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Spurs are said to be interested in a player currently impressing on loan in Spain.

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Tottenham are said to be interested in offering a former Manchester United favourite a route back to the Premier League. It has been a mixed start to the season for Spurs, who started well, rising into the top four in the early weeks of the campaign.

Since then, Thomas Frank’s men have dropped down to ninth after a wobble, but they are now pulling themselves back towards an ultra-congested Premier League top seven. Spurs scored a late equaliser at Newcastle United during the week and followed up that draw with a convincing win over Brentford on Saturday.

Frank’s men are now back within three points of the top four, and they are certainly in the mix for European qualification, which is a big step forward from a disastrous domestic campaign last term.

But if Spurs want Frank to have Tottenham in and around the top four on a regular basis, they must back him with regular transfer investment, especially with the likes of Newcastle, Aston Villa and others regularly spending big during transfer windows.

A striker may be needed, although Randal Kolo Muani will get chance to prove himself between now and the end of the season, with the on-loan striker yet to fully convince. Elsewhere, Spurs could do with another dangerous attacker, and reports in Spain have linked them with a move for Barcelona loan man Marcus Rashford.

Rashford has enjoyed a strong season on loan with La Liga table-toppers Barca so far, scoring six times and providing 10 assists. Barca do have a £30million option to buy Rashford, but there is uncertainty over whether they will pull the trigger.

Fichajes and AS have reported that Tottenham are interested in Rashford should he not remain in Catalonia, and they are reportedly willing to offer him a ‘starring role’. Wages could be an issue, but given Barca’s financial issues, Rashford will likely have to compromise on the wage front wherever he goes.

Barca are likely to be Rashford’s first choice, but should the Spanish giants pass on the deal, Tottenham would be well-served chasing a deal, Rashford is in fine form, he knows the Premier League very well and he is in the prime of his career at 28.

Lineker on Rashford talent

Gary Lineker has described Rashford as an ‘immense talent’ this season. Speaking after the forward scored to defeat Newcastle United in the Champions League, Linker told the Rest is Football podcast: “He was left out, they brought him on at half-time and he got an assist.

“He nearly scored with a couple of good efforts as well, but the first goal from Ferran Torres… wow. That move was classic Barcelona. Of course [he’s still got it]. He’s an immense talent, Marcus.

“He’s had some dips in his career, like most of us do, and he’s been at a club that has had huge problems at Manchester United. It seems that most of the players that have left there have done particularly well subsequently.”

Tottenham Hotspur boss Thomas Frank has the chance to bring in some more firepower in the January transfer window

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Tottenham Hotspur are back in action this weekend with a home clash against Brentford. They lured head coach Thomas Frank away from the Bees over the summer. The Dane was picked as their replacement for Ange Postecoglou in the dugout at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

It has since been a pretty inconsistent start for the 52-year-old in North London and his side sit 11th in the Premier League table after 14 fixtures. They drew 2-2 away at Newcastle United last time out. Cristian Romero scored twice against the Toon Army in the North East.

Tottenham Hotspur linked with Jan Paul van Hecke at Brighton and Hove Albion

Spurs could make a £40million bid for Brighton and Hove Albion defender Jan Paul van Hecke this winter, according to TEAMtalk. They are being linked with a move for the centre-back ahead of the upcoming January transfer window. He is under contract at the AMEX Stadium until the summer of 2027 meaning the Seagulls are under no immediate pressure to sell him just yet.

Van Hecke, 25, has become a key player for his current club over recent times and they won’t want to lose him, especially to a league rival. The Holland international, who has eight caps to his name, joined them back in 2020. Prior to his move to England, he rose up through the ranks at NAC Breda.

He was initially loaned out by Brighton to SC Heerenveen and Blackburn Rovers to get some experience under his belt. The Arnemuiden-born man then broke into their first-team in 2022 following his return from Ewood Park and he hasn’t looked back since. He has made 107 appearances in all competitions, 16 of which have come this season, and he has chipped in with four goals from the back.

