Tottenham’s Benoit Assou-Ekotto is closing in on a return from injury with reports today stating his intention to regain his starting role from Gareth Bale.
Assou-Ekotto has commanded the left-back position for Harry Redknapp’s side for the majority of the season until he sustained a groin strain in December prior to the African Cup of Nations. The defender missed the tournament but is now very close to a return and could even be in contention for the Everton game at the Lane this weekend…
Gareth Bale has flourished in his absence. The young Welsh defender has started the last seven league games and while he has only returned one assist, in the Fantasy Premier League game, this has been supplemented by a mightily impressive 10 bonus point haul. Bale’s attacking instincts have caught the eye which has started to earn him some fantasy investment.
The return to fitness of Assou-Ekotto could now dampen that. The Cameroon international is widely recognised as a better defender than Bale, without offering the same attacking flair. It remains to be seen just how Redknapp plays this situation but with decent fixtures approaching for Spurs from gameweek 30 (BLA stk POR sun), those eyeing up Bale will need to consider the possibility of rotation or even the prospect of him losing his place.