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Tottenham squad list for UEFA Super Cup confirmed as Dominic Solanke and Destiny Udogie included

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Tottenham squad list for UEFA Super Cup confirmed as Solanke decision made - London Evening Standard
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Spurs head to Udine on Tuesday as they look to win their second major piece of silverware in a little over two months, having previously gone 17 years without lifting a trophy before winning last season's Europa League. It had been 41 years since they won a European title.

Wednesday evening will see Spurs take on Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain, considered by many to be the best team in the world, in the traditional curtain-raiser to the European season.

It will be Thomas Frank's first competitive game in charge of Spurs, and he will arguably face no tougher test this term.

The new head coach has been boosted by the possible returns to fitness of Solanke and Udogie. The striker and left-back were not able to feature during most of pre-season due to injury, both missing the tour of Asia and last week's loss at Bayern Munich.

The pair have been included in the 22-man squad list submitted by Spurs to UEFA. At the same time, there is no place for the six injured first-team players James Maddison, Radu Dragusin, Dejan Kulusevski, Manor Solomon, Bryan Gil and Kota Takai.

Tottenham injury update: Dominic Solanke, Destiny Udogie and Dejan Kulusevski latest news and return dates

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Tottenham injury update: Dominic Solanke, Destiny Udogie and Dejan Kulusevski latest news and return dates - London Evening Standard
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James Maddison has been ruled out for the majority of the season as the knee injuries pile up

Tottenham injury latest: Dominic Solanke, Dejan Kulusevski, Destiny Udogie

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Tottenham can this week win their second piece of silverware inside three months but face a growing injury list ahead of the start of the new season.

Another prize for winning last season’s Europa League is a date with Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup. The two trophy-winners will face off in Udine on Wednesday.

But Spurs are sweating on the fitness of Dominic Solanke and first-choice left-back Destiny Udogie, and have lost creative king James Maddison for the majority of the season due to a serious knee injury.

Will Spurs get some positive news this week on injuries? Here’s a look at the latest Tottenham injury news…

Training: Dominic Solanke in training earlier this summer

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Dominic Solanke

Tottenham remain hopeful that Dominic Solanke will be fit for the start of the new season despite missing all but one of the club’s pre-season friendlies with an ankle injury.

The initial prognosis was positive as Solanke joined the squad on their pre-season tour of Asia, where they beat Arsenal and then drew 1-1 with Newcastle, but the striker was unable to play a single minute. Frank said in Hong Kong: “Dominic is unfortunately not quite ready. He’s taking slightly a bit longer. Again, not overly concerned.”

Frank days later said he was "positive" Solanke would face Bayern, but after another no-show, Frank insisted Solanke will "be available quite soon".

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Destiny Udogie

Tottenham are likely to be without Destiny Udogie for the opening weeks of the season after the left-back suffered a knee injury last month.

Udogie was left out of the Spurs squad for their pre-season tour of Asia, having been omitted from the friendly win over Luton after he “felt something in the warm-up”.

Thomas Frank confirmed a few days later: “Destiny got a knee injury that we're assessing at the moment that just kept him out for this pre-season tour. When we know more, we'll update more."

Asked for an update in Munich, Frank said: "I'm not worried. We'll know more info in a couple of days."

Potential return date: Unknown

Out: Dejan Kulusevski has been sidelined since May

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Dejan Kulusevski

Dejan Kulusevski was struck down with a serious knee injury in May which required surgery to his patella.

When asked for an update in July, Thomas Frank said of the midfielder: "I don’t like to put a timeline on it [but] put it this way: he’s not ready for the first game of the season."

Little has been heard from Kulusevski until last week when Kulusevski posted a photo on social media of him juggling a football with his feet alongside the caption: "First time since May."

Frank moved to temper any expectations on an imminent return following the defeat at Bayern, telling reporters: "Kulusevski is out for a long time, which I spoke about before."

Potential return date: Late 2025

James Maddison

Tottenham were dealt a major blow on the eve of the new season with James Maddison suffering an ACL injury.

Maddison ruptured his ACL in last week’s pre-season friendly against Newcastle and Spurs have confirmed the midfielder is due to undergo surgery.

Spurs have not put a timeframe on how long Maddison will be out but he is set for a long spell on the sidelines, in a huge setback for Spurs ahead of the new season.

A Spurs statement last week read: “His surgery will take place in the coming days and, following that, James will then begin his rehabilitation with our medical team.

“Everyone at Tottenham Hotspur wishes James a full and speedy recovery. We will be supporting him every step of the way.”

Potential return date: April 2026

Radu Dragusin

Radu Dragusin has been sidelined since January after suffering an ACL injury against Elfsborg in the Europa League, and soon underwent surgery.