Tottenham Hotspur should propose swap deal to Brighton and Hove Albion

Brighton will be reluctant to cash in on Van Hecke so Spurs should propose a player to them as part of a swap deal plus cash for his services. Ben Davies has been a great servant to the London outfit but his long-term situation is up in the air. His contract expires at the end of the campaign and he is due to become a free agent in June 2026 as things stand.

The 32-year-old would be a shrewd addition for the Seagulls if they brought him in as part of a potential Van Hecke sale. He could plug a gap defensively in the short-term whilst they weighed up possible long-term replacements. In addition, he is a vastly experienced operator at the top level and would be a useful character to have in and around the dressing room.

Davies graduated from the Swansea City academy before Spurs snapped him up back in 2014. He has since been with them for the last 11 years and has played over 350 matches. The Welshman needs to start thinking about the future though and it seems unlikely that he will be sticking around beyond this term under Frank.

Thomas Frank needs attacking impetus at Tottenham Hotspur in January but the club could also swoop for a Premier League defender.

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Tottenham Hotspur have had to lean on the goalscoring exploits of defenders at times this season with an underperforming striker force and another Premier League defender who has been among the goals may have caught the attention of the London outfit.

Thomas Frank saw his side pick up a much needed point in a 2-2 draw against Newcastle United on Tuesday evening. It was centre-back Cristian Romero who bagged a brace in that match and it wasn’t the first time a defender helped the team to points.

Micky Van de Ven has also come up with vital goals this term with six across all competitions this term. Those include a brace against Everton in October, as well as Champions League finishes against Bodo/Glimt and FC Copenhagen.

Tottenham Hotspur linked with £40m Brighton defender

While Tottenham Hotspur efforts in January are expected to be focused on adding creativity and a talisman, TEAMtalk today carries reports of interest in Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke. It’s touted that Spurs could bid £40 million for the 25-year-old.

The links come after the defender bagged a brace in the Seagulls’ 4-3 defeat to Aston Villa on Wednesday night. It’s added that Spurs explored a move for the Dutchman in the summer and that he remains a ‘player of interest’.

Brighton will not want to lose a player who has played every minute of the Premier League season so far and the south coast club are keen to extend the player’s deal, which currently expires in 2027. No extension could force Brighton to sell in 2026.

Seagulls hope for Van Hecke contract extension

The Seagulls paid just £3 million to sign the defender from Dutch side NAC Breda in 2020 and continue to merit their reputation for scouting the next wave of Premier League talent across the world. Speaking about the player and a potential new contract, Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler said: “Hopefully he has a long and bright future here in Brighton.

“When you see his past, where he has come from, what he went through to where he is now, you see a really consistent development. That’s because of his attitude. That’s because of his mindset. His effort is always above the things you can expect as a coach.

“That makes his values so important to us. He’s a Dutch guy, so he’s very straight with you and honest with his opinion. I think that’s always powerful in the team.

“He’s one of my leaders, he’s in the leadership group. He has taken more responsibility and more ownership this season. I think that’s the next step for him, to not only be a great performer, but also try to be a leader in this club.”

In other news, Tottenham 'intensify' interest in star winger as Premier League rivals circle for major January transfer.

Thomas Frank was in disbelief having seen his Spurs side give away a penalty in the 2-2 draw against Newcastle United.

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Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank was left aggrieved by a decision to award a penalty to Newcastle United in his side’s 2-2 draw on Tyneside on Tuesday night.

The teams had been level at 1-1 going into the final moments of the match before Spurs midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur was penalised for hauling Dan Burn to the ground in the box. Anthony Gordon scored the penalty that followed before Cristian Romero salvaged a point with an injury time goal - his second of the match.

Speaking after the game, Frank shared his frustration at the decision. The Tottenham Hotspur boss went as far as to say a member of opposition staff had even agreed with him.

Thomas Frank frustrated with Newcastle United penalty decision

He said: "The second one is very disappointing to concede because for me it's never a penalty. Even speaking to someone from Newcastle, who didn't think it's a penalty. We need the consistency.

