Djed Spence suffered a broken jaw after a collision with Liam Delap in Tottenham’s 2-1 defeat to Chelsea on Tuesday, but he is expected to be available in a protective mask for Spurs’ final Premier League game of the season against Everton.
Spence was struck in the face by Delap’s elbow in the 87th minute, and referee Stuart Atwell showed the Chelsea forward a yellow card. The Tottenham defender went down clutching his face, then carried on until full-time, before later posting about the incident on social media.
The injury did not prevent Spence from finishing the match, but it added another concern to a season in which he has already been a regular part of the squad. He has played 43 games in all competitions for Spurs and has started just one of their last six matches. He was also a second-half substitute against Chelsea.
Spence’s situation lands at a critical moment for Tottenham, who are two points clear of the relegation zone heading into the final day. A win against Everton will keep them in the Premier League, while a draw is also likely to be enough because of their superior goal difference over West Ham. Spurs would be relegated to the Championship if they lose to Everton and West Ham beat Leeds at the London Stadium.
That leaves Tottenham with little margin for error and Spence with a race to be fit enough to play through the pain if needed. He has also been called into England’s squad for this summer’s World Cup, making his recovery a matter of both club and international interest as Spurs try to avoid a collapse on the last day.
