Tottenham’s promising young centre-back has been one of the standout performers in his team’s defence this season, delivering impressive displays that have quickly attracted interest from European giants like FC Barcelona and FC Bayern Munich, casting uncertainty over his long-term future at Tottenham Hotspur F.C..
The Croatian defender has featured in 27 matches for Hamburger SV this season, contributing five goals and one assist while becoming a key figure at the back.
Bundesliga stats this season:
Appearances: 25
Interceptions per game: 1.2
Tackles per game: 0.8
Ball recoveries per game: 4.4
Clearances per game: 9.1
Duels won per game: 7.6
However, concerns have now emerged over the defender’s fitness after he made just one appearance following the international break before being sidelined.
Last Wednesday, Hamburg manager Merlin Polzin revealed that the youngster had been undergoing intensive treatment on a knee problem. Reports later indicated that he had not trained with the squad throughout the previous week, though the club had hoped to have him available for the derby clash against SV Werder Bremen.
Injury update raises concern
Although Luka Vušković travelled with the squad, he was unable to feature in Hamburg’s 3-1 defeat to Werder Bremen on Saturday.
Fresh reports from Germany now suggest the injury is more serious than initially expected. The 19-year-old’s knee is believed to be more severely damaged than first thought, putting his availability for the upcoming clash against TSG 1899 Hoffenheim on April 25 in doubt.
The Tottenham loanee has reportedly not trained with the team since April 7, deepening concerns over the severity of the setback.
His absence has been felt heavily by Hamburg. During the last 11 matches in which he played, the team conceded just 13 goals. In the two games since his absence, they have already let in seven.
At this stage, there is still no clear indication of when the highly rated defender will return to action.
Tottenham monitoring the situation
Tottenham head coach Roberto De Zerbi and the club’s medical staff are expected to monitor Luka Vušković’s recovery closely.
With the young defender set to return to North London at the end of the season, Spurs will soon need to make a major decision regarding his next step. Given the level of performances he has produced this campaign, his future is likely to become one of the club’s key talking points heading into the summer.