"Because that penalty, that would be given two times a game. And I think the referee call on the pitch nailed it. And VAR can only be if it's clear and obvious."

However, speaking on Sky Sports’ Ref Watch, former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher was less sympathetic. The ex official ruled that top flight players had been warned about physical challenges when not looking at the ball, suggesting that Frank’s stars should have known better.

Dermot Gallagher believes Tottenham Hotspur star at fault for penalty

He said: “Just before that corner was taken, Thomas Bramall actually went to the two players and said to Bentancur, ‘you’re facing the wrong way’. He’s told them. If I was that referee, when I go back to my position, that’s who I’d be focusing on.

“The one thing I’ll say, which the clubs were warned about, is if the player is not facing the ball - which he never is - he runs a risk of giving a penalty away. The referee focuses on those players, so you’d think he’s seen that. He thinks it’s not a penalty.

“The next question is, VAR looks, is it a clear and obvious error? They’re grappling and he’s not looking at the ball. But they are both grappling. The referee clears it, the VAR says no. The referee goes to the screen and sees something on the screen he didn’t see in the match. That’s a mystery to me. Why he identifies that [in real time] and then ignores it.”

Gallagher’s verdict suggested that the most incriminating moment for Bentancur came in the warning prior to the foul with the player failing to respect the referee’s wishes. When asked to clarify Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank was left aggrieved by a decision to award a penalty to Newcastle United in his side’s 2-2 draw on Tyneside on Tuesday night.

The teams had been level at 1-1 going into the final moments of the match before Spurs midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur was penalised for hauling Dan Burn to the ground in the box. Anthony Gordon scored the penalty that followed before Cristian Romero salvaged a point with an injury time goal - his second of the match.

Speaking after the game, Frank shared his frustration at the decision. The Tottenham Hotspur boss went as far as to say a member of opposition staff had even agreed with him.

Thomas Frank frustrated with Newcastle United penalty decision

He said: "The second one is very disappointing to concede because for me it's never a penalty. Even speaking to someone from Newcastle, who didn't think it's a penalty. We need the consistency.

"Because that penalty, that would be given two times a game. And I think the referee call on the pitch nailed it. And VAR can only be if it's clear and obvious."

However, speaking on Sky Sports’ Ref Watch, former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher was less sympathetic. The ex official ruled that top flight players had been warned about physical challenges when not looking at the ball, suggesting that Frank’s stars should have known better.

Dermot Gallagher believes Tottenham Hotspur star at fault for penalty

He said: “Just before that corner was taken, Thomas Bramall actually went to the two players and said to Bentancur, ‘you’re facing the wrong way’. He’s told them. If I was that referee, when I go back to my position, that’s who I’d be focusing on.

“The one thing I’ll say, which the clubs were warned about, is if the player is not facing the ball - which he never is - he runs a risk of giving a penalty away. The referee focuses on those players, so you’d think he’s seen that. He thinks it’s not a penalty.

“The next question is, VAR looks, is it a clear and obvious error? They’re grappling and he’s not looking at the ball. But they are both grappling. The referee clears it, the VAR says no. The referee goes to the screen and sees something on the screen he didn’t see in the match. That’s a mystery to me. Why he identifies that [in real time] and then ignores it.”

Gallagher’s verdict suggested that the most incriminating moment for Bentancur came in the warning prior to the foul with the player failing to respect the referee’s wishes. When asked to clarify that point, the former referee said: “That to me, was everything.

“Watch what happens before the incident, not the incident. That’s what the catalyst is. It all panned out from there. He never, ever looks at the ball. That’s the key thing. They [the players] were told.”

In other news, Next Tottenham Manager: Spurs can offer Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner what he craves - opinion.pthat point, the former referee said: “That to me, was everything.

“Watch what happens before the incident, not the incident. That’s what the catalyst is. It all panned out from there. He never, ever looks at the ball. That’s the key thing. They [the players] were told.”

