Inside Futbol

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Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Lucas Bergvall could be back in action as early as 26th March for Sweden’s World Cup playoff clash against Ukraine, following ‘a new forecast’ on his injury.

The 20-year-old picked up the knock in late January during the Lilywhites’ 2-0 Champions League victory over Borussia Dortmund, forcing him off the pitch.

With most of Spurs’ midfield sidelined, Bergvall had been forced to play through a previous ankle issue sustained against Bournemouth, which was then aggravated by the Dortmund clash.

Originally expected to be out for three months, recent developments suggest the Swedish midfielder could make a return sooner than anticipated.

According to Swedish outlet FotbollDirekt, Bergvall could be back to full match fitness as early as 26th March, just in time for Sweden’s World Cup playoff clash against Ukraine.

He has recently been able to come out of the plastic boot he has been wearing and the prognosis for the comeback is now around six weeks.

The 20-year-old has featured in 26 matches for Tottenham this season, contributing five goal involvements.

Sweden legend Mikael Lustig has praised the 20-year-old, saying the youngster has impressed at Tottenham and deserves a spot in the national team, either as a starter or off the bench.

England based Jacob Widell Zetterstrom Viktor Johansson Victor Lindelof Gabriel Gudmundsson Emil Krafth Yasin Ayari Alexander Isak Players based in England in last Sweden squad

Bergvall, capped six times for Sweden yet mostly sidelined under Jon Dahl Tomasson, could finally get his chance to shine with Graham Potter at the helm.

His fellow Swedish teammate Dejan Kulusevski, whom Bergvall said would offer a sense of security upon his arrival at N17 in 2024, has also been sidelined all season, yet to feature in a single match, with no confirmed return date.

Potter recently explained that in his view, there was time for both Kulusevski and Alexander Isak to be back for the World Cup playoff clash.

Sweden have missed three of the last four World Cups, last appearing in a major tournament at Euro 2020, and will hope to add Bergvall to their squad as they aim for two consecutive playoff wins in March to reach the World Cup.

Tottenham will also want Bergvall back and fit soon, for reasons of their own, as they fight to survive in the Premier League.

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John Heitinga has left Tottenham Hotspur, resigning from his first-team coach position, even though he ‘could have remained’ at the club.

The north London club are having a torrid season in the Premier League, with the club sitting as low as 16th in the league table.

Danish boss Thomas Frank was sacked last week by the club, as Tottenham are currently only five points above 18th-placed West Ham United.

Ex-Spurs midfielder Jamie O’Hara urged the club hierarchy to appoint a manager with a strong personality, pointing out ‘shocking’ standards at the club.

The north Londoners appointed former Juventus boss Igor Tudor on Friday, after hitting verbal agreement with the Croatian.

Tudor has been appointed until the end of the season to keep the club afloat safely, and he may well need to bring in his coaches to the English club.

One of Tottenham’s first-team coaches, in the shape of Heitinga, is leaving the club, according to Dutch journalist Johan Inlan.

Person Position Igor Tudor Head coach Justin Cochrane Assistant Andreas Georgson Assistant Chris Haslam Performance head Joe Newton Analyst Fabian Otte Goalkeeping coach Tottenham’s key coaching staff

It has been suggested that the Dutchman ‘could have remained’ as part of Tudor’s coaching team, but he has decided to leave.

Tottenham Hotspur only appointed him on 15th January as part of Frank’s coaching staff to assist the Dane.

The 42-year-old Dutchman could have stayed to help the new boss, Tudor, but he has chosen to part ways with the north Londoners.

Most recently, Heitinga was Eredivisie giants Ajax’s boss, but his poor record saw him get the sack on 6th November, five months into his tenure.

The Dutchman was in charge of 15 games for the Amsterdam outfit, but he won, lost and drew five games each.

And now, after his resignation, Heitinga is out of work, and Spurs could look to appoint a new face to assist Tudor.

It remains to be seen where Heitinga, who is a highly rated coach, pops up next.

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German journalist Christian Falk feels that Tottenham Hotspur defender Luka Vuskovic knows that Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich would not be able to hand him regular game time.

