It’s news that any Tottenham Hotspur fan will welcome – that of Scott Parker’s imminent return to first-team duties. The England international hasn’t played since April after suffering an Achilles problem that has kept him sidelined up until recently.
The 32-year-old has been in light training for the best part of two weeks as he looks to finally make his long awaited comeback and successfully came through a 90 minute behind closed door friendly against Ipswich Town on Tuesday.
Nevertheless, while his return will be welcomed by head coach Andre Villas-Boas, there is no guarantee that Parker will step straight back into first-team action instantaneously. Spurs’ Portuguese tactician insisted that he will ease him back into duties, but even then it would be wrong to fast track him into the starting XI.
While the Achilles problem could flare up again, breaking up the current partnership of Sandro and Mousa Dembele could prove detrimental to the team. The duo have formed an exceptional partnership in the middle of the park, with the former often covering while the latter pushes forward.
While Parker played an important role to the club last season – his no nonsense, all action displays freeing up Luka Modric to really damage the opposition – when a winning formula has been established, it could do more damage than good to the club.
Seeing the former Newcastle and West Ham United midfielder back in training is excellent for both club and country, with his tenacity often missing from the starting XI against the likes of Norwich City and Wigan Athletic. But, rushing him back from injury and dropping either Sandro or Dembele in favour of the England star wouldn’t be the right approach from Villas-Boas.
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