EPL Index

Tottenham Injury News: Dominic Solanke Return Timeline Offers January Boost

Tottenham head into the heart of the winter schedule still wrestling with availability issues, but there is cautious optimism emerging from Hotspur Way. While suspensions and long-term absentees continue to stretch Thomas Frank’s options, the injury news around Dominic Solanke provides a rare shaft of light as Spurs attempt to stabilise their campaign.

This is not a full clean bill of health by any means. However, with January approaching and several players edging closer to returns, Tottenham’s medical room is beginning to look marginally less crowded. Solanke’s progress, in particular, is being closely monitored inside the club.

Dominic Solanke recovery gathers pace

Dominic Solanke’s absence has been one of the quieter but more significant strands of Tottenham’s injury narrative this season. The striker has not featured since the end of August after struggling with a persistent ankle problem, an issue that ultimately required surgery in October.

There were concerns internally that his rehabilitation was taking longer than anticipated, but recent developments have eased those fears. Solanke has stepped up his recovery work and is now regarded as progressing positively, with club staff encouraged by how his body has responded in recent weeks.

Frank has indicated privately and publicly that Solanke is edging closer to being included in a matchday squad. While no unnecessary risks will be taken, the sense is that his return is no longer speculative but expected, provided there are no setbacks in training.

A January comeback is increasingly realistic, which would give Tottenham a timely attacking option during a congested period of fixtures. Solanke’s mobility and work rate are qualities Spurs have lacked during his absence, particularly when rotation has been limited.

Wider Tottenham injury picture

Solanke’s progress sits within a broader injury context that remains challenging for Tottenham. Destiny Udogie is sidelined with a hamstring issue and is not expected back until January, restricting options at full-back during a demanding festive run.

Dejan Kulusevski is another player nearing a return. The Swedish international has been recovering from a patella injury sustained late last season and has already returned to grass work. While early hopes of a pre-Christmas comeback have faded, there is still optimism that he could feature early in the new year if training loads are managed carefully.

Further down the depth chart, Kota Takai continues to work his way back after limited involvement since arriving in the summer. His pathway appears more gradual, with minutes coming at development level rather than immediate first-team reintegration.

James Maddison, meanwhile, remains a long-term absentee after suffering a serious knee injury in pre-season. His recovery is being handled conservatively, with expectations firmly set on a return closer to the start of the 2026 campaign rather than this season.

January planning influenced by fitness updates

Tottenham’s injury news will inevitably shape their January strategy. Internally, there is awareness that returning players such as Solanke and Kulusevski could reduce the urgency for short-term reinforcements, particularly in attacking areas.

However, availability rather than reputation has become the driving factor in squad planning. Spurs have dropped points in matches where fatigue and limited rotation have been evident, underlining the importance of getting bodies back rather than simply names on a team sheet.

Solanke’s return would not only add depth but also tactical flexibility. His ability to lead the line, link play and press from the front aligns closely with what Frank wants from his forward players. That makes his recovery arguably as important as any potential January signing.

Outlook for Tottenham heading into the new year

Tottenham’s season remains delicately balanced. Suspensions have complicated matters in recent weeks, but injury news is slowly turning more positive. The club are not rushing players back, mindful of the longer-term risks, yet there is belief that January will look markedly different in terms of squad availability.

Solanke is central to that optimism. His rehabilitation has reached a phase where timelines are clearer, confidence is higher and planning can be more precise. If he returns as expected, Tottenham will gain a forward who offers reliability as much as quality, something that has been in short supply.

For now, Spurs continue to manage minutes and workloads carefully. But with Solanke’s return edging closer and several others following behind him, Tottenham may finally be approaching a period where injury news begins to work in their favour rather than against them.

Villa flex ambition as January market tension rises

Aston Villa’s season has quietly crossed into something louder, something more assertive. This is no longer a campaign defined by steady accumulation or clever marginal gains. It is beginning to look like a statement of intent, and the latest transfer development reported by TeamTalk fits that emerging identity. Villa have made contact with the representatives of Brennan Johnson, potentially derailing Crystal Palace’s plans and reframing what had seemed a straightforward January move.

Johnson’s situation at Tottenham has become increasingly paradoxical. Last season delivered productivity and decisive moments, including 18 goals across all competitions in 2024/25 and a defining winner in the Europa League final against Manchester United. This season, under Thomas Frank, his role has shrunk to six Premier League starts. The market logic follows naturally. Tottenham are open to a January exit, permanent or loan, with a £30m to £40m valuation considered workable as Spurs reshape their squad.

