Tottenham’s Djed Spence suffered a broken jaw after a collision with Chelsea’s Liam Delap in the 87th minute of their 2-1 loss on Tuesday. With Spurs already battling for survival, the setback adds urgency ahead of Sunday’s trip to Everton, where a win would g
Djed Spence knew something was wrong the moment he went down holding his face. In the 87th minute of Tottenham’s 2-1 defeat to Chelsea on Tuesday, the full-back was struck in the face by the Chelsea striker Liam Delap’s elbow during a challenge for the ball.
Referee Stuart Attwell showed Delap a yellow card. Spence stayed on the ground, clutching his face, and after the game he posted about the incident on social media. The diagnosis is a fracture, and he is expected to be forced to play with a protective mask.
The injury lands at the worst possible time for Tottenham. They needed a win at Stamford Bridge to secure their Premier League safety, but the loss means they go into the final round of fixtures only two points above West Ham in the final relegation spot.
Spence’s season already reflects how difficult this campaign has been for him. He has made 43 appearances for Spurs this season but has started only one of their past five games—a 1-0 win over bottom club Wolverhampton Wanderers. His last of four England appearances came against Uruguay in March, after making his senior debut in September.
Now Tottenham head into Sunday’s game against Everton with survival on the line. A win would guarantee they remain in the Premier League. A draw would also likely be enough, given Spurs’ far superior goal difference over West Ham.
Djed Spence Liam Delap Tottenham Chelsea broken jaw Premier League survival Everton West Ham relegation
Broken jaw?? That’s wild.
So Delap elbowed him in the 87th minute and got a yellow?? Seems kinda light tbh. Spurs already struggling anyway, now he’s gotta wear a mask… that can’t help.
I don’t even get why they’re saying “survival” like they’re in a war, it’s soccer lol. But anyway, didn’t Spurs need the win to avoid relegation? If Spence can’t play without protection, isn’t that basically a loss already for the Everton game? Also I thought West Ham was way ahead, guess not.
The ref only gave Delap a yellow for elbowing the face?? That’s crazy. I saw the clip like a second and thought it was accidental but then he’s breaking a jaw so… yeah. Tottenham defense been falling apart for weeks too, no wonder he went down clutching his face. Now Sunday’s match feels doomed, like West Ham is gonna catch them even if goal difference is better (whatever that means).