Spurs defender Vuskovic is currently on loan in Germany at Hamburg and his performances have turned heads.

The Croatian has attracted attention from a host of big-name European clubs in recent months, but for now, Spurs do not plan to listen to permanent offers for the teenager.

Hamburg have been looking to secure another loan deal for Vuskovic for next season and it is believed at the club internally that could be possible.

Tottenham though may want to bring Vuskovic back to north London, with the situation in flux given the lack of a permanent manager at the club.

Bayern Munich are firm admirers of Vuskovic and were interested in signing him even before Tottenham managed to steal in a do a deal.

Manchester City also wanted Vuskovic when he was just 16.

Bayern Munich still have their eyes on Vuskovic, encouraged by how he has handled German football at Hamburg, but are well stocked in his position, with Dayot Upamecano signing a new deal.

Centre-back Age Dayot Upamecano 27 Jonathan Tah 30 Kim Min-jae 29 Hiroki Ito 26 Bayern Munich’s centre-back options

German journalist Falk admits that Vuskovic needs playing time given his age and is likely well aware that he would not get it at Bayern Munich, even if the club continue to track him.

“Then [after Dayot Upamecano’s new contract] they can’t afford a player like Vuskovic from Tottenham”, Falk said on his Bayern Insider show (8:25).

“They have an idea now of what he will cost.

“If you have now Upamecano and [Jonathan] Tah, Vuskovic won’t have playing time.

“This is so important for such a young player and I think he knows that.

“He’s not a topic at the moment.

“On the other hand, he is an interesting player for the future, but not at the moment.”

Vuskovic has scored four goals in 19 league starts and one of his goals was hailed by his team-mate Nicolai Remberg.

Hamburg are safely in mid-table in the Bundesliga and the teenage defender will have an eye on regular game time continuing ahead of the World Cup in the summer.

Croatia have been drawn with England, Ghana and Panama.

Vuskovic’s contract runs until 2030 at Tottenham.

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Fixture: Tottenham Hotspur vs Newcastle United

Competition: Premier League

Kick-off: 19:30 UK time

Thomas Frank has picked his Tottenham lineup vs Newcastle United for this evening’s Premier League clash at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Tottenham went down to defeat away at Manchester United at the weekend, losing 2-0 in a game which saw Cristian Romero sent off.

Frank badly needs Spurs to return to winning ways as he looks to banish any worries about being dragged into a relegation dogfight.

Ange Postecoglou came under big pressure last term following Tottenham’s Premier League struggles, but Frank has not been able to turn the page and his side have lost ten times already.

Spurs did show real spirit away at Newcastle in early December as they managed to scrap a 2-2 draw courtesy of two Romero goals.

The last meeting between the two sides in north London though saw Eddie Howe’s men run out 2-1 winners.

Spurs are without Destiny Udogie, who is looking at three or four weeks out, while Romero is suspended.

Djed Spence though is back and available after a calf problem.

Kevin Danso, Richarlison, James Maddison, Lucas Begvall, Mohammed Kudus, Dejan Kulusevski, Pedro Porro, Rodrigo Bentancur and Ben Davies remain sidelined.

Frank also has the boost of new boy Souza, who the Spurs boss was happy with after the Manchester United game.

Guglielmo Vicario is between the sticks in the Tottenham lineup vs Newcastle United this evening, while at the back, Frank goes with Archie Gray, Radu Dragusin, Micky van de Ven and Djed Spence.

In the engine room, the Spurs boss deploys Yves Bissouma, Conor Gallagher and Pape Matar Sarr, while Wilson Odobert and Xavi Simons support Dominic Solanke.

If Frank needs to change his Tottenham lineup vs Newcastle United at any point then there are options from the bench and they include Randal Kolo Muani and Souza.