For Palace, the groundwork looked solid. Staying in London appealed to the player, regular minutes mattered with the 2026 World Cup looming for Wales, and personal terms were believed to be within reach. Yet Villa’s intervention has introduced uncertainty, and with it, leverage.

Villa ambition reshapes January priorities

Villa’s interest is not opportunistic, it is strategic. Unai Emery’s side sit third after a 2-1 win over Manchester United, seven consecutive league victories, ten across all competitions, and a credible position in the title race. That context matters. Clubs chasing survival gamble in January. Clubs chasing ceilings invest.

Sources cited by TeamTalk suggest Villa see Johnson as a way to inject pace, flexibility and vertical threat into the frontline. The timing aligns with uncertainty around Harvey Elliot’s loan from Liverpool, which is likely to be cut short after he failed to earn Emery’s trust. Johnson, by contrast, represents proven Premier League output and tactical elasticity, a winger comfortable attacking space or operating between lines.

This is where Villa’s project becomes compelling. Emery has built control first, structure next, and now seeks to layer unpredictability on top. Johnson fits that arc. Not as a marquee disruption, but as an accelerant to what already works.

Tottenham stance opens door for Villa move

Tottenham’s position is pragmatic rather than forceful. Signed for £47.5m from Nottingham Forest in 2023, Johnson remains a useful squad option, and Frank would prefer depth. Yet limited minutes have alerted other Premier League clubs, including West Ham, and Spurs are not opposed to a sale if it supports wider attacking reinforcements.

That openness gives Villa room to manoeuvre. Unlike Palace, who must convince Johnson that the move represents progress, Villa can point to momentum, league position and European ambition. Palace’s advanced interest gives them an edge procedurally, but not necessarily emotionally or competitively.

As January approaches, this is less about hijacking for the sake of it and more about what Villa believe they can become. This is a club acting like it belongs at the table, not waiting to be invited.

January window reflects Villa evolution

Transfer sagas often reveal more about the suitor than the target. Villa’s willingness to engage, to disrupt a London centric move, underlines how far the club has travelled under Emery. This is not reckless ambition. It is calibrated belief.

Whether Villa land Johnson or not, the signal is already sent. This is a club no longer content with progress alone.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For years, January windows were about patching holes or reacting to problems. Now it feels proactive. That is the most encouraging part for Villa supporters. Villa are not chasing Brennan Johnson because someone else wants him, they are chasing him because he fits what Emery is building.

The league position changes everything. Sitting third, beating Manchester United 2-1, winning week after week, this is the moment to be bold. Johnson brings Premier League pedigree, pace that scares defenders, and end product that can decide tight games. Those are the margins that separate fourth from first.

There is also confidence in Emery’s system. If Harvey Elliot could not earn trust, that tells you standards are high. Johnson would arrive knowing he has to earn his place, but also knowing the platform is there to shine. Palace might offer minutes, but Villa offer meaning.

Even if the deal does not happen, Villa fans can take heart. This is what ambition looks like. This is what a club believing in itself sounds like. And that, more than any single signing, is why this season feels different.

Isak setback forces Liverpool to confront January reality

When Alexander Isak latched on to a Florian Wirtz through ball and fired home at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, it felt like a long delayed release. The £125million signing had struggled to impose himself, two goals and one assist his modest return before kick off, even finding himself relegated to the bench. This, finally, looked like the moment his Liverpool career began to breathe.

Instead, it stopped abruptly. Clattered by Micky van de Ven, Isak did not celebrate. He lay in a heap, stretcher briefly summoned, before limping away towards what must have felt like a lonely away dressing room. The fear is a broken left leg, an injury that could sideline him for months. With January days away, Liverpool’s hierarchy are now confronting a question they hoped to avoid. Do they need a replacement, and if so, how much do they need to spend?

January market viewed through necessity

Liverpool may not want another expensive striker so soon after last summer’s outlay, but necessity has a habit of bending principle. The Daily Mail outline several cut price options Arne Slot could consider to bolster a suddenly threadbare frontline.

