.
However, Postecoglou's problems mounted when Solanke and Maddison were also forced off with injuries in the second half of that win, potentially depriving Spurs of two of their most influential players for the second leg next week.
Postecoglou provides Maddison, Solanke, Son Heung-min injury updates
© Imago
The Lilywhites were already missing captain Son Heung-min as he recuperates from a foot injury, and the South Korea international will also not play any part in the derby with West Ham, but Postecoglou is hopeful he will be fit for the second leg with Bodo/Glimt.
Maddison's situation is also a concern for the Australian, but Solanke appears to have avoided a serious concern, adding: "Dom's not too bad, obviously a doubt for the weekend.
"Madders is a bit more of a concern as it's a knee, we've sent him for a scan. Sonny is still working hard, he's out on the grass and we'll see if he's available for Thursday."
Tottenham could be condemned to a 20th Premier League loss of the season should they fall short against West Ham, whom they are just one point and one place better off than in the Premier League table.
Ben Knapton