In other news, Next Tottenham Manager: Spurs can offer Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner what he craves - opinion.

Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner has emerged as an early frontrunner to replace Thomas Frank at Tottenham Hotspur.

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Spurs manager Thomas Frank remains under pressure at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium after an inconsistent start to life in north London following a switch from Brentford this summer.

Fabrizio Romano this week reported that Tottenham Hotspur are not set to pull the trigger on sacking Frank in the coming days but that the board remain underwhelmed with results that the manager has produced.

Spurs salvaged a point against Newcastle United at St James’ Park in midweek but that followed a 4-1 defeat to Arsenal and a 5-3 loss to Paris Saint-Germain. Frank has remained composed when asked about his future, believing that he has the club’s support.

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner linked with Tottenham Hotspur job

Nonetheless, speculation that the 52-year-old could be dismissed from his post continues. Several high profile names are linked with potentially taking over the job and one of the frontrunners that has emerged is Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner.

The Austrian has done a sterling job at Selhurst Park, leading the side to FA Cup victory and into Europe last season. However, he has been vocal in venting his frustration at a lack of backing in the transfer market to get his squad in shape to compete on multiple fronts.

Glasner is out of contract at Crystal Palace in the summer and there is not thought to have been much progress on an extension. The manager had voiced concerns over a lack of spending in the summer and was banging the same drum this week after the 2-1 defeat to Manchester United.

The Eagles boss said: "We missed a couple of chances in July and August, in the transfer window, to make it easier for us but again we will stick together and make it better.

"If you play European football for the first time in your history, you should invest and not save. I think January is too late [to add]. We will have played more than 50 percent of our games. Everything was pretty clear and I didn't say anything but today I think it is also time to speak about it that we missed the chance to play an even better season in the summer."

Spurs can offer Glasner what he craves

It’s therefore not surprising to see Glasner linked with the Spurs job - it does not sound as if it would take much to turn the Crystal Palace manager’s head. Spurs could have an enticing offer for the coach too, thanks to news confirmed in October.

Earlier this season, Tottenham Hotspur revealed that the Lewis family had injected £100 million worth of spending money into the club to be invested in upcoming transfer windows. That’s double what Crystal Palace spent over the entirety of the summer.

Glasner is a manager who has proven himself at Crystal Palace and wants to take the step up. His commitment to the Eagles shows he wants to do that at Selhurst Park but, if the south London outfit can’t back him, then you have to feel that Tottenham Hotspur certainly can.

In other news, Tottenham 'intensify' interest in star winger as Premier League rivals circle for major January transfer.

Spurs manager Thomas Frank remains under scrutiny in north London after an inconsistent start to the season.

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Tottenham Hotspur are closely monitoring the position of manager Thomas Frank but the club are not expected to sack the coach in the coming days following a 2-2 draw with Newcastle United.

Frank avoided what could have been a fatal defeat at St James’ Park thanks to a brace from centre-back Cristian Romero. Spurs did feel aggrieved to have conceded a penalty following a tussle between Dan Burn and Rodrigo Bentancur, which the Magpies scored from to go 2-1 up.

It was an important point for the London outfit, who went into the match off the back of a 4-1 defeat to Arsenal and a 5-3 loss to Paris Saint-Germain. Spurs sit 11th in the table and host Brentford on Saturday afternoon.

Tottenham Hotspur pick up point at Newcastle United

Speaking after the visit to Tyneside, Frank said: "I think it's hugely important. I think the PSG performance was good. I think the team gave everything against Fulham.

“It was just a nightmare game in some ways because you're down 2-0 after six minutes, and then keep going and also get something out of it, but that's the only way forward, we know that. If you're on a tough run, there's only one way, and that is to work hard and keep going and the team did that very well today."

Frank has come under criticism from Tottenham Hotspur fans in recent weeks, not just due to results, but to his reaction as well. The Spurs boss chose to remind supporters that the club only placed 17th last term and has also frustrated with a hesitancy to hand summer signing Xavi Simons more minutes.

