Ange Postecoglou confirms double setback ahead of Tottenham vs Aston Villa game

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou says they had problems with players fitness during the international break and will have to assess star midfielder Pape Matar Sarr before the game against Aston Villa.

Spurs have to respond after back-to-back injuries and the loss of key players James Maddison and Micky van de Ven.

Asked what the team news was ahead of the game against Unai Emery's team he admitted it wasn't the ideal return for his stars.

Postecoglou told reporters ahead of the game this weekend: "Micky and Madders no real update, same as a few weeks back. We’ve had a couple of issues out of the international break. Young Ash Phillips picked up an ankle injury with the England team and he's out for a little while. We're still assessing it but at least probably a month out. 

"We're just checking on Pape Sarr, who has an issue coming back from the international team as well. We'll see how he is tomorrow as he didn’t train today. Aside from that, Biss is suspended but we get Destiny back and I think everyone else is ok."

Tottenham made a brilliant start to the campaign but a defeat to Chelsea and Wolves now means the game against Villa now takes up higher importance.

There is some good news Tottenham have not lost consecutive home games against Villa since August 1995 so there is something to hold on for the game.