Tottenham Hotspur Lineup vs Newcastle United

Vicario, Gray, Dragusin, Van de Ven, Spence, Bissouma, Gallagher, Sarr, Odobert, Simons, Solanke

Substitutes: Kinsky, Palhinha, Tel, Souza, Kolo Muani, Olusesi, Byfield, Williams-Barnett, Rowswell

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Tottenham Hotspur winger Manor Solomon has already convinced Fiorentina ‘to set aside’ the amount needed to sign him on a permanent basis in the summer.

The left-winger first came to England on loan from Shakhtar Donetsk to Fulham, impressing with five goals in 24 games for the Cottagers.

In the summer of 2023, Solomon was signed for free on a five-year deal by north London club, Tottenham and instantly vowed he knew exactly what then boss Ange Postecoglou wanted.

He has made only six appearances for the Spurs and is currently on his third loan spell away from the club, being well down the pecking order in north London.

Last season, Solomon was loaned out to Leeds United, where he impressed with 23 goal contributions in 41 games in the Championship.

One ex-Leeds boss hailed his impressive spell at Elland Road, pointing out his quality and control on the ball.

Leeds did want to sign Solomon in the summer window and the winger was keen to remain in the Premier League, but he joined Villarreal on a season-long deal, which did not work out for the Spurs man.

Loanee On loan from Daniele Rugani Juventus Marco Brescianini Atalanta Jack Harrison Leeds United Manor Solomon Tottenham Hotspur Giovanni Fabbian Bologna Fiorentina’s loan stars

His deal was cut short last month, as ex-Spurs supremo Fabio Paratici, who is now Fiorentina’s sporting director, worked to bring him to the struggling Italian club.

Solomon joined La Viola on a loan deal until the end of the current term, but Fiorentina have an option to buy him.

And now, according to Italian outlet Tutto Mercato Web, the 26-year-old has already convinced the Tuscan club to buy him at the end of the season should they survive in Serie A.

Fiorentina would need to pay €10m to keep Solomon permanently and it is a sum they have already set aside to do the deal.

The Tottenham on-loan star has scored two goals in the last two games for Paolo Vanoili’s side, who are fighting to stay up in Serie A.

The Tuscan outfit are currently three points away from safety and they believe that Solomon could be a big part of their future plans.

Spurs will hope to see Fiorentina stay up, as Solomon’s potential exit would strengthen Tottenham’s kitty for the next summer window.

Solomon is not the only Leeds connected player at Fiorentina, with Jack Harrison on loan at La Viola from the Whites.

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Tottenham Hotspur boss Thomas Frank has expressed his satisfaction with the performance of January signing Souza on Saturday against Manchester United at the Old Trafford.

News of Spurs’ interest in signing the left-sided star from Brazilian club Santos emerged at the start of the January transfer window.

The Londoners then beefed up their interest in the coming days and, after finalising a deal with Santos, put him through his medical paces to officially take him to the Premier League.

The deepening injury crisis inside the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium hinted at an early debut for the teenager, and that happened on Saturday when he was called up to replace an injured Destiny Udogie.

Souza played 35 minutes of the second half and though he was unable to prevent a 2-0 loss for the visiting team, there was a quick impression that was made on the Tottenham manager.

Praising the 19-year-old for his performance on the pitch, Frank said at a press conference (19:25) ahead of the game against Newcastle United (19.25): “He did very well.

“Very happy for him coming from Brazil and 19 years old, to Tottenham, to the Premier League, getting his debut as one of the most iconic stadiums in the world.

Competition Status Premier League 15th (ongoing) Champions League Last 16 (ongoing) FA Cup Knocked out EFL Cup Knocked out Tottenham this season so far

“That is a big thing. So, I hope him and his family are proud.”

Souza will be looking to build on his Old Trafford outing if he gets the opportunity in Spurs’ upcoming games and Frank will need him to perform, with big pressure on the Danish boss.

It is unclear how much longer Frank can hold on to the manager’s job at Tottenham, though he has recently been backed by Premier League legend Wayne Rooney.

While Tottenham’s Premier League form has been poor, they have done much better in the Champions League, booking a last 16 spot.

Frank may soon find his side in the position where they need to win this season’s Champions League to be in next season’s edition.