Ivan Toney is one such name. Since his move to the Saudi Pro League in 2024, he has been persistently linked with a Premier League return. His record for Al Ahli, 42 goals in 62 appearances, comes with caveats, yet his ambition remains clear. At 29, with the World Cup six months away, England is surely still in his sights. He is thought to be available for around £20million, a figure that invites curiosity even if doubts remain.

Familiar faces and short term answers

Dusan Vlahovic’s name has long hovered over English football. His Juventus career has not collapsed, 64 goals in 162 games offers respectability, but time and contract length are squeezing value. With six months left on his deal, he could be attainable for under £20million. Juventus general manager Damien Comolli had previously stated the striker was “free to leave if the right offer came in,” and January may finally provide that offer.

Aleksandar Mitrovic represents a different calculation. Premier League proven, physically imposing, and relentless, he scored 111 goals in 206 games for Fulham. His numbers abroad remain strong, and at 31 he is not finished. As a bench option or short term solution, he would bring certainty rather than promise.

Experience, risk and temptation

Danny Welbeck sits at the opposite end of the spectrum. Seven goals in 16 games for Brighton this season have revived talk of England contention. At 35, he is a stop gap in the truest sense, but one who understands the league, the demands, and the scrutiny. Sentiment and rivalry complicate the idea, but form makes it harder to dismiss entirely.

Perhaps the most intriguing option is Endrick. Compared to Pele before his move to Real Madrid, his time in Spain has stalled. Trusted briefly last season, he has made just three appearances this term and appears surplus under Xabi Alonso. A loan feels plausible. At 19, raw and restless, he would bring upside rather than certainty, but also hunger, something Liverpool’s attack could soon lack.

Pragmatism over pride

Liverpool do not want panic. They also cannot ignore reality. Isak’s injury, feared serious, has stripped away depth and momentum. The January window rarely offers perfect solutions, but it does offer choices. Whether Liverpool seek experience, reliability, or a calculated gamble will reveal much about Slot’s priorities in his first season.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

The Isak injury feels cruel precisely because it arrived just as confidence was forming. Fans accepted his slow start on the understanding that patience would pay off. Now that patience may be tested in the harshest way.

There is scepticism about January fixes. Supporters have seen stop gaps before, players who arrive under pressure and leave quietly. Names like Toney or Mitrovic make sense on paper, but fans worry about disrupting balance for a short term return. Liverpool’s success has been built on planning, not opportunism.

At the same time, there is realism. Going into months of decisive fixtures without cover feels reckless. Endrick, as a loan, intrigues supporters who crave potential and hunger, but also fear repeating experiments that cost rhythm.

Ultimately, fans want reassurance that the club will not overreact, but also will not gamble the season on thin hope. If Isak is out long term, action is required. The concern is not who arrives, but whether Liverpool can stay true to their identity while responding to misfortune they could not control.

Fiorentina circle as Spurs face boardroom uncertainty

Tottenham are bracing themselves for an imminent approach from Fiorentina for Fabio Paratici, a move that could land awkwardly given its timing and symbolism. As reported by the Daily Mail, the Serie A club expect Paratici to join them as director of football and are preparing to formalise their interest, despite Spurs not yet being contacted.

Italian reports have suggested Paratici is poised to accept a five year deal from Fiorentina, who sit bottom of Serie A, although that approach is only now expected. Fiorentina are confident they can prise the 53 year old away from North London, a confidence that speaks to both their urgency and Paratici’s standing in Italian football.

Tottenham loyalty tested by timing

Tottenham stood by Paratici through one of the most uncomfortable episodes in their recent executive history. He was sidelined in April 2023 after receiving a 30 month ban for his role in a financial scandal during his time at Juventus, a punishment initially imposed by the Italian FA before being extended worldwide by FIFA.

Despite this, Paratici remained a visible presence in a consultancy role and was formally reappointed as sporting director in October, once the ban expired. That return was framed as part of a broader structural evolution.

“Together, Fabio and Johan will lead with purpose,” said chief executive Vinai Venkatesham at the time. “This is an evolution in how we operate. We’re setting the foundations for sustained success.”

Recruitment plans at risk

If Paratici were to leave just two months later, it would inevitably reflect poorly on that messaging. Spurs already operate with Johan Lange in a sporting director role, but Paratici’s departure on the eve of the January window would be a serious blow to transfer planning, removing a senior recruitment figure at a critical moment.