The defender recently confirmed that his rehabilitation is going well and he is involved in all the meetings and tactical discussions with Thomas Frank despite being unable to join training with his new manager.

"I had to learn how to walk again. I was on crutches, my knee was really stiff from the surgery. It was a long process but, once I got back to normal walking, it became a positive journey.

He added: "But honestly, I just want to be back on the pitch training with the boys again. I can't wait to be back. I've been working hard, on and off the pitch, with the fitness staff. Once I'm fully fit, I can't wait to be back with the boys and back for the matches too."

Potential return date: Late 2025

Blow: Radu Dragusin is another to suffer an ACL injury

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Kota Takai

Summer signing Kota Takai has been sidelined since his arrival, having been struck down with a heel injury.

Takai was absent from the early-summer friendlies against Reading, Wycombe and Luton, before Thomas Frank confirmed: "Kota got a plantar fascia injury, unfortunately we don't know the scale of it - weeks."

Takai has not been seen since and looks to face a lengthy spell recovering.

Potential return date: Unknown

Manor Solomon

Manor Solomon had hoped to make an impression on new Spurs head coach Thomas Frank this summer, having enjoyed a very productive season on loan at Leeds, but an injury ruled him out of every pre-season friendly.

Neither club not manager has confimred the nature of the injury, but Solomon's time at Spurs has been littered with fitness issues, most significantly a knee injury during his first season at the club.

Potential return date: Unknown

Bryan Gil

Bryan Gil faces another uncertain summer after seeing his season on loan at Girona end in March with a knee ligament injury.

The Spain international underwent surgery immediately and his been sidelined since, which saw Girona opt against triggering their £13million option to make the loan move permanent.

Gil has since returned to Hotspur Way to continue his rehabilitation.

Potential return date: Unknown

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Tottenham: Dominic Solanke injury update as Thomas Frank confirms transfer plan after James Maddison blow

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Solanke injury update as Frank confirms Spurs plan for transfer market - London Evening Standard
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Thomas Frank says Tottenham remain active in the transfer market following a serious injury to James Maddison, and has issued fitness updates on Dominic Solanke and Destiny Udogie.

Spurs confirmed on Thursday that Maddison will undergo surgery after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury, leaving Frank with a creativity void to fill in his squad with Dejan Kulusevski also sidelined for the foreseeable.

Later in the day, Frank watched on as Spurs lost 4-0 at Bayern Munich in the final pre-season friendly ahead of facing Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain in next week's UEFA Super Cup.

Spurs struggled to create many chances of note, while as their defence creaked against Bayern's forward line, in what will be a wake-up call ahead of facing what many believe to be the best team in the world in PSG.

Asked if Spurs are looking to secure further signings, Frank told reporters: "We are definitely in the market in general.

"Of course, when players get a long-term injury we need to look into that, but generally we are in the market, yes. Nobody feels close or far away. I'm not saying anything before there's anything that is completely 100%."

He added: “If we think we can find the right one, one who can improve the team, then he will be signed. If we can't, then not.”

The head coach had previously said he was "positive" Solanke would face Bayern, and after another no-show, Frank insisted Solanke will "be available quite soon".

Bayern Munich vs Tottenham LIVE: Friendly match stream, latest score and goal updates

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Tottenham XI vs Bayern: Starting lineup and confirmed team news - London Evening Standard
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Spurs conclude their pre-season preparations in Germany this evening as they take on the Bundesliga champions, led by a familiar face in Harry Kane. With less than a week until the UEFA Super Cup clash with Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain, tonight is the final time for head coach Thomas Frank to tinker with his squad with nothing on the line.

It has been a mixed summer so far for Spurs, having not yet tasted defeat under Frank but while only producing one performance of real quality - when beating Arsenal in Hong Kong in the first ever overseas north London derby. Bayern beat Spurs twice last summer, so reversing that trend could produce a welcome confidence boost ahead of the trip to Udine.

Kane will be facing his former club for the second successive summer, while Joao Palhinha is expected to make his debut for Spurs having recently joined on loan for the season from the Bavarian giants. Frank will hope to have Dominic Solanke available for the first time since early summer. Follow the game LIVE below with our dedicated match blog, featuring expert insight and analysis.

Tottenham dealt major injury blow as James Maddison worst fears realised

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Tottenham dealt major injury blow as Maddison worst fears realised - London Evening Standard
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Tottenham have been dealt a major blow after scans confirmed James Maddison has suffered a serious knee injury.

Maddison ruptured his ACL in last week’s pre-season friendly against Newcastle and Spurs have confirmed the midfielder will undergo surgery .

Spurs have not put a timeframe on how long Maddison will be out but he is set for a long spell on the sidelines, in a huge setback for Spurs ahead of the new season.

