Tottenham defender Eric Dier has said he is “doing everything possible” to maintain fitness after returning from a thigh injury and is cautiously optimistic that the worst of the problem is behind him.
The Lowdown: Dier’s thigh injury
Throughout the course of the campaign, the 28-year-old has suffered multiple thigh problems which have limited his game-time.
After missing huge clashes against Arsenal and Leicester City, the defender returned to action in Spurs’ 2-0 defeat to Chelsea last month. Despite playing the full 90 minutes, Dier continued to struggle with his thigh, and he was duly out of action for Tottenham’s following two games.
However, he made a swift recovery to help Antonio Conte’s men secure three points in their 3-2 thriller against Manchester City at the weekend.
The Latest: Dier opens up about his injury
Dier recently opened up about his injury issues and revealed it was actually the third time this season that he suffered a problem with his thigh, but he is hopeful that it will not plague him any further for the time being.
Speaking to Football.London, he outlined:
“Very frustrating to not be able to take advantage of our winter break, to take care of my thigh was very frustrating because I came back and started training again after that winter break.
“It caused me problems again so I took a bit more time this time given it’s actually the third time it’s happened this season, so I gave it a bit more time this time and hopefully that will benefit me and my thigh and hopefully that will be the end of it now.
“I’m doing everything possible to be able to be fit and obviously focusing on staying fit, longevity in this sport is very important and something I’m very focused on so I’m doing everything possible.”
The Verdict: Conte will be glad
With Dier “doing everything possible to be able to be fit” and “focusing on staying fit”, Conte will be glad to hear the defender’s optimistic tone.
The Italian has said that the 45-cap England international – who has been a regular starter on his watch – can become “one of the best players in the world” in his position in the middle of the back three, the system that the 52-year-old favours.
Dier impressively sits in the 89th percentile for expected goals assisted for a centre-back (via FB Ref), indicating his influence on other areas of the pitch in addition to his usual defensive duties, where he averages four clearances a game in the Premier League (via WhoScored).
Therefore, Conte will be delighted to hear that Dier appears to be over his injury problems as Spurs aim to build on Saturday’s dramatic win at the Etihad Stadium.
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