Fair to say that Clare Hunt has had a breakthrough season. After a difficult time under Robert Vilahamn, she has been resurgent under Martin Ho. Her form was crucial to Spurs’s early season success. However, she missed the Women’s Asian Cup final due to injury.
Following Australia’s defeat to Japan, Spurs announced that Hunt was to have surgery on her right knee. There is no specific information as to what the knee injury is. My understanding is that it’s not an ACL, though. It is also unconfirmed whether she undergoing surgery and rehabilitation in the UK or in Australia.
Whatever the details, the Aussie centreback is likely to be out for some time. Her absence has already been felt in the poor defeat to Everton and collapse against Man City (again). Her attributes helped Tottenham Hotspur Women built their early-season success. Her excellent partnership with Toko Koga formed the backbone of the team.
Clare Hunt Injury Absence Hurts
On pure vibes, you can just see the 27-year-old has been playing with far more confidence this campaign. Meanwhile, these graphs from Twelve Football’s Earpiece tool underline just how much Clare Hunt has improved from one season to the next. She is better in a number of attributes, with almost the exact same number of minutes played.
Hunt’s strong aerial presence and counterpressing ability were key in getting Spurs to play the Ho way. Here heading ability is strong at the back, but she is also a key threat in the opposition penalty area.
Hunt does have weakness, such as one-on-one duels and when she is dragged out wide. However, analysis by Twelve Football’s Earpiece shows that she is a very strong at intercepting. It all matters.
Molly Bartrip Steps in
Molly Bartrip is the likely replacement. Her playing time has been limited this season, so their is little point trying to analyse it. However, we can look at her performances from last year.
Knowing the Asian Cup was on the calender, Spurs should have invested in another centreback in January. Batrip playing is hardly a disaster, though. The 29-year-old is highly experienced. Regular football and the return of Koga may help her too.
However, there is no doubt that the Clare Hunt injury leaves a gap at the heart of the Spurs defence. Lucky it’s only Arsenal at the weekend…