Report: Why Djed Spence was missing from Tottenham's clash with West Ham

Djed Spence was absent from Tottenham Hotspur’s clash with West Ham which will have come as a big shock to many following his recent contract extension.

Spence has just signed a new contract with Tottenham until 2028 showing his impressive turnaround in form and attitude under Ange Postecoglou.

He was also left out of the North London club’s European squad, however, Postecoglou has still spoken fondly of the 24-year-old.

So having just put pen to paper on a new four-year deal, the Lilywhites’ supporters will have been a bit bemused as to why he was absent from the squad against the Hammers.

Why Djed Spence missed West Ham clash

Fortunately, there has been no bust between Postecoglou and Spence and his absence from the squad was simply due to a minor injury suffered in training.

Paul O’Keefe has revealed that the full-back picked up the knock in the build-up to the London derby against Julen Lopetegui’s side.

Despite only being used sparingly, Spence’s presence in the squad has been a big boost for Postecoglou this season with the defender showing an ability to play on either side of the defence.

He came on for Destiny Udogie at Old Trafford after the Italian picked up an issue and produced a really solid display at left-back.

Wilson Odobert was the only other player missing due to injury, although the Frenchman is closing in on a return from a hamstring problem.

Ange Postecoglou’s clear Djed Spence statement

Postecoglou says that Spence’s attitude in pre-season showed him he was ready to finally make an impact at Tottenham.

During his two years in North London, the former Nottingham Forest player has been out on three loan spells and was available for transfer at the start of the summer.

But a renewed attitude has seen a complete turnaround for Spence at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and he was rewarded with a new contract.

Speaking in his press conference ahead of West Ham, Postecoglou told the media: “With Djed, it could have been easy for to go out on loan again. But when he came into pre-season, he was determined to make a career for himself here at Tottenham rather than wait to be loaned out.

“He did everything right in training, his attitude was great. He’s a good footballer, I think the way we play suits him and he’s knuckled down to that. And he’s earned himself a spot on the roster in our squad.”