Thomas Frank’s options have dwindled further ahead of Tottenham’s Champions League game against Slavia Prague.
Frank is already in the midst of a major injury crisis, with the likes of Dominic Solanke and Dejan Kulusevski still out with long-term issues.
On a positive note, Tottenham beat Brentford 2-0 in the Premier League on Saturday, so they will go into Tuesday night’s game in good spirits.
After struggling to create chances in recent weeks, Spurs were much better offensively against the Bees, and will look to continue that trend as Slavia Prague come to town.
Thomas Frank restricted by more injuries
Tottenham’s injury crisis has taken another turn for the worse, with defender Destiny Udogie ruled out until January, while Brennan Johnson also missed training on Tuesday.
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It means that Frank doesn’t have the option to rotate Djed Spence, and the English international is almost certain to start on Tuesday.
Archie Gray impressed against Brentford and should keep his place, while Pape Matar Sarr will likely come in for Rodrigo Bentancur to help manage the Argentina international’s minutes.
Xavi Simons grabbed his first Tottenham goal last weekend, so looks set to keep his spot, but may be pushed out wide so that Lucas Bergvall can come into midfield.
Bergvall, once hailed a “generational talent” by Tottenham’s head of scouting Robert Mackenzie, missed out against Brentford but is set to return here.
Out wide, Wilson Odobert is often favoured in Champions League games by Frank, which would see Richarlison drop to the bench.
Xavi Simons deserves a run in the Tottenham team
There is an argument for keeping Simons in the number 10 role, where he performed so well on Saturday, but Frank may opt to give Bergvall some minutes.
Simons is more than capable of showing his class out wide though, and will expect to continue his good form from the weekend.
The Dutchman sparkled against Brentford, picking up an assist for Richarlison’s opener before driving from his own half and doubling Spurs’ lead.
Across the 90 minutes, Simons maintained an 84 per cent pass accuracy, as well as firing off four shots, two of which hit the target.
The 22-year-old now needs to kick on and show some consistency in order to realise some of the obvious potential that he holds.