Tottenham have no route to silverware in the FA Cup, having been knocked out by Aston Villa in January.

With Ange Postecoglou delivering a trophy for Tottenham last term, Frank looks unlikely to be able to match that feat this term.

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Mansfield Town boss Nigel Clough is pleased to have signed Tottenham Hotspur starlet George Abbott, who he has admired and credited another Spurs loanee, Oliver Irow, for putting in a good reference.

Abbott has gone on loan from Tottenham to League One side Mansfield for the remainder of the season.

He initially joined Wycombe Wanderers in League One at the start of the season, but was recalled by Spurs in January, after an injury hampered six months; Abbott managed to impress his team-mate in a short-time though.

The 20-year-old came through the Tottenham Academy and led their Under-21 team to the Premier League 2 title in 2023/24.

The young midfielder enjoyed a successful stint at Notts County in League Two last season, where he featured on regular basis.

Abbott’s performances at Notts County convinced one former EFL star of his ability to play at a higher level.

Now Abbott has joined Mansfield, also in League One, where boss Clough is pleased with his arrival, admitting that they ‘admired’ him.

Loan star On loan from Joe Gardner Nottingham Forest George Abbott Tottenham Hotspur Oliver Irow Tottenham Hotspur Mansfield’s loan stars

Stags boss Clough stated that the club had been looking at a midfielder since former Nottingham Forest midfielder Jamie McDonnell left the club and believes Abbott fits the bill.

“We have been looking for a midfielder since Jamie McDonnell was recalled by Forest and subsequently sold”, Clough told Mansfield Town’s in-house media (0:19).

“And he fits the bill.

“He is somebody we admired.

“We saw him quite a bit playing for Notts County last season, where he did quite well.

“For 18, 19 years old, played quite a few games in League Two.

“Went to Wycombe, had a couple of knocks in the first half of the season, so it did not quite work out for him there.”

When asked about Abbott’s team-mate and fellow Spurs loanee Oliver Irow’s involvement in bringing the former to Mansfield, Clough admitted it played a factor and believes that Irow will help Abbott settle in.

“Obviously we have got some good references from Oliver Irow.

“I think when Oliver’s come and settled in as he has, played and enjoyed it, then we hope he is going to say positive things to his mate.

“We always think it helps if you can get a couple from the same club as well.

“It will help George settle in and help Oliver even more.”

Mansfield are producing a strong campaign in League One, currently sitting eleventh in the table and ten points off the playoff spots.

The Stags are due to welcome Exeter City to Field Mill at the weekend and all eyes will be on whether Abbott plays.

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Tottenham Hotspur defender Alfie Dorrington has revealed that he was nervous during his first loan spell at Aberdeen and stressed that his qualities will benefit Salford City after he completed a loan move.

The 20-year-old centre-back is a product of Tottenham’s academy system and former boss Ange Postecoglou gave him a senior debut during the 2024/25 season.

Dorrington joined Aberdeen on loan during the second part of last season and then Dons boss Jimmy Thelin admitted that the youngster made progress with them.

The Spurs starlet helped Aberdeen lift the Scottish Cup by defeating Glasgow giants Celtic and in the summer the Pittodrie outfit agreed another loan deal with Tottenham for Dorrington.

However, his second spell with Aberdeen did not go according to plan as he only featured for 327 minutes for them in the Scottish Premiership and Spurs decided to cut short his loan spell in January to bring him back.

League Two outfit Salford City showed interest in Dorrington and on transfer deadline day the 20-year-old joined them on loan for the rest of the season.

Dorrington revealed that he was nervous during his first loan spell with Aberdeen as it was the first time he was living away from home, but added that he enjoyed learning to cook and doing activities on his own.

“I made my debut for Tottenham when I was 19 and then I went on loan to Aberdeen”, Dorrington told Salford City’s official media (0:15).

“I was quite nervous at first because it was my first loan, especially moving away from home on my own for the first time, learning to cook, clean, doing everything for myself but I loved it.

“Obviously I got into the team there and I like to think that I have done well, and we won the cup which was probably the biggest moment of my career so far.”

