Spurs injury latest as availability concerns shape decisive period
Tottenham’s season continues to feel like it is being negotiated rather than driven, shaped as much by medical bulletins as by tactical ambition. Saturday’s defeat at Old Trafford was another reminder of how fragile momentum remains, not simply because of the result, but because of what followed. Tottenham Hotspur left Manchester with another name added to an already crowded treatment room, deepening the sense that this campaign is becoming a test of endurance as much as quality.
With just one win from nine Premier League matches, Spurs are caught in a stretch where context matters almost as much as performance. Injuries have robbed continuity, particularly in defensive areas, and the loss of Destiny Udogie midway through the Manchester United match underlined how thin the margins have become. His withdrawal, so soon after returning from a hamstring issue, felt symbolic of a season where progress has repeatedly stalled.
There were, at least, signs of resistance. Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero both returned to the starting line up, while Dominic Solanke has continued to hold up physically. Romero’s red card, and the suspension that follows, has only added another layer of complication ahead of fixtures that will define Spurs’ direction.
Destiny Udogie situation adds fresh uncertainty
Udogie’s re emergence had been one of the more encouraging developments of late January. After a hamstring injury, he managed three starts in four matches, offering some balance and energy on the left. That optimism evaporated at Old Trafford. After 55 minutes he went down, required treatment, and headed straight down the tunnel once substituted.
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The severity remains unclear, and Thomas Frank was cautious afterwards. “We will assess him tomorrow. So, of course, I will probably see you guys [the media) in, what, two days’ time or less, and then we’ll know more. We’ll assess him tomorrow.” It was measured language, but it did little to disguise concern ahead of Newcastle’s visit and the looming north London derby.
Potential return date: Unknown
Full back shortages deepen defensive strain
Udogie’s issue compounds an already awkward shortage. Djed Spence has yet to return from a calf problem that was initially described as minor. He missed the Manchester City match and was unable to recover in time for Old Trafford, despite optimism earlier in the week.
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“Djed Spence is getting closer,” Frank had said. “[The United match] will be a little bit touch and go, but there is a good chance that he will be ready.” Post match reality suggested otherwise, and the expectation now is that there will be no fresh returns for Newcastle, leaving hope that the Arsenal fixture could mark his comeback.
Potential return date: February 10 vs Newcastle (H)
The situation is no easier on the opposite flank. Pedro Porro lasted just 45 minutes against Burnley before being withdrawn, initially framed as workload management. It has since been clarified as a hamstring injury. “Pedro hasn’t travelled [to face Eintracht Frankfurt on January 28], unfortunately he’s picked up a hamstring injury, so he’ll be out for four weeks.” Spurs are counting days, not weeks, as the derby approaches.
Potential return date: February 22 vs Arsenal (H)
Midfield and forward absences limit rotation
Defensive problems are only part of the picture. Kevin Danso suffered an unfortunate ligament injury after hyperextending his toe in Europe, a setback Frank described with genuine frustration. “Very unlucky,” he said. “I think every single time he’s been called upon this season, he’s delivered for the team. It is fantastic to work with him in every aspect. We’ll probably know a little but more this week in terms of how long. Hopefully, it will not be too long.”
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Potential return date: Unknown
Further forward, Richarlison remains sidelined after a hamstring injury against Aston Villa in the FA Cup. “Richy unfortunately got a hamstring injury that will keep him out for up to seven weeks,” Frank confirmed. Spurs are aiming for early March.
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Potential return date: March
Lucas Bergvall faces a longer road back after a high ankle sprain suffered against Borussia Dortmund. With a recovery window of up to three months, the knock could rule him out of around 14 matches, another blow to midfield depth.
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Potential return date: April
Long term injuries define wider outlook
Some absences shape the season rather than individual matches. Rodrigo Bentancur underwent surgery on a hamstring injury in January, a procedure Spurs confirmed was successful, but one that rules him out until the late stages of the campaign.
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Potential return date: April
Mohammed Kudus also remains out after a serious quad tendon injury picked up in the 1-1 draw with Sunderland. “Mohammed, unfortunately, is a bigger one to the tendon in the quad. That is one where we expect him back after the March international break,” said Frank.
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Potential return date: April 11 vs Sunderland (A)
Defensive depth has been further stretched by Ben Davies, who broke his ankle against West Ham and required surgery. With just four appearances this season, his return remains uncertain.
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Potential return date: Unknown
The more enigmatic cases linger. Dejan Kulusevski has not featured at all this season following patella surgery. Frank described the situation as “complicated”, adding, “If there is one person who can accelerate that [recovery], it is Dejan. The most important thing is to remove the pain in the knee. He had an injection to help that ten days ago. We will know in 3-4 weeks if that has settled.”
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Potential return date: Unknown
Finally, James Maddison remains a long term absence after rupturing his ACL in pre season, a reminder that Spurs are still planning beyond the immediate horizon.
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