Tottenham player granted 'weekend off' to sort out knee issue but could return against Newcastle

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou says Brennan Johnson has escaped injury and will be involved against Nottingham Forest this weekend, but Richarlison has the weekend off to try and sort out his knee problem. 

The Brazilian has only played 23 minutes of Tottenham’s last three games. He’s bagged 10 goals and three assists in his most productive campaign for the Lilywhites, but injuries are threatening to bring his campaign to an early end. 

Speaking ahead of the game against Nottingham Forest, Postecoglou said his striker would be unavailable this week even though he expected him to be ready for the Newcastle game which comes after.

Postecoglou told reporters: “Brennan is fine. He’s no problem. The only one is Richy. He’s had a bit of a niggle with his knee these last few weeks. We kind of feel it’s best he takes his weekend off and gets ready for Newcastle next, but everyone else is fine.” 

The Lilywhites were disappointing against West Ham but Aston Villa’s defeat to Manchester City means they are still within touching distance of fourth place and securing that all-important Champions League spot. 

Nottingham Forest meanwhile arrive in north London after a massive 3-1 win over Fulham as they navigate points deduction and a riveting relegation scuffle. This will also be the first time Nuno Espirito Santo returns to Spurs following his brief spell as the club's manager.

He was sacked in November 2021 after four months in charge and replaced with Antonio Conte who helped them to Champions League football in his first season before everything fell apart.