Lilywhite Rose: Tottenham loanee could be recalled in January after recent developments

Tottenham defender Ashley Phillips has been in fine form on loan at Stoke City.

After a slow start to the season, the central defender has become one of the first names on the teamsheet at the bet365 Stadium and has been tipped to potentially make it into the Championship Team of the Season.

As a result of Phillips’ impressive form, Spurs were at one point considering recalling the 19-year-old to address their injury crisis [via The Standard, 12 December].

Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham was against this idea and urged the club to have a different centre-back signed by 1 January instead.

However, after Stoke City announced via their official website that they had parted ways with Head Coach Narcís Pèlach on Friday (27 December), Wenham – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – has speculated that a Tottenham return in January could be on the cards for Phillips.

“It is an interesting one with Phillips,” Wenham said.

“Stoke have now changed managers. Therefore, I’ll be curious to see if Phillips continues to be picked by the new manager. If he isn’t part of his plans, Tottenham will look at the situation and could potentially recall him.

“I know some have suggested he should be recalled anyway as a result of this injury crisis, and that might be more likely now after this managerial change.”

Tottenham to recall Ashley Phillips in January?

Spurs are facing an excruciating injury crisis at the back which could force Ange Postecoglou to make a selection decision branded “pathetic” by fans.

Therefore, the Australian likely wouldn’t be against bringing Phillips back to the club in January. However, if the England youth international is going to continue playing at Stoke under the new manager, he should be left where he is.

For his long-term development, playing another half a season of football in the Championship would be more beneficial than returning to North London to act as a stopgap until Cristian Romero or Micky van de Ven return to action.

Luckily for Spurs, Stoke City have six fixtures in the next three and a half weeks. Therefore, assuming a new manager is in place soon, the club will have plenty of opportunities to see if Phillips is part of his plans and make a decision before February.

In other Tottenham news, one player might fear for his future after a Manchester United transfer update.

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