For Fiorentina, the context is stark. They have endured a grim start, collecting only nine points from their first 16 league games, before a shock 5-1 home win over Udinese offered brief respite. Their previous sporting director, Daniele Prade, left by mutual consent last month, leaving a vacuum Paratici is seen as capable of filling.

Optics matter as much as outcomes

This is not merely an operational issue for Tottenham. It is about credibility. After backing Paratici through controversy and restoring him to prominence, losing him now would raise questions about stability and foresight, particularly if Fiorentina’s approach proves irresistible.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For Spurs supporters, this report is deeply unsettling. Not because Paratici is universally loved, but because the timing feels chaotic. Fans were told the club was “setting the foundations for sustained success,” only to see one of the central architects potentially walk away within weeks.

There is also frustration at how often Tottenham seem vulnerable off the pitch. Standing by Paratici through his ban was a calculated risk, one many supporters accepted on the basis that his return would bring coherence and authority to recruitment. If he leaves now, it risks looking naive rather than loyal.

Supporters will question whether the dual sporting director model actually works. Johan Lange may be capable, but Paratici’s influence on negotiations and networks was meant to be decisive, especially heading into January. Losing that expertise so late in the year could have knock on effects for incomings and outgoings.

At the same time, some fans will shrug and say this is Spurs being Spurs. Another promising structure destabilised just as it is meant to deliver. Fiorentina’s desperation is understandable, but Tottenham allowing themselves to be exposed again would feel painfully familiar. Stability, more than star names, is what supporters crave, and this episode threatens exactly that.

Spurs reshape winger search after Semenyo setback

Tottenham’s January plans have required swift recalibration. As reported by Spurs Web, the club have identified an alternative attacking option after conceding defeat in the race to sign Antoine Semenyo. Spurs were prepared to push hard, even to “break the bank” and offer a lucrative package to tempt the Bournemouth forward to N17 ahead of Manchester or Liverpool, but the odds were always long.

Those doubts were confirmed when Fabrizio Romano delivered what was described as the final nail in the coffin, revealing that Tottenham had dropped out of the race. Pragmatism has since taken over. Spurs had contingency plans in place, aware that Semenyo’s popularity among elite Premier League clubs made any deal extremely difficult.

Monaco winger moves into focus

Attention has now shifted to Ligue 1. TEAMtalk report that Monaco’s Maghnes Akliouche has emerged as a leading alternative. While Semenyo was Tottenham’s top priority, the North London club have long admired Akliouche and have been tracking his development closely throughout this calendar year.

The 21-year-old has contributed three goals and four assists across all competitions this season, figures that hint at promise rather than finished product. Spurs are said to have been impressed by his progress, seeing him as a player with significant upside rather than an instant headline signing.

Financial sense and competition

One factor working in Tottenham’s favour is price. Akliouche is expected to cost around £40m, considerably less than Semenyo. That valuation reflects both his age and potential, but also the realities of Monaco’s market position.

However, competition remains. PSG are also admirers, and Spurs are aware that any deal may require decisive action. There is an additional tactical question. Tottenham’s preference is to sign a left winger, while Akliouche has produced his best football from the right, a detail that complicates the picture.

Calculated adjustment rather than retreat

This feels less like retreat and more like adjustment. Tottenham have accepted the realities of the Semenyo pursuit and pivoted quickly. Whether Akliouche proves attainable, or appropriate, will define how convincing that adjustment looks when January arrives.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

Semenyo felt like a statement signing, a Premier League ready winger who could make an immediate impact at Spurs. Dropping out of that race reinforces a familiar frustration, that Tottenham often aim high but fall short when elite competition emerges.

At the same time, there is a degree of realism among fans. Paying a premium in January for a player chased by Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool was always going to be a gamble. The idea that Spurs had contingency plans is reassuring, suggesting lessons have been learned from previous windows where alternatives arrived too late.

Akliouche, though, raises valid questions. Supporters will like the age profile and the £40m valuation, which feels more aligned with Tottenham’s usual business. Yet there is scepticism about whether another right sided attacker fits the squad’s actual needs, especially when a left winger is the stated priority.

Competition from PSG also worries fans, as it evokes memories of deals slipping away at the final hurdle. Ultimately, Spurs supporters want clarity. If Semenyo was unattainable, move decisively and commit to the alternative. Hesitation, more than choice of player, is what tends to undermine belief.

