(Reuters) – Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou expressed concern over Pape Matar Sarr’s injury, as the midfielder left the field in tears during their 3-1 victory over Bournemouth. The injury raises doubts about Sarr’s availability for Senegal at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The win against Bournemouth narrowed the gap with the top four teams in the Premier League to just one point, but injuries at Tottenham continued to be a cause for worry.
Postecoglou welcomed midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur’s early return from injury, but he expressed hope that Sarr, along with other injured players such as James Maddison, Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Ivan Perisic, and Ryan Sessegnon, will not add to the club’s injury list.
Sarr scored a goal against Bournemouth, along with captain Son Heung-min and Richarlison.
“Pape felt his hamstring and he’s emotional because he wants to go away with his national team. It’s a big tournament for them,” Postecoglou told reporters.
“It’s kind of the way our season has gone. He was so good again early in the game, apart from his goal, and then he gets an injury,” added Postecoglou.
“Disappointing for him, but I am hoping it is not too serious and he can still go away and contribute to his country.”
Sarr later said on Instagram, “More fear than evil, see you for the CAN.”
The AFCON will take place from Jan. 13 to Feb. 11 in the Ivory Coast.
Argentine striker Alejo Veliz, 20, also came off injured at the Vitality Stadium. Postecoglou said he is not yet aware of the extent of the injury.
“Alejo was in a lot of pain and we’d already done our substitutions so we were trying to get it out to him to just lay down so we can get him off,” the Australian added.
“But it just shows the character of the boy because he knew we had no more substitutions and he just wanted to keep going.”
Spurs next host promoted Burnley in the third round of the FA Cup on Friday.
(Reporting by Pearl Josephine Nazare in Bengaluru; Editing by Kim Coghill)
![[READY STOCK] Zeray 110 carbon pedal with cleats LOOK lightweight zeray road pedal road bike pedal clipless r550 110s](https://www.suara.my/wp-content/uploads/readystockzeray110carbonpedalwithcleatslooklightweightzerayroad-1.jpg)
