Tottenham suffer crushing new injury blow in Sunderland clash as Thomas Frank crisis worsens

Tottenham Hotspur suffered yet another crushing injury blow within 20 minutes of the start of their Premier League clash with Sunderland on Sunday afternoon.

Thomas Frank's men returned to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium bidding to build on a measly record of two wins from their last 10 Premier League games after Thursday's goalless draw at Brentford.

Summer signing Mohammed Kudus endured another frustrating evening at the Gtech Community Stadium, as his blank made it five games on the spin without a goal or assist in the top flight.

Nevertheless, the Ghanaian has still been one of Spurs' most productive attackers this season, claiming two goals and six assists in the first half of the Premier League season.

Kudus has missed just one match through injury so far - the 2-2 draw with Manchester United in November - but the former West Ham United man could now be set for another spell on the sidelines.

Mohammed Kudus goes off injured in Spurs vs. Sunderland

Kudus unsurprisingly made the first XI for Sunday's visit of Sunderland to North London, starting alongside Wilson Odobert, Richarlison and Mathys Tel in a four-pronged Spurs frontline.

However, the Ghana international's race was run after just 19 minutes, as he sat down in the turf in distress and trudged off to be replaced by Randal Kolo Muani.

Kudus appeared to be clutching the top of his left thigh before he was substituted, and Frank will no doubt be pressed for an update when he conducts his post-match press conference.

Even a minor muscular injury could rule the attacker out for a couple of weeks, though, potentially making him doubtful for all of Bournemouth, Aston Villa, West Ham United and Borussia Dortmund.

How can Tottenham replace injured Mohammed Kudus?

Spurs fans must be wondering what they did to deserve such negative karma, as Kudus's injury left Frank without no fewer than four creative players for the remainder of their clash with Sunderland.

Dejan Kulusevski and Mohammed Kudus are no closer to returning from their serious knee problems, although Xavi Simons will have completed his three-game ban when the current gameweek ends.

Frank could therefore bring the Dutchman straight back into the XI and shift either Odobert or Richarlison to the right wing, allowing Kolo Muani and Tel to occupy the striker and left-wing slots respectively.

However, if Kudus is out for a long period of time, Spurs could turn to the transfer market, especially after just selling Brennan Johnson to Crystal Palace for £35m.