Spurs Aim to Recover Ahead of Liverpool Clash

Tottenham Hotspur are determined to bounce back from their disappointing 3-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest last weekend as they prepare to host Premier League champions Liverpool at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Despite their recent setback, Spurs will be missing several key players for the match, including Dominic Solanke, Dejan Kulusevski, and James Maddison, all of whom remain long-term absentees.

Injuries and Recovery Updates for Spurs

Solanke has not featured since August due to a recurring ankle injury, and Kulusevski is still working his way back from a patella injury that required surgery after last season’s Europa League final. Despite these setbacks, Tottenham boss Frank expressed optimism regarding Solanke’s progress ahead of the weekend.

“Everyone is doing fine. Last game, I think it’s the same players available. No one new is available,” Frank explained during his pre-match press conference. “I’m looking forward to naming [Solanke] in the squad. He is progressing forward.”

The injury list for Tottenham continues, with Destiny Udogie ruled out until the new year with a hamstring issue and Maddison still recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament injury. Despite these challenges, Spurs remain hopeful of strengthening their squad in the near future.

Midfield Changes and Mentality Shift

With a crucial match on the horizon, Frank could make a tactical shift in midfield, potentially opting for Joao Palhinha in place of Archie Gray. Gray, who was at fault for Forest’s opening goal, will be looking to bounce back. Frank showed support for his young player, who has reacted well mentally following the mistake.

“He has been good. When I watched the game back, I think actually he was the one who wanted the ball instantly after the mistake. So I like that mentality, wanting to get on the ball,” Frank stated. “It’s part of it, everyone who has played football at this level, you know, made a mistake in life, you need to go back on it and go again.”

The Spurs boss stressed the importance of mental resilience, stating that despite the inevitable questions following such errors, Gray would manage the situation and continue to develop as a player.

AFCON Call-ups and Missing Players

Tottenham will also be without Pape Matar Sarr and Yves Bissouma, who have both been called up for international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Bissouma has yet to play a competitive match this season, but his inclusion in Mali’s squad offers him a chance to regain fitness.

Tottenham’s Predicted Line-up

With the challenges of missing key players, Tottenham’s predicted starting XI for the match against Liverpool is expected to be as follows:

Vicario; Pedro Porro, Romero, van de Ven, Spence; Palhinha, Bentancur; Kudus, Xavi, Kolo Muani; Richarlison.

Final Thoughts

Tottenham face a tough test as they look to recover and regroup against Liverpool, who are fresh off a successful Premier League campaign. With multiple absentees, the challenge for Spurs will be to remain focused and competitive in this crucial encounter.

Brennan Johnson’s Future at Tottenham: A Complex Transfer Story

Bournemouth has confirmed that Antoine Semenyo will be leaving the club in January, prompting the south coast side to plan accordingly. A key figure in their replacement strategy is Tottenham Hotspur’s Brennan Johnson, who has now emerged as a prominent target, suggest reports from TeamTalk. This move, though not yet sealed, reflects the growing uncertainty surrounding Johnson’s future at Spurs.

Semenyo’s Departure Opens the Door

Bournemouth’s awareness of Semenyo’s departure has set the wheels in motion. The club, aware of the potential void, has begun reaching out to various clubs to discuss the deal terms in anticipation of January’s transfer window. With a £65 million release clause for Semenyo, the Cherries are reportedly flexible when it comes to payment options, potentially easing negotiations with interested parties.

“We are told that the south coast club are looking at a deal as they want the transfer ‘put to bed’ as early as possible, as it allows them to move onto other options,” reported sources close to the situation. It’s clear that Bournemouth is eager to finalise the deal swiftly, paving the way for their pursuit of new attacking talent.

Brennan Johnson: A Viable Option for Bournemouth?

Tottenham’s Johnson, though still under contract, appears to be surplus to requirements at the north London club. The 22-year-old has struggled for consistent starts under manager Thomas Frank and, despite being a crucial player in Spurs’ Europa League triumph last season, his future looks increasingly uncertain. “Despite being the club’s top scorer last season and netting the winner in the Europa League final, Johnson is now deemed surplus to requirements in north London,” a source from TeamTalk noted.

The Welsh international, whose adaptability has been questioned, finds himself out of favour as his position on the right wing is now dominated by Mohamed Kudus. While there have been calls from fans to try Johnson in a more central role, “his all-round game is simply not good enough for a team who want to be Champions League regulars, even if they are struggling domestically at the moment.”

