Spurs Injury Crisis Shapes Frankfurt Selection
Tottenham head into a defining Champions League night in Germany with their resources stretched to the limit. As Spurs prepare to face Eintracht Frankfurt, the conversation around the match has become less about tactical ambition and more about survival, adaptation and which players are physically available to step onto the pitch.
The context matters. A win in Frankfurt would secure automatic qualification for the last 16 and remove the uncertainty of a two-legged play-off. Yet Spurs travel knowing that their margin for error has been narrowed sharply by an expanding injury list.
Defensive Absences Force Tactical Adjustment
The most significant blow comes at right-back. Pedro Porro has been ruled out for at least a month after suffering a hamstring injury, an issue that surfaced during the 2-2 draw with Burnley. The Spaniard did not train at Hotspur Way on Tuesday and did not travel with the squad.
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“Pedro has a hamstring injury and will be out for four weeks,” Thomas Frank confirmed.
Porro’s absence is not minor. The 26-year-old had started Spurs’ previous 15 matches in all competitions and now faces a spell on the sidelines that will include games against Manchester City, Manchester United, Newcastle and Arsenal.
Micky van de Ven will also miss the Frankfurt clash. Frank described the problem as minor, offering some optimism for the weekend. “Micky has something minor and hasn’t travelled, but could be available for City,” he said. For now, Spurs must reshuffle again at the back.
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Midfield Returns Offer Limited Relief
There is at least some encouragement in midfield. Joao Palhinha and Pape Matar Sarr both returned to training on Tuesday, easing concerns in an area already depleted by ineligibility rules. With Conor Gallagher and Yves Bissouma unavailable for European duty, options in the centre had been alarmingly thin.
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Palhinha’s return after missing three games is particularly timely, while Sarr’s presence following his Africa Cup of Nations triumph offers energy and balance. Their availability feels more like damage limitation than luxury, but it matters.
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Elsewhere, Randal Kolo Muani and Wilson Odobert are expected to be available despite travelling later than planned after a minor car accident. Both are in contention to feature in attacking roles.
Squad Constraints Define Predicted Lineup
Tottenham’s problems are compounded by further ineligible players. Radu Dragusin, Souza and Mathys Tel cannot feature, with Dominic Solanke replacing Tel in the Champions League squad last week. Injuries continue to sideline James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, Rodrigo Bentancur, Mohammed Kudus, Lucas Bergvall, Ben Davies and Richarlison.
In total, Spurs have 14 senior players unavailable. That reality shapes any Spurs predicted lineup as much as form or preference.
Predicted Tottenham XI (4-2-3-1): Vicario; Spence, Romero, Danso, Udogie; Palhinha, Gray; Odobert, Simons, Kolo Muani; Solanke
Injured: Maddison, Kulusevski, Bentancur, Kudus, Richarlison, Davies, Bergvall, Porro, Van de VenIneligible: Tel, Gallagher, Dragusin, Bissouma, Souza
Kick-off is at 8pm GMT on Wednesday January 28, 2026, at Deutsche Bank Park, live on TNT Sports.