A Spurs statement read: We can confirm that James Maddison will undergo surgery for a ruptured Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) in his right knee.

“The 28-year-old midfielder suffered the injury during our pre-season friendly against Newcastle United on Sunday in Seoul.

“His surgery will take place in the coming days and, following that, James will then begin his rehabilitation with our medical team.

“Everyone at Tottenham Hotspur wishes James a full and speedy recovery. We will be supporting him every step of the way.”

Thomas Frank was already short of creative players, with Dejan Kulusevski out for the start of the season and after Spurs missed out on Morgan Gibbs-White.

The 28-year-old pulled up just minutes after coming on against Newcastle and collapsed to the pitch with his head in his hands.

He is now expected the miss the majority of the forthcoming season.

Maddison scored 12 goals in 45 appearances for Spurs last season. His injury also surely ends any hopes he had of forcing his way back into the England squad for the World Cup.

Tottenham XI vs Bayern Munich: Confirmed team news, predicted lineup, injury latest for friendly

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Tottenham XI vs Bayern Munich: Solanke return and confirmed team news - London Evening Standard
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The striker picked up an ankle injury in a friendly clash against Reading in July and has not appeared since, but it is hoped he can return to the fold on Thursday as the Lilywhites visit Bavaria to face Bayern Munich.

They will make the trip without James Maddison, though, after the midfielder was stretchered off with a fresh knee injury during a 1-1 draw with Newcastle at the weekend.

Son Heung-Min will also be absent after he bid an emotional farewell to the club in the same match. He is expected to complete a move to LAFC in the coming days.

As this is Spurs’ last friendly outing ahead of the UEFA Super Cup, Frank is expected to name a squad similar to that which will face European champions Paris Saint-Germain.

Maddison’s injury means that Lucas Bergvall could return to the starting XI as a No10, as he did against Arsenal in Hong Kong a week ago.

Son’s absence is set to prompt a shake-up in Frank’s forward line, and could open the door for Solanke to return.

Frank said last week that the striker ‘should be fit’ to return in time for the Bayern clash, and, with Richarlison struggling for form, he could be handed a chance to impress, though his minutes may be limited as he looks to avoid reaggravating the injury.

Mohamed Kudus has been quick off the mark after moving to north London and should return on the right wing, while Mathys Tel is set to face his former club for the first time in place of Wilson Odobert.

Pape Matar Sarr, scorer of a wonder goal in last week’s north London derby, and Rodrigo Bentancur have proven an effective defensive midfield partnership this summer, but Frank may opt to try a new combination, handing Archie Gray a run out alongside the Senegalese as he looks to determine his best midfield setup.

Joao Palhinha is in the running to take a holding midfield role, but, after joining the club on Sunday, it is likely too soon for him to start. He will be eyeing a debut cameo, though.

Pedro Porro and Cristian Romero will continue to hold down the right-hand side of the Spurs back four, though the left side has seen more rotation this summer. After they held Arsenal goalless, though, Djed Spence and Micky van de Ven should get the nod.

Heung-min Son: The humble hero who leaves Tottenham as a legend - and with Pep breathing a sigh of relief

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Son leaves Spurs as a legend - and with Pep breathing a sigh of relief - London Evening Standard
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South Korean is an all-time Premier League great after decade-long journey that ended with glory in Bilbao

Spurs legend: Heung-min Son

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Thomas Frank predicted Heung-min Son would have “a beautiful ending to a beautiful story” - and so it proved.

Son signed off from ten years at Tottenham on Sunday with an emotional friendly in front of 64,773 adoring fans in South Korea.

After lifting the Europa League with Spurs and ending their 17-year wait for a trophy in his final competitive match, it was the perfect send-off for a player who leaves as a club legend.

Son had to hold back the tears after his final appearance in a Spurs shirt against Newcastle on Sunday, with his move to LAFC expected to be completed this week.

Son captained Spurs to their Europa League triumph in Bilbao last season

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“Beautiful moments and it was really emotional,” said Son. “It was a perfect moment. I think sharing this beautiful moment is something I will never forget. Spurs will always be in my heart.”

Son lifting the Europa League trophy in Bilbao served as a fitting final chapter to his Spurs career.

It was the crowning moment for the 33-year-old, who became one of the most feared forwards in world football during his time with Spurs.

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Son has described his ten years at Spurs as “incredible” - and the numbers back it up. In 454 appearances, he scored 173 goals and registered 101 assists.

He is fifth on the list of the club’s all-time top scorers, with fourth-placed Martin Chivers just one goal ahead of him.

Son scored 173 goals in 454 appearances for Spurs

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Son endeared himself to Spurs fans by delivering when it mattered most, even scoring the first-ever goal at the opening of the club’s new stadium in 2019.