With Dejan Kulusevski set to return to action in the new year, competition for the right wing spot at Tottenham will only intensify. As a result, Johnson’s future at Spurs appears bleak, making a move away in January increasingly likely.

Bournemouth’s Strategy: More Than Just Johnson

Although Brennan Johnson seems like a primary target, Bournemouth is also exploring other options. “We understand that Bournemouth are busy working on other options and have a list of around half-a-dozen options they are actively working on to replace Semenyo,” the report revealed. Jaden Philogene, currently playing for Ipswich, has also been named as a possible alternative, although there is no doubt that Johnson remains a key part of their plans.

In addition to his interest from Bournemouth, there are other clubs monitoring Johnson’s situation, though Spurs’ valuation and future plans for the player remain up in the air. As it stands, the Cherries are determined to act quickly, and if the deal materialises, it could be a critical move for both clubs in the winter transfer market.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

As a Tottenham fan, the news of Brennan Johnson potentially leaving is both frustrating and illuminating. It’s clear that Johnson has not found his rhythm under Frank, and despite his moments of brilliance, his inconsistency has led to doubts about his future at Spurs. The idea that a player who scored the winning goal in a European final is now being deemed surplus to requirements speaks volumes about the high standards expected in north London.

From a Bournemouth perspective, Johnson would bring much-needed pace and versatility to their attack. The £65 million asking price might seem steep, but if he can rediscover the form that saw him shine in previous seasons, it could be a shrewd investment for the Cherries. His potential move would likely spark excitement among Bournemouth fans, but also questions about whether his lack of consistent performances at Spurs should be a concern.

As Spurs look towards a new year with increased competition on the wings, the January window will undoubtedly be pivotal in shaping the future for both Johnson and the club.

Aston Villa monitor Brennan Johnson situation as Tottenham future clouds

Aston Villa are quietly assessing their medium term attacking options, with renewed attention on Tottenham forward Brennan Johnson as his standing in north London weakens. Credit to TeamTalk for outlining the contours of a situation that could gather momentum rather than explode overnight.

Johnson’s future has become a topic of internal discussion at Spurs, with the club “exploring upgrades across the squad as part of their ambitious plans”. That language matters. It suggests strategic reshaping rather than an urgent fire sale, yet it also creates space for rivals to plan ahead. Villa fall firmly into that category.

Unai Emery’s side are described as “placing themselves firmly in top-four contention and potentially even in the title race”, a context that sharpens their recruitment thinking. Villa are no longer shopping for projects alone, they are seeking players who can elevate matchday impact without destabilising the wage structure or long term planning.

Villa recruitment planning for 2026 and beyond

TeamTalk report that “Villa have an eye on their own team build for 2026 and beyond”, with Johnson fitting the preferred profile of Premier League proven, still approaching peak years, and potentially attainable under the right conditions. At 24, and with “two years remaining on his current contract” from next summer, the timing could align neatly.

The report notes that Johnson “has started six Premier League matches for Spurs this season but has not scored since the second game of the campaign”, a sharp drop off from last season when he “netted 18 times last term to finish at the club’s top scorer”. Context is key. Output has dipped, but the underlying pedigree remains.

Numbers that continue to attract interest

Johnson’s Tottenham record stands at “27 times and also has 18 assists”, described as “strong numbers for a player who has not always warranted a starting role at the club”. That phrasing underlines why Villa are intrigued rather than convinced. He has shown end product, but consistency and influence remain open questions.

Villa’s recent habit of offering platforms to players like Marcus Rashford reflects a belief that environment and clarity can reignite elite talent. Johnson “could yet become the next name under consideration”.

Harvey Elliott factor in January reshuffle

A possible domino effect sits at the heart of this story. TeamTalk state that Johnson “could be a straight replacement in the squad for current Liverpool loanee Harvey Elliott”. Elliott’s situation is stark. He has made “only five appearances”, with Emery suggesting “he may not play him again”.

If Villa do manage to send Elliott back, the path for a Johnson move becomes clearer, even if no final decision has yet been made.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From an Aston Villa supporter’s perspective, this report feels less like transfer gossip and more like quiet validation of how far the club has come. Villa being linked with a £47.5m Tottenham attacker is not about headlines, it is about credibility. The fact that this is framed around 2026 rather than a panicked January scramble suggests Emery and the hierarchy are thinking with control.

