Tottenham Hotspur finds itself in a defensive crisis due to a combination of poor squad planning, injuries, and fixture congestion. With just one fully fit center-back, Radu Dragusin, available, and key players like Ben Davies, Cristian Romero, and Micky van de Ven sidelined, the team is considering recalling teenage defender Ashley Phillips from his loan at Stoke City.
Dan Kilpatrick of the London Evening Standard reports that Tottenham is “considering” activating a recall clause in Phillips’ loan agreement. While not a certainty, this option reflects the severity of Spurs’ current predicament. The club is also grappling with other absences, such as the suspension of Rodrigo Bentancur and the exhaustion of fullbacks Pedro Porro and Destiny Udogie, leaving versatile young player Archie Gray stretched thin across multiple roles, including filling in at center-back.
Phillips, a promising center-back who has gained valuable experience in loans at Plymouth Argyle and Stoke, could bolster the squad in this difficult period. However, there are significant questions about whether recalling him is the right move. He wouldn’t be eligible to return until January, by which time Davies and van de Ven are expected to recover, with Bentancur completing his suspension. Even Cristian Romero’s longer six-week injury timeline points to a possible return by late January. If all four senior center-backs regain fitness, Phillips would likely struggle for minutes, potentially hindering his development.
Additionally, FIFA regulations prohibit a player from appearing in official matches for more than two clubs in a single season, meaning Phillips would be unable to secure another loan if recalled. He also cannot be added to Tottenham’s European squad due to registration rules, as his signing from Blackburn came too late to qualify for List B and would require significant adjustments to List A.
While Phillips’ return could provide temporary relief, the timing and potential long-term impact on his development make this a complex decision for Tottenham’s hierarchy. Balancing the club’s immediate needs with Phillips’ career progression presents a challenging dilemma for sporting director Johan Lange.
