Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou aims dig at Arsenal and other Premier League rivals as he says he’s seen ‘so much violin playing’ over injuries

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou took a pop at his side’s Premier League rivals as he praised his squad players for the way they have stepped in for injured stars.

Spurs are dealing with somewhat of an injury crisis of their own and played out a hard-fought 1-1 draw with Fulham on Sunday.

Centre-back duo Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven were missing once again with Ben Davies and Radu Dragusin starting for the third time in a week.

‘I’ve seen so much violin-playing over [other teams having] one centre-back out, but we’re just supposed to get on with it,’ Postecoglou told reporters.

He added: ‘Benny and Radu have been outstanding throughout this spell. I mean there aren’t too many teams in the league who have both their centre-backs out. The beauty of it is these boys are, and I love that. 

‘I love the characters they’re showing. I love the fact that they’re not seeking excuses or wanting me to make allowances for it. 

‘But at some point, I need to also acknowledge the massive effort that all these guys are putting in. Radu and Ben were outstanding again today.’

Both Arsenal and Man City portioned some of the blame for their poor results this season on injuries to key players such as Martin Odegaard and Rodri.

Postecoglou is hopeful injury-hit Tottenham will have reinforcements for Thursday’s trip to Bournemouth.

Dominic Solanke was the latest Spurs player to join a growing list of absentees after he was sent home unwell on the morning of Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Fulham.

That made it eight players unavailable for Tottenham, but the former Bournemouth forward could be fit enough to make his Vitality Stadium return, while other recent absentees are also on the comeback trail.

Postecoglou said of England international Solanke: ‘I hope so. He trained (Saturday) but he came in and didn’t look well at all so we sent him home.

‘It’s obviously an illness not an injury so we need to see how it settles down in the next couple of days but hopefully it’s nothing too significant.’

Archie Gray had to be substituted after being sent on against Fulham, but Postecoglou revealed it was only a ‘dead leg’ for the versatile midfielder.

Cristian Romero has not played for Tottenham since before the international break due to a toe issue.

Postecoglou was cautious over whether the Argentina defender would return for the midweek clash.

‘Potentially,’ Postecoglou admitted. He still hasn’t trained with the team, so he’s getting closer but he still hasn’t trained with the team.

“So, him and Micky (van de Ven) are still working with sport science staff. So, hopefully, not too far away.”