Brennan Johnson would divide opinion among fans. Some would point to the lack of goals this season and question whether Villa need another player looking to rediscover form. Others would look at those 18 goals last season and see a forward who thrives with trust and defined roles, something Emery is known to provide.

There is also relief in how the Harvey Elliott situation is being handled. Cutting losses early rather than forcing a £35m mistake shows discipline. Villa have been burned before by sentiment and sunk costs. This feels different.

What stands out most is the patience. Villa are not chasing Johnson, they are monitoring him. That balance between ambition and restraint is exactly what supporters have wanted for years. If Johnson arrives, it should be because he fits the system, not because the name was available. Right now, that approach feels like progress.

Spurs Monitor Semenyo and Savinho as January Plans Take Shape

Tottenham Hotspur’s thinking ahead of the January transfer window is beginning to crystallise, with two attacking names emerging prominently in internal and external discussions. Antoine Semenyo and Savinho are both on Spurs’ radar as the club assess how best to strengthen Thomas Frank’s squad during the mid-season window.

With Tottenham sitting outside the Premier League’s top tier and facing a demanding second half of the campaign, recruitment chiefs are once again focused on the forward line. The priority, according to industry-wide understanding, is clear: Spurs want added firepower from wide areas, with particular emphasis on the left side of attack.

Semenyo Emerges as Serious Spurs Target

Antoine Semenyo’s rise this season has been rapid and emphatic. The Bournemouth forward has established himself as one of the Premier League’s standout attackers, combining pace, physicality and direct goal threat. His seven league goals place him among the division’s most productive forwards, a return that has not gone unnoticed by elite clubs.

Spurs are understood to be admirers of Semenyo’s profile. He fits the age bracket, athletic demands and tactical versatility that Tottenham increasingly prioritise. Able to operate across the front line but particularly effective cutting in from wide areas, Semenyo offers a blend of immediate impact and long-term upside.

Crucially, the forward’s contract situation adds intrigue. A £65 million release clause is active during the early part of the January window, a detail that sharpens the focus for interested parties. Tottenham are aware that competition for Semenyo is intense, with several Premier League rivals monitoring developments closely. Any move would likely require decisiveness and financial commitment early in the window.

Savinho Option Still Under Consideration

Alongside Semenyo, Savinho remains a name under consideration in north London. Tottenham explored the possibility of signing the Brazilian winger previously, but circumstances shifted following his integration into Manchester City’s plans.

Savinho’s situation is more fluid. While he has not been a guaranteed starter, opportunities could emerge depending on City’s squad rotation and wider market activity. Tottenham continue to value his technical quality, one-on-one ability and creativity from wide positions. However, any renewed pursuit would likely depend on timing, availability and whether conditions align late in the window.

From Spurs’ perspective, Savinho represents a different kind of opportunity: less straightforward, but potentially transformative if circumstances allow. The club are expected to remain alert rather than proactive on this front, ready to react should the landscape change.

Spurs Strategy Under Frank

Since taking charge, Thomas Frank has been clear about the areas requiring reinforcement. While defensive depth and midfield balance remain under review, the attacking unit is the most immediate concern. Spurs want greater consistency, dynamism and output from wide areas, particularly with an eye on the medium-term evolution of the squad.

Internally, there is an acceptance that failing to secure the right attacking addition could limit progress in the second half of the season. Recruitment staff are therefore working in parallel on multiple profiles, ensuring flexibility rather than committing to a single outcome.

Financially, Tottenham are prepared to invest if the right player becomes available. The guiding principle is value aligned with performance and potential, rather than opportunistic spending. Semenyo fits that model more cleanly, while Savinho remains a calculated risk option.

January Window Outlook

As January approaches, Spurs’ plans appear focused but adaptable. Semenyo is viewed as a leading candidate who could make an immediate difference, while Savinho remains a watchful possibility should conditions shift in Tottenham’s favour.

What is clear is that Tottenham see this window as an opportunity rather than a formality. Strengthening the attacking line is considered essential, not optional, and decisions are expected to be shaped by speed, competition and clarity of vision.

Whether Spurs act early or wait for late-window developments, the pursuit of Semenyo and the ongoing monitoring of Savinho underline a club intent on adding quality and momentum to its campaign.