Fabrizio Romano provides update on Thomas Frank future

Speculation around Frank’s future continues and in his GiveMeSport newsletter, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano provided the latest. On Wednesday, when asked where the Spurs board is at, he wrote: “Of course they can't be happy with recent results, with higher expectations in the next games to change the situation. His job is being monitored closely but nothing else at the moment.”

That suggests that Frank will at least be given until this weekend’s clash against Brentford. That could be another make or break fixture for the manager as he looks to find form at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this season.

Frank himself was asked whether he felt the club’s chiefs had patience in his work following defeat to Fulham last weekend. He said: "Yeah, I'm very confident.

"I think the ownership - of course I'm just starting to know them, but it seems like they're good guys, intelligent people - know how to run businesses and learning about football, learning more now they've become owners.

"I think when we're dealing with intelligent people, they can see every successful dynasty, every successful club has taken time. Yeah, you have one where you maybe win one year or the second year, but you can't sustain it if you don't build something sustainable. Impossible."

In other news, Why Harry Redknapp is right about Thomas Frank’s Tottenham future amid ‘chopping managers’ claim.

Harry Redknapp believes Thomas Frank deserves more time to turn Tottenham’s fortunes around after a difficult period of results on the pitch

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Former Tottenham Hotspur boss Harry Redknapp has jumped to the defence of current first team manager Thomas Frank as the pressure surrounding the long-term future of the Danish coach continues to intensify.

The Lillywhites failed to secure a league victory in November and slipped from third position to 12th in the table after a series of substandard performances and disappointing results.

Defeats in particular to bitter North London rivals Arsenal and more recently against capital rivals Fulham have raised the level of discontent amongst Spurs supporters, leaving many questioning whether the former Brentford boss can lead the team forward in the foreseeable future.

Harry Redknapp calls for patience with Thomas Frank

Tottenham’s recent dip in form means that Frank is now one of the most under-pressure managers in the entire division alongside Leeds United boss Daniel Farke.

Frank only assumed the position as head coach over the summer after seven hugely impressive years at Brentford which saw him spearhead the club to the Premier League for the first time in 74 years, consolidate the Bees as a top-flight outfit after a series of high-profile sales, all while also guiding the capital club to their highest ever points tally and league position.

However, he’s now at a club that historically speaking haven’t been the most patient with managers, particularly during Daniel Levy’s tenure with the club, which saw the likes of Redknapp, Mauricio Pochettino, Jose Mourinho, Antonio Conte and most recently Ange Postecoglou all get the axe after varying levels of success.

Speaking about Frank’s future, Redknapp said on talkSPORT: “He needs time, Tottenham can’t keep chopping managers every time they lose a few games. Last year, they finished 17th, or whatever it was. Apart from winning the European competition, it was a shocking season.

“He hasn’t got a magic wand, it takes time. What they are is a team I think will finish sixth, seventh or eighth, something like that this year. They’re going to have ups and downs, but right now, there are more downs than ups.

“Certainly, at home, it’s been disappointing. You need to give Thomas Frank time for sure. I didn’t see it coming that they would have such a bad run, the home form has really been disastrous.“

Why Tottenham should stick with Thomas Frank - opinion

Patience is a virtue that few football fans and particularly owners have in the modern game. The need for results is paramount from the moment a manager walks through the door, particularly at a club like Tottenham that have experienced a huge fall from grace in terms of league position over the last decade or so.

However, based on Frank’s record in English football so far, it’s fair to say that he should be given time to turn things around, particularly when there’s few names out of work that could feasibly be seen as an upgrade on the Dane.

Focusing specifically on league form, Frank inherited a team that finished 17th last term. Injuries were an issue for huge portions of that campaign, as was the emphasis on delivering a trophy. But nevertheless, it was a team that conceded a staggering 68 goals while finishing with 38 points - an amount which would have led to relegation in six of the seasons since the league changed to a 38-game format in 1995/96.

