Steven Pienaar’s work permit has come through and he is straight into the squad for the Newcastle game tomorrow.
Spurs have fresh doubts over Wilson Palacios and Benoit Assou-Ekottu who are struggling with knee injuries and will definitely be without longer term absentees Tom Huddlestone and Ledley King.
For their part, Newcastle will be missing Andy Carroll, who is some way off a return following a thigh injury and Alan Smith will miss the game, and probably the rest of the season.
You feel that Pienaar is likely to feature at some point, even if it’s off the bench, and we await his introduction with great interest. If BAE is unable to play then Pienaar could well make his starting debut, as one would expect Bale to play at left back, with the South African in front of him on the left of midfield.
Live radio commentary on the game can be found at Absolute Radio extra – on DAB Digital Radio, 1215AM and online in the UK from 1.30pm, with build up from Spurs fan Russ Williams and commentary from Jim Proudfoot at 3pm.
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{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
I cannot see any circumstance under which Bale would be played at Left-Back. Not any more.
Well we don’t have any other left backs at the club if BAE is injured, so not sure who else could play there. Gallas used to for Chelsea, but these days he won’t even play on the left side of central defence.
What about Bassong. Has he forgotten how to play left-back then?
Bassong can play there, but I don’t think he’s particularly comfortable in the position. Harry himself has said that he sees Bale going back to left back eventually, so it would hardly be a major shock.
Not the end of the world if Bale drops back, you can’t mark a left back………could be deadly
I think Bale at left back for a game or two might be a positive thing. Lately, teams have had an answer for his antics, but coming off the left back position might throw opponents off.
COYS!!!
Let’s not forget that for a few games before his breakthrough games against Arsenal and Chelsea last year, Bale was indeed playing as a left back – and doing a great job marauding forward at every opportunity. He can do a good job for us as an attacking full back. Yes it takes a bit away from his impact but I remember him running from deep very effectively when he first got back into the side as a left back when BAE got injured.
This is the the way Pienaar played with Baines so Harry is just giving Pienaar an easy introduction lets hope he uses it well
My doubts about Palacios are not fresh and have nothing to do with injury.
Good luck to Steve P if he gets his chance. I hope he does well.