Tottenham injury update casts long shadow over Spurs campaign

Tottenham’s problems continue to stack up, and the sense around Spurs is that the injury list has become a storyline of its own rather than a footnote to results. Defeat at Nottingham Forest capped what had briefly looked like a stabilising week, and the fallout has been felt as much in the treatment room as on the pitch. With key players still unavailable and timelines stretching further into the new year, the latest injury update underlines how fragile the squad remains.

Randal Kolo Muani was able to shake off a minor concern to feature against Slavia Prague and Nottingham Forest, but beyond that there has been little movement. Several absentees remain weeks away, others are progressing only cautiously, and one senior figure is now facing a prolonged absence that reshapes the season ahead. For Spurs, the injury situation continues to define the mood.

Destiny Udogie sidelined into new year

Destiny Udogie’s absence has quietly become one of the more damaging blows. The left back will not be seen again before the end of 2025 after suffering a hamstring injury, depriving Spurs of one of their most dynamic outlets down the flank.

Earlier in December, Frank suggested the setback would not be overly serious after Udogie missed the win over Brentford. Asked how long the defender would be out for, he said: “Not too long. He got a soft tissue injury, unfortunately, against Newcastle.” That optimism soon faded.

A revised update followed days later, with Frank confirming a longer recovery period. “Destiny picked up a hamstring injury in the end of the Newcastle game, so he’s out until January, unfortunately.” For Spurs, the loss stretches beyond fitness, as Udogie’s energy and aggression have been difficult to replicate.

Potential return date: January 2026

Dominic Solanke recovery carefully managed

Dominic Solanke’s situation remains one of the more sensitive cases. The striker is now training alone on grass after ankle surgery, a step forward but still short of full reintegration. He has been sidelined since the end of August and underwent surgery in October, described at the time as minor. Four months on, the cautious tone has not shifted.

Solanke briefly raised hopes last week by posting an image of himself in a Spurs shirt on Instagram, captioned with hourglasses. It hinted at momentum, but Frank was quick to lower expectations.

“When he is training fully with the team, that is when I will say something … he is training by himself [on the grass].” Frank later added: “Sometimes it’s not so easy and straightforward, maybe it’s a minor setback, maybe it’s taken a little bit slower.

“Without being too boring and talking about details, the thing is it’s more positive now, and I’m looking forward to him on the training pitch and involved in the squad.”

For Spurs, patience appears unavoidable, with no firm date offered and the striker now removed from the Champions League squad.

Potential return date: Unknown

Long term absentees edge closer

There has been more tangible progress from Radu Dragusin, whose long road back from a serious knee injury is nearing its final stages. Out since January, the defender has stepped up his return in recent weeks, featuring in behind closed doors fixtures.

Dragusin played 65 minutes against Dagenham and Redbridge after completing 45 minutes against Leyton Orient the previous month. After that appearance, he said: “It felt good, first minutes in 10 months out, finally minutes in the legs and I just have to build on this.” Spurs will hope those minutes soon translate into first team involvement.

Potential return date: January 2026

Dejan Kulusevski also remains on a gradual path back. The playmaker has been absent since the end of last season with a patella injury but returned to grass during last month’s international break. Frank has previously said there is a “good chance” Kulusevski could return before the end of 2025, though any comeback will be handled carefully.

Potential return date: January 2026

Depth tested as uncertainty lingers

Further down the list, uncertainty continues to surround several squad players. Kota Takai has yet to make his Spurs debut since arriving from Kawasaki Frontale in the summer. He joined Dragusin in the under 21s match against Dagenham, completing the first half, but remains short of first team readiness.

“First of all, I am just glad I finished without getting injured,” Takai said. “And now, I want to work hard toward making my debut for the first team next.”

Potential return date: Unknown

Yves Bissouma has not featured at all this season. After missing the UEFA Super Cup for disciplinary reasons, he was stretchered off shortly after returning for Mali on international duty. Surgery followed, with Frank confirming ankle ligament damage in October.

Potential return date: Unknown

James Maddison’s absence looms largest over the longer term. The midfielder underwent surgery on a torn ACL sustained in a pre season meeting with Newcastle and is expected to miss most, if not all, of the 2025 to 26 campaign. It is a blow that reshapes Spurs’ creative outlook.

Potential return date: Summer 2026

As things stand, Spurs are still waiting for relief. The injury list remains long, the timelines uncertain, and the impact unmistakable. For now, managing recovery has become as important as managing matches, and the latest update offers reminders rather than reassurance.