He’s proven he can manage a team that can play entertaining football - Brentford for example scored 66 last season, making them the joint fourth highest scorers in the division. While he’s also shown that he can work efficiently in the transfer market to bring players of high quality to a football club.

Frank is still very much in the process of making the team his own while trying to lead both a transition into a new brand of football that’s more pragmatic and defensively cautious, without completely ripping up the script that worked during Postecoglou’s first season.

Ultimately, if he’s given time, he should be able to get the team back on track. A top four finish was always an ambitious target based on what happened last season, but any form of European qualification in truth would represent a stark improvement on last term.

Thomas Frank has called for patience with Xavi Simons but many fans want the playmaker to be handed more minutes.

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Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank continues to be miserly with the number of minutes being handed to summer signing Xavi Simons as the playmaker adjusts to life in the Premier League.

Spurs forked out £51.8 million to sign the 22-year-old from RB Leipzig, beating Chelsea to the deal in the process. Simons has since made 17 appearances for the London outfit, picking up two assists, but has been afforded just seven starts in the top flight.

With Frank’s side struggle for creativity, the lack of minutes for Simons has frustrated fans. The midfielder had managed 22 goals and 24 assists in his 78 appearances for Leipzig.

Thomas Frank explains Xavi Simons lack of minutes

Speaking about the player after defeat to Fulham, Frank said: “He needs a bit of adaptation. There is a reason why we have Xavi here, he’s very good player. He has trained very well. It is not the first time a player has stepped into the Premier League and needs to adapt.”

Those words frustrated supporters online with many exasperated as to how Simons could adapt if not given a regular chance in the starting XI. One Spurs fan wrote: “We can’t buy a win and there’s a clear lack of creativity in the final third - why not just play him? He might actually find some form with regular starts.”

Meanwhile, another labelled Frank’s comments as ‘mind blowing naivety’ and one begged the Spurs boss to ‘give him a chance to prove to you, the team and himself that he deserves to be in the team’.

Jamie O’Hara sends Simons rocket ahead of Newcastle United

Only time will tell if Frank hears pressure from Tottenham Hotspur supporters and deploys Simons in the starting XI tonight. Should the midfielder start, he has been warned about his recent performances by a less than sympathetic Jamie O’Hara.

Speaking on Sky Sports this morning, the former Spurs midfielder said: “You can’t keep playing him if he’s being poor though. You can’t keep playing a player who keeps letting you down. You spent €60 million on him. I watched him last season at RB Leipzig and he looked sharp, he was good on the ball, he played with intent.

“I’m watching him at Spurs, he’s playing tippy-tappy football, he’s doing little flicks and tricks, I’m thinking, get hold of the game. You’re playing for Tottenham. Get hold of it. Make something happen. Move the ball quick.

When I’m watching the players out there they look lost of ideas and that’s on Thomas Frank to a certain degree. I don’t think the players know which way he wants them to play. Does he want to sit in, play counter attack, press?”

In other news, Newcastle United handed three-week injury blow hours ahead of Tottenham kick-off.

Eddie Howe welcomes Tottenham Hotspur at Newcastle United tonight but will be without a key first team player again.

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Newcastle United are confirmed to have been handed a six-week injury blow to first choice goalkeeper Nick Pope just hours ahead of facing Tottenham Hotspur at St James’ Park tonight.

It’s set to be a crunch match on Tyneside with Spurs boss Thomas Frank under increasing pressure at the London outfit. Tottenham Hotspur have won just one of their last seven outings in all competitions with a 2-1 home defeat to Fulham on Saturday the latest blow.

Eddie Howe’s side have already beaten Spurs at St James’ Park this season, winning 2-0 in the Carabao Cup at the end of October, and a similar result could prove fatal for Frank amid fan unrest.

Newcastle United handed injury blow ahead of Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham Hotspur are helped by news that Howe will be without England international Nick Pope once again. The ex Burnley man missed out in the Magpies’ 4-1 win at Everton on Saturday after picking up a groin injury on Friday.

