Thomas Frank had hoped to have the midfielder eligible for a return against Arsenal next weekend.
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Tottenham Hotspur have been handed a fresh injury concern over the international break as Thomas Frank prepares for a meeting with rivals Arsenal next weekend.
Spurs are having to navigate life in the Premier League without several key first team players who are sidelined through injury. Those include Dominic Solanke, James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski.
Frank was also without the services of midfielder Lucas Bergvall in the 2-2 draw with Manchester United last weekend. The 19-year-old had also missed out against Copenhagen following a concussion sustained in the defeat to Chelsea.
Tottenham Hotspur handed international injury blow
Bergvall has been following the protocols that come with a concussion injury but had been on track to return against Arsenal next weekend. That fixture will come three weeks after he was forced off on the seven minute mark against the Blues.
The player did not want to be substituted in that game and could be seen showing his frustration towards medical staff, but had the decision taken out of his hands. Bergvall was nonetheless called up to the Sweden squad for the international break despite being in the middle of his 12-day recovery period.
Sweden manager Graham Potter had hoped that the player would be able to train with his international teammates on Thursday despite being unable to head the ball, as per The Standard. However, he has now left the camp due to ongoing concerns over the concussion, as per The Standard.
In a statement, the Swedish national team said: "Lucas Bergvall will not be available to play in the men's national team's next two matches due to the consequences of the concussion he suffered in connection with Tottenham's league match against Chelsea on November 1."
Swedish FA executive Stefan Pettersson told Sport Bladet: "We had agreed with Tottenham's doctor to do some tests during the week and then run at full speed so that Lucas would feel it properly. When there was a reaction, there was no hesitation. We don't want to take any risks."
Thomas Frank on ‘fantastic’ Bergvall influence
Bergvall has been replaced in the Sweden squad by Newcastle United star Emil Krafth. It remains to be seen whether he is fit enough to face Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium next Sunday.
Frank has taken a liking to what the midfielder and has handed Bergvall minutes in all but one Premier League game when fit this season. The midfielder scored and assisted in the 3-0 win over West Ham in September.
After that win, Frank said: “Yes. First and foremost I think his performance was good today. I really like his energy, his pressing skill, his enthusiasm.
“I think he drags the team with him, in a kind of way. And there is so much he can learn and improve. So I think that is promising as well. Fantastic goal. Well-timed run. Top ball from Romero. And a well-executed header.”
In other news, Tottenham can sign 'remarkable' Joao Palhinha alternative for free next summer - opinion.