Rafael van der Vaart doubtful for Liverpool clash
Tottenham Hotspur’s Rafael van der Vaart is doubtful for their crunch game against Liverpool FC, in the English Premier League.
The Dutch suffered an ankle injury and was not involved in Spurs’ UEFA Champions League fixture against Werder Bremen during midweek. It was feared that the skilful midfielder would be out of action for a longer time, however
scans confirmed that there was no serious damage done. Van der Vaart did not train during the week in order to speed-up his recovery process.
Manager Harry Redknapp informed about his player’s condition during a press conference on Friday, and admitted that the Dutchman was not feeling 100%. He said, “He has a chance, but he is 50-50 at best. He will not train with us
today, that is another day and tomorrow is the last chance for him to be fit.”
Tottenham’s success this season owes greatly to their no.23, the former Real Madrid and Ajax FC player has scored 6 goals and created 5 assists in the Premier League.
Spurs clash against Liverpool at White Hart Lane will be a stern test for Redknapp’s men, and Sunday’s meeting could prove to have long-term effect on the race for 4th place. Harry would be praying that Rafael beats
the odds and returns to full fitness before kick-off.
Van der Vaart completed his £8 million transfer to the north-London club, this summer, from Spanish side Real Madrid.
Although the man from Netherlands is currently relishing his time in England, he has expressed his desire to play for his former club, Hamburger SV. Rafael played for the German Bundesliga outfit for 3 seasons, before his move
to Madrid. It was at Hamburg where he established himself as one of the most feared attacking midfielders in Europe.
He said, “My decision to move here was the best thing to do. I do not regret moving over here. We are doing well in the league and Spurs are a top side in the Premier League. It is, however, a fact that I want to play for Hamburg
again. I have been told that I will always be welcome back there. I think I will rejoin the club in the future. Last summer I was not handed the opportunity because the financial circumstances were not right at that point, but maybe in the future they will
be.”
Van der Vaart’s comments may come as a surprise to many Spurs fans, including coach, Harry Redknapp. The Englishman is considered the driving force behind the transfer deal that saw Rafael switch from Bernabeu stadium to White
Hart Lane.
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