Spurs decide their three squad changes for Europa League knockouts | OneFootball

It is fairly common knowledge by now that clubs competing in all three European competitions can only make three changes from their league phase squad to their knockout stage squad. You can draft in U21 players, hence Dane Scarlett was able to come on and score against Elfsborg, despite not being named in the initial league phase squad, whilst he was on loan at Oxford United.

Nevertheless, due to three changes being allowed, and Spurs making three transfer window signings, as well as the renaissance of Djed Spence, there became a dillema and a debate within the fanbase. Out of Antonin Kinsky, Kevin Danso, Mathys Tel, and Spence - who should be the player to miss out?

Ange Postecoglou decides three changes for the knockout stages

Well, Ange has decided that the unlucky player will be Kinsky. It is no doubt nothing against him as a player, but Gugilelmo Vicario is to be back fit for the knockout stages. As a Spurs player, you can't guarantee he won't get another injury, but it is much less likely for a goalkeeper. There is simply less need for Kinsky than the other players.

Given the consistent injuries to Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero, and the season ending injury to Radu Dragusin, Danso absolutely had to be in. Given his form over the last couple of months, Spence absolutely had to be in. Plus, Spurs did not pay a 10m loan fee for Tel to not be able to play in the Europa League. Therefore, it had to be Kinsky. It will be frustrating for him, but he should understand the situation.

As you'd expect, Dragusin is one of three players removed from the squad, as well as Fraser Forster and Timo Werner. We won't forget that performance against Rangers, Forster.

This could have been avoided if Spurs had just registered Spence for the league phase. It felt like a strange decision at the time, and it feels like that even more so now. Nevertheless, it is is a relief to see that he will be at Ange's disposal for the round of 16 onwards.

Just as a side note, whilst we are here. How important was it for Spurs to avoid those two play-off games? The game against Aston Villa is already going to be shattering enough, imagine if there was a trip to Eastern Europe four days later, making it three away games in seven days. That was absolutely paramount.

As for Kinsky, he will get another chance to show what he can do against Villa. There is a fair possibility that may be his last game for a fair while, particularly if Spurs get dumped out of the cup. Let's see.