Tottenham boss Thomas Frank has spoken to the media ahead of his side’s visit to the Vitality Stadium to take on AFC Bournemouth.
Spurs, who sit 13th with one win and two draws in their last five games, will be on the hunt for redemption after narrowly missing out on a win over the weekend at Sunderland.
Their opponents place just below the north London side in 15th, with no wins and three draws in their last five – so will be in desperate need of a victory at home.
Who could play?
Frank has confirmed the likely absence of Mohammed Kudus, after the midfielder picked up an injury during Sunday’s match versus Sunderland, going down in the 19th minute clutching his left leg.
Frank said: “He's going for a scan here at one o'clock to clarify the issue. So, unfortunately, I don't have a big update on it.
“He’s most likely ruled out for Bournemouth.”
Also out of action for tonight’s visit to Bournemouth is former Cherries player Dominic Solanke, who has not played since August since suffering a recurring issue with his ankle.
Some solace was provided for Spurs fans, with Frank explaining:
“Today you could see in training that he's nice and composed on the ball, good decisions, good touches.”
However, it could take a while longer for a full return to normality to be made for the forward, with Frank adding:
“When we’re a little bit more competitive in the small-sided games, he is of course lacking and he looked a little rusty, which is completely normal.
“Even if he's ready for whatever time in the near future, hopefully, then I think you will be surprised to just see him hit the ground running – very few players do that.”
Destiny Udogie remains an unknown for tonight, but Frank expressed his positivity with his performance in training. Cristian Romero is confirmed to be playing.
A strong opposition
Frank praised Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth side after their performance against Arsenal over the weekend, stating the importance of his side remaining forward-thinking and being fully focused ahead of tonight’s clash.
“We need to look optimistically and positive on the future, but also understanding where we are and keep working very hard to improve and make sure we are ready against a very good Bournemouth team.
“I know they haven't won as much lately, but they are a team that is very competitive with Iraola.
“They play a very aggressive pressing game, [they are] one of the best pressing teams in the league, if not the best.”
The Spurs boss went on to express where he felt his squad should challenge the Cherries most effectively, saying:
“They have a very lively front four, no matter who plays, so that's where we need to be good and compete, but also be smart.”
On the draw with Sunderland
Tottenham hosted 8th placed Sunderland on Sunday afternoon, keeping a 1-1 draw after allowing in a late Brian Brobbey goal in the 80th minute – leading to vocal expressions of disappointment from the home fans.
Frank provided his own thoughts when asked about his side’s performance:
“Sometimes it's not only about the possession, you like to dominate but they went man-for-man, so there was a lot of open spaces to run into.
“For me, that's the critical areas that we didn't manage to punish from this game.
“Second half, I felt we dropped off in our drop-off runs to open up and keep the ball.
“I think also, it’s not like we won five games in a row and everything is just free and smooth – when you're up 1-0 and you really badly want to win, that can be a little bit nervy.”
He concluded his response to this question by saying:
“One thing is our name and our fantastic history, another reality is where we are right now.”
Praise for key players
Ben Davies, the longest-serving player in this current Lilywhites squad, received his fair share of praise from Frank after scoring the opening goal at home against Sunderland – his first since 2023.
“Ben [Davies] is a fantastic character, a true pro and I would say ambassador for this club.
“The things he experienced in the last 11 years here with all the ups and the downs and the ups and the downs… he's a fantastic guy to have.
“The way he stepped on the pitch with composure and personality just helped us a lot… I think he did very well.”
Also in the eyeline of Frank is Mathys Tel, with the Spurs’ skipper maintaining that the position on the left wing is ‘up for grabs’ in light of there being ‘no one who’s really grabbed that shirt’.
“I would say that he definitely had a positive impact… let's see what will happen against Bournemouth.
“It is also that fine balance of giving some players the trust for a run of games, so they can maybe hopefully find a bit of rhythm and also increase their performance level.”
Frank also suggested there are areas of improvement for the young winger, stating that he "did some positive things and got into good situations."
“I think he was also taking more care of the ball. I think it's a big thing, we spoke about that against Brentford and Crystal Palace, we lost the ball maybe 20 or 25 times – you should never lose the ball.
“That's also part of it – you can't break through, okay, you protect it, one more pass, two more passes, okay, then we go again… but overall, positive."