During Spurs’ run to the Champions League final in that same year, he scored four goals in the knockout stages - more than any other player in the squad.

Three of those came against Manchester City in the quarter-finals, a side Son had an outstanding record against.

Indeed, in 21 matches against City, he managed eight goals and five assists. Few players have caused Pep Guardiola more headaches than Son.

Spurs fans may be thankful that tally never reached nine, however, and it is hard not to wonder how differently Son would be remembered had he scored in that key match two seasons ago which could have handed Arsenal the title.

That was not quite a sliding doors moment, but Son certainly had one following his first year at Spurs. After scoring just eight goals in 40 games, he was ready to go back to the Bundesliga.

“I came close to leaving,” Son told Standard Sport in 2019. “I went to the gaffer’s office and told him I didn’t feel comfortable and wanted to leave to Germany.”

Son scored some big goals for Spurs - including this one against Manchester City in their run to the 2019 Champions League final

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Mauricio Pochettino persuaded him to stay, and he went on to become a pillar of the Argentine’s side.

The biggest compliment you can pay him is that Son may rival Harry Kane as one of Tottenham’s greatest ever players - not least because he stayed and helped end their trophy drought.

Much of that side Pochettino built was broken up after he left, but Son remained, and his loyalty was rewarded.

In the modern era, it is rare to find a player that stays somewhere for ten years - especially when they are not an academy product of that club. Yet Son was never seriously linked with a move away, even when his form merited it.

During the 2022-23 season, he was the Premier League’s joint top scorer with Mohamed Salah after scoring 23 goals. After a disappointing first season, Son had six years in a row where he scored at least 18 goals in all competitions, winning Tottenham’s Player of the Season three times.

Son was the Spurs captain who ended their 17-year wait for a trophy

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That was when Son was at the peak of his powers, though, and now feels like the right time for him to leave.

His tally of 11 goals last season was his worst for Spurs since his debut campaign and during Tottenham’s run to the Europa League final it became clear his influence on the pitch was waning.

Off the pitch, however, Son remained integral. As captain, his leadership and popularity in the dressing room were beyond question.

Son leaves Spurs on his own terms, and on a high. Not many in football are afforded that luxury, but if anyone deserves it, it’s Son.

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Tottenham: Shirt numbers for Joao Palhinha and Radu Dragusin confirmed as superstition is explained

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Joao Palhinha superstition explained as Spurs shirt number confirmed after loan deal - London Evening Standard
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Tottenham have made a double shirt number announcement after signing Joao Palhinha

Done deal: Joao Palhinha

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Joao Palhinha’s Tottenham shirt number has been confirmed after joining on a season-long loan deal.

Palhinha became Spurs’ latest signing of the summer transfer window at the weekend as his move from Bayern Munich was officially announced.

The Portugal international, who has previously impressed in the Premier League for Fulham, will bolster Thomas Frank’s midfield options which already include Rodrigo Bentancur, Archie Gray, Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr.

Palhinha made the move to Bayern last summer but was restricted to just six Bundesliga starts during the 2024-25 season as a mix of injuries and strong competition for places prevented him from becoming a regular under Vincent Kompany.

Ironically the 30-year-old could make his Tottenham debut against his parent club on Thursday as the two sides meet in Germany for a pre-season friendly.

Should Palhinha feature he will don No6 on the back of his Spurs shirt after electing to take the vacant squad number following Radu Dragusin’s decision to switch to No3 ahead of the new season.

Palhinha wore No16 at Bayern after wearing No26 at Fulham. In fact, throughout his career he was always chosen a number with a six whether that be for club or country and there is a reason why it is so important to him.

He said: “I try to choose always a number with a six – sometimes it’s not available but since I started my career, it was a number that I’ve had with me because of my family.

“It means a lot for me because of my grandfather… it’s the day that he left our family and since my grandfather died, if I have a look, a lot of important things in my life have happened on this day, with the number six.

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“I can remember my first goal... everything that has been important in my career – not just the career, but in other things as well – most of the days have the number six.

“I’m a bit superstitious and I believe always that this number has an important meaning for me and my family and this is why I want to keep, if possible, the number with me on the shirt.”

As mentioned above, No6 at Spurs had previously been in possession of Dragusin prior to his switch. Meanwhile, previous owners of this particular shirt number include Davinson Sanchez, Nabil Bentaleb, Tom Huddlestone and Chris Perry.

Dragusin has taken the No3 shirt at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium which had become vacant at the beginning of the month after Sergio Reguilon left on a free transfer. As a result, the central defender now wears the same shirt number for club and country.

He said: “I feel like this number represents me. I have been wearing it in the national team since three years ago and I just feel it really represents who I am – someone who is always ready to give everything for the team.

“Now, I’m really proud to wear it in north London.”

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