Dorrington also pointed out that he is quick player which will benefit Salford when they play with a high line and the defender also added that he wants to bring some attacking threat to his game as well.

“I am quick, so if we are playing a high line, that helps, good in the air and good on the ball”, Dorrington added.

“Hopefully I can bring a bit of an attacking threat as well as stopping goals.”

Dorrington will be eager to ply his trade under manager Karl Robinson and all eyes will be on Salford’s game against Accrington Stanley on Thursday to see whether the Spurs star will make his debut in that game.

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Tottenham Hotspur prospect George Abbott has revealed that he spoke with fellow Spurs’ loanee Oliver Irow before completing his move to Mansfield Town.

The English midfielder has joined the Stags on loan and will remain with the League One side until the end of the campaign.

Abbott spent the first half of the season on loan at Wycombe Wanderers, making 15 appearances and contributing one goal and an assist across all competitions.

Last season, while on loan at Notts County, he made a strong impression with six goals and seven assists in 44 games, prompting a former EFL attacker to suggest keeping a close eye on the youngster.

Abbott also boasts several accolades from his youth career, having won both the Under-17 and Under-18 Premier League Cups with Spurs’ Academy before captaining the Under-21s to the Premier League 2 title in 2023/24.

The Tottenham midfielder has expressed his excitement at joining Mansfield, describing the move as a fresh start.

He revealed that after speaking with Irow, who spoke highly of the club, it was an easy decision to take on the new challenge at Field Mill under Nigel Clough.

Loanee On loan from George Abbott Tottenham Hotspur Joe Gardner Nottingham Forest Oliver Irow Tottenham Hotspur Jon Russell Barnsley Mansfield Town’s loan stars

The 20-year-old midfielder also outlined his playing style, highlighting his versatility as a defensive or box-to-box midfielder who thrives both in winning tackles and contributing going forward.

He said to Mansfield’s in-house media: “I’m really happy to be here.

“It’s a new start again for me and I’m really looking forward to the challenge.

“As soon as there was interest from Mansfield, I talked to Oliver who spoke so highly of the club and it was an easy decision to sign on loan.

“I’m a defensive midfielder or box-to-box midfielder.

“I like to get stuck in and win tackles as well as get forward quite a lot and have a few chances.”

Mansfield currently sit eleventh in League One, having amassed 38 points from 27 matches.

Huddersfield Town occupy sixth in the table, ten points clear of the Stags on 48, and Mansfield will be hoping that Abbott can hit the ground running to help close the gap.

Having made just one senior appearance for Tottenham Hotspur, the youngster will be eager to accumulate minutes under Clough and make his case for a chance with the first team squad over the course of pre-season.

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Tottenham Hotspur have pushed in a deal sheet to sign highly rated Hearts star and Arsenal target James Wilson on an academy loan, according to journalist Tom Barclay.

The 18-year-old is a product of the Hearts academy and he has already made 45 appearances for the senior side, netting eight goals in the process.

Wilson has not lived up to his early career expectations, but he has drawn eyes from south of the border, with London giants Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur fighting for his signature.

Mikel Arteta’s side were considering taking Wilson on loan for the rest of the season with the intention of including an option to sign him on a permanent basis in the summer in the event of Wilson impressing them.

Wilson last season made 24 appearances in the Scottish Premiership but this season has been a bit part player for them.

Spurs also want to sign him on loan and add him to their Under-21 set-up to evaluate the 18-year-old before they make a decision on him.

Now it has been suggested that Spurs have managed to beat their north London rivals Arsenal to the race for Wilson’s signature.

Thomas Frank’s side have agreed to take Wilson on an academy loan and they have pushed in a deal sheet to buy themselves some time to complete the deal.

Spurs have already brought in Souza and Conor Gallagher in the winter transfer window and Wilson is set to be the last player coming in before the window closes.

The 18-year-old has also made a senior appearance for the Scottish national team and is a regular for the Under-21s side.

If everything goes alright, then Wilson will be determined to work hard and impress in the Spurs academy set-up to earn a permanent move in the summer.