Ange Postecoglou warns Tottenham bosses they are ‘playing with fire’ if they don’t make ANY signings this month – with 12 players currently out

Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou believes the club are ‘playing with fire’ if they do not bring in any players during the January transfer window.

Spurs’ injury list is increasing by the week but there do not appear to be any signings in sight. 

Micky van de Ven, Destiny Udogie, Brennan Johnson and Dominic Solanke headline the list of key players missing at a crucial part of the season. Timo Werner and goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario also remain unavailable.

Midfielder Pape Sarr is the latest to suffer an injury setback and defender Cristian Romero will remain on the sidelines for tomorrow’s home clash with Leicester, despite having returned to training.

Asked if there is money for Spurs to spend, Postecoglou said: ‘Don’t ask those questions, it’s not something I’m involved in. My discussions with Johan (Lange, technical director) and the club have been about trying to get some help for the players and then I’ll let them do their jobs.

‘There’s not a lot more depth that I can give to it because, within the context of that, I’ve still got to manage this team and get them ready.’

Spurs earned a morale-boosting win in the Europa League at Hoffenheim on Thursday to put them on course for a spot in the last 16, before jetting back to their north London training ground. ‘We got back at 2am,’ Postecoglou explained, before outlining the transfer structure within which he is working.

‘I’m not out there trying to find opportunities for the club. That’s not my role at this time. There isn’t the time to do it. But I have daily communication with Johan and he’s trying everything he can to get the help we need.

‘I don’t think I’m stating anything other than the obvious and for me to come in here and say something else would be disingenuous. This playing group needs help, there’s no doubt about that.

‘We’re playing with fire by not bringing anyone in but the flip side is that the club are doing everything in their power to try and change that situation.’

Spurs’ wins over Hoffenheim, Tamworth, Liverpool and Manchester United in the cups have masked a dreadful run of form in the Premier League. They have won just once in 10 league games since beating Manchester City 4-0 in November, losing seven, and have dropped to 15th.

Despite his ever-growing injury list, Postecoglou remains optimistic for the remainder of Spurs’ season.

‘We need to get results in the league because where we are is unacceptable,’ he added.

‘But there’s still plenty to play for. It’s exciting and I think the fans all sense that as well. They want us to get through this period so we can tackle that exciting part of the season in the best shape possible.’