By Gareth James
Ben Davies is set for a spell on the sidelines – a concern for both high-flying Wales and nose-diving Tottenham.
The Wales defender has suffered sustained a hamstring injury, compounding the woes of a Spurs side already grappling with a series of defensive setbacks.
The 31-year-old was forced off during the second half of Tottenham’s lackluster 1-0 Premier League defeat to Bournemouth, a game that also saw Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou face sharp criticism from frustrated fans.
A 300th Premier League appearance for Ben Davies pic.twitter.com/GT1paDx98C
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) December 5, 2024
Postecoglou said: “It looks like he’s done his hamstring. He has played a lot of games because it is a position that we cannot rotate.
“He will obviously be out for a period of time now, so we will just have to wait and see.
“It’s kind of a consequence of us having the squad we do at the moment.”
Davies has been a key figure for both club and country, regularly featuring in Tottenham’s line-up this season and captaining Wales during recent international breaks in Aaron Ramsey’s absence. His injury is another blow for Spurs and could also impact Wales, although Craig Bellamy’s team will not play again until March 2025.
Last month, Davies led Wales to promotion to the Nations League’s top tier following a victory over Iceland.
Ange Postecoglou guaranteed Tottenham a trophy this season. The ‘nice guy’ facade has fallen and the impressive CV that demonstrates his brilliance-success at The Whittlesa Zebras and the Yokohama Marinos means nothing. Don’t like to say I told you so but… pic.twitter.com/8hXch88eOB
— Rory Jennings (@Chelsearory) December 6, 2024
With the World Cup qualifying draw scheduled for December 13, Wales will discover their opponents and prepare for the possibility of qualifiers or friendlies in the next international window.
For Spurs, the Davies blow follows the team’s recent struggles have seen them win only one of their last six matches across all competitions.
Postecoglou found himself at the centre of fans’ frustrations during the defeat at Bournemouth, where Dean Huijsen’s 17th-minute header secured all three points for the hosts.
A frustrated section of fans made their feelings clear, with boos and heckles directed at the Australian manager.
Postecoglou admitted: “I didn’t like what was being said because I’m a human being but you’ve got to cop it.
“They’re rightly disappointed tonight because we’ve let a game of football get away from us. I’m okay with all that.
“They’re disappointed and rightly so. They gave me some direct feedback, which I guess is taken onboard.
“All I can say is, I’m really disappointed with tonight and I’m determined to get it right and I will keep fighting until we do.”
When pressed on the specifics of the fans’ comments, he added: “Probably not for here, mate.”
Despite starting energetically against Bournemouth, Spurs created few meaningful chances and were fortunate not to concede further.
The loss highlighted the team’s ongoing struggles and deepened the discontent among their supporters.
Ben Davies Hails Craig Bellamy For Providing Road Map For New Wales Journey