The extent of that injury was not yet known but, on Tuesday lunchtime, Chronicle Live confirmed that Pope will be out for three weeks. That means that the goalkeeper will miss six matches, starting with Spurs on Tuesday night.

Pope is not expected to face Burnley, Sunderland or Chelsea in the Premier League and will also miss out against Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League and Fulham in the Carabao Cup.

Speaking about Pope’s situation at the weekend, Howe said: "We are disappointed to lose him (Pope). We can't afford to lose any player. He suffered an injury just towards the end of training. I did not name the team until yesterday.

"So we were just training as normal, he was wrong-footed on a shot and felt something in his groin, more after training than in that moment, and we hope he is not out for long. We need him back. He will have a scan in the next few days to find the damage."

Aaron Ramsdale set to start at Spurs

Pope’s absence comes at a time when the player was under pressure for his spot from summer signing Aaron Ramsdale. The former Arsenal goalkeeper signed for the Magpies on a season long loan from Southampton in August.

Ramsdale has made just four Newcastle United appearances so far. The goalkeeper has history with Spurs thanks to his time at Arsenal. Speaking after a 2-0 win in 2023, in which one Spurs fan entered the field of play, he said: "The Spurs fans gave me some throughout the game. I was giving some back. The people I did give it to greeted it in sportsmanlike terms, but one fan tried to give me a little punch on the back.

"It is a shame as it is just a game of football at the end of the day. Both sets of players tried to bring me away, but thankfully nothing too drastic happened. It is a sour taste, but I'm sure we will enjoy it when we go back into the dressing room."

In other news,

Tottenham Hotspur are back in Premier League action as they look to bounce back from their defeat to Fulham

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Tottenham Hotspur were beaten 2-1 at home by Fulham on Saturday night in their latest Premier League outing. They were 2-0 down at half time against the Whites at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Mohamed Kudus pulled a goal back after the interval for the hosts but they weren’t able to find an equaliser in the end and slumped to a disappointing defeat.

Thomas Frank’s side have been poor on their own patch so far this season. The London outfit seem to be much more comfortable playing away. They are back in action on Tuesday night with a clash on their travels against Newcastle United in the North East.

Newcastle United injury latest ahead of Tottenham Hotspur clash

Newcastle remain without defender Kieran Trippier and winger Yoane Wissa. The pair have both got knee injuries and are still in the treatment room. In addition, the North East club don’t have defender Emil Krafth available due to a knee issue and he isn’t expected back until the weekend. Harrison Ashby and Will Osula are also sidelined at this moment in time.

There are question marks over the availability of centre-back Sven Botman and goalkeeper Nick Pope and they need to be assessed ahead of their match against Spurs. Regarding Botman, their head coach Eddie Howe has said: “With Sven, he's going to see a specialist in the next couple of days to get a definitive opinion on whether he needs an injection (on his lower back) or whether he's able to rest for a few days and resume training.”

As for Pope, Howe has shared this update regarding his condition: “No further update from Saturday. Again, he is one of a number of players we will analyse earlier this week and try to get a proper diagnosis.”

Tottenham Hotspur injury updates ahead of Newcastle United match

Spurs have a few individuals out with long-term issues. These include James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski and Yves Bissouma. Cristian Romero is back against Newcastle after serving his suspension against Fulham. He picked up five yellow cards which meant he had to sit out for one game.

Frank continues to be without striker Dominic Solanke. He has endured a frustrating start to the campaign and hasn’t been able to make the impact he would have hoped to before a ball was kicked. His manager said late last month: “Dom is not ready yet. We want to be absolutely sure, as sure as we can be, that there is no setback going forward. I'm confident he will soon be ready, but I will not put a time frame on it.”

In terms of other injury news, Radu Dragusin is still on his road to recovery from his knee problem but the club are taking no risks with him and will wait for the right moment to throw him back into the fold. Kota Takai isn’t too far off his return and will need to be checked on. He hasn’t featured since his summer switch though so it would be a surprise if he featured against Newcastle.

Doubts - Botman, Pope, Dragusin, Takai