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Spurs dealt fresh injury concern after hard-fought win over Crystal Palace as Thomas Frank seeks positive start to 2026
Tottenham injury latest: Lucas Bergvall, Dominic Solanke and Destiny Udogie
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Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
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Your matchday briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Matt Verri
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Tottenham will hope to begin 2026 on a positive note when they face Brentford on New Year’s day.
Spurs ended a turbulent 2025 with a hard fought win over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park as Archie Gray scored his first career goal to ease the pressure on head coach Thomas Frank.
That win has revived Spurs’ hopes of a top four finish, though another difficult test awaits on Thursday as Frank returns to the Gtech Community Stadium for the first time since leaving for north London in the summer.
The Dane will be boosted by Cristian Romero’s availabilty after the Tottenham captain served his one-game suspension against Palace, but a fresh injury concern has emerged ahead of another London derby.
With that in mind, here is the latest Tottenham injury news and return dates…
Lucas Bergvall
Lucas Bergvall was replaced by Rodrigo Bentancur just after the hour mark at Selhurst Park with what looked like a groin injury.
This fresh injury scare has placed the midfielder’s involvement against Brentford in doubt with Frank revealing afterwards the that Swede will be assessed.
Frank said: “Yes, I hope so (that he is okay). Of course, we will assess him tomorrow.”
Potential return date: January 1 vs Brentford (A)
Concern: Lucas Bergvall
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Dominic Solanke
Dominic Solanke "progressing forward" is the latest positive update regarding the Tottenham striker.
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Solanke has been out of action since the end of August with an ankle issue and belatedly underwent surgery in October.
Amid concerns about his rehabilitation, Solanke recently posted an image of himself in a Spurs shirt on Instagram, captioned with hourglasses, suggesting a return could come sooner rather than later.
While a return did not transpire against Nottingham Forest, Liverpool or Crystal Palace, Frank did recently reveal that he is excited about having Solanke available for selection in the near future.
"I'm looking forward to naming [Solanke] in the squad," Frank said. "He is progressing forward."
Potential return date: January 2026
Destiny Udogie
Destiny Udogie has been ruled out until January with a hamstring injury, which leaves very little room for Frank to rotate his full-backs during the festive period.
Frank confirmed that Udogie had suffered a soft tissue injury, after the left-back was missing for the win over Brentford.
Asked at the time how long Udogie will be out for, Frank said: “Not too long. He got a soft tissue injury, unfortunately, against Newcastle.”
But a new update came a few days later, with a longer timeline: “Destiny picked up a hamstring injury in the end of the Newcastle game, so he’s out until January, unfortunately.”
Potential return date: January 2026
Dejan Kulusevski
Another player with a shot at a comeback early in the new year is Dejan Kulusevski.
Kulusevski has been out since the end of last season with a patella injury but he was back on grass during last month’s international break.
Frank has said previously there was a “good chance” that the playmaker could return in 2025 but that did not happen so all eyes are on when the Swede is able to feature again in the new year.
Potential return date: January 2026
Kota Takai
Kota Takai is yet to feature for Tottenham since his arrival from Kawasaki Frontale in the summer.
However, he was on the bench for the very first time against Crystal Palace, providing extra defensive cover with Romero suspended and Udogie out injured.
It remains to be seen if the defender will be part of the squad against Brentford, but a first team debut surely is not too far away.
Potential return date: January 1 vs Brentford (A)
James Maddison
James Maddison is expected to miss most of the season since undergoing surgery on a torn ACL sustained in a pre-season friendly with Newcastle.
Appearing recently on Sky Sports' Monday Night Football show, the midfielder offered an update.
“I'm doing really well for the stage that I'm at, it’s obviously a long injury I have got, I had a big knee surgery,” he said.
Injury update: James Maddison
X | @SkySportsPL
“More than anything right now it’s just about staying in the right mindset.
“I’ve had to accept and get over the fact that I’m going to be out for a long time.
Potential return date: Summer 2026
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Archie Gray scored the winner at Selhurst Park
Huge victory: Tottenham
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Sam Tabuteau
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Your matchday briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Matt Verri
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Tottenham secured a gritty 1-0 win over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park to ease the pressure on head coach Thomas Frank.
Palace dominated the first half, but found themselves behind on the stroke of half-time as Archie Gray headed home following a corner.
Despite the hosts’ dominance, it was Tottenham who came closest to scoring after the break as Richarlison’s effort was ruled offside, and the visitors held on for a precious three points.
Here are three things we learned from Spurs’ victory at Selhurst Park...
Spurs show their maturity to prevent ill-discipline costing them
Tottenham’s ill-discipline cost them dearly against Liverpool last weekend, and they showed little to suggest they had learnt their lesson at Selhurst Park early in the first half.
Kevin Danso, filling in for the suspended Cristian Romero, was the first to have his name taken by referee Jarred Gillett after he fouled Yeremy Pino on the edge of the box inside five minutes.
He was followed into the book by Gray, who was cautioned for tugging at the shirt of Adam Wharton after losing possession midway through the first half.
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Spurs are second bottom of the fair play table, and it looked as though their rash decision-making could swing the game in Palace’s favour.
Instead, though, the north Londoners kept their composure, maintained their cool and frustrated their hosts to hold on and round off the calendar year with a victory.
Micky Van de Ven, Richarlison, Rodrigo Bentancur and Pedro Porro are all on four yellow cards and have one more game to navigate if they are to avoid a suspension.
On the evidence of today, though, Frank’s side seem to have taken the lessons of their defeat to Liverpool and developed a calmer, more mature edge to their game.
Big win: Archie Gray
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Set pieces come to the rescue yet again
Set plays have become Spurs’ calling card under Frank, and their ninth goal of the season from a dead-ball situation handed them the lead against the run of play.
Tottenham were second best for much of the first half, but struck the opening goal on the stroke of half-time as Gray nodded in from a corner.
It was a well-worked routine, with Randal Kolo Muani and Richarlison working hard to keep the ball alive, and a reward for Tottenham for hanging in as Palace threatened to make their dominance count.
This was a scrappy game, and that suited Spurs, who, for all their shortcomings, know how to take their chances. They have the second-best conversion rate in the Premier League.
Spurs also dealt well with Palace’s own threat from set pieces, with Danso and Van de Ven completing a combined 14 headed clearances.
Set pieces were always going to provide an edge in a game lacking clear-cut chances, and Frank worked them to his advantage to earn a precious win.
This was a victory with Frank’s DNA all over it, and while it may not have been pretty, it was just what Tottenham needed.
Rock at the back: Micky Van de Ven
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A much-needed clean sheet
Much of Tottenham’s good early work under Frank stemmed from their defensive stability.
They kept four clean sheets in their opening five games in all competitions under the Dane, building a reputation for being solid in defence and efficient in attack.
After conceding 11 goals in their last three away games, this was a result and performance in their manager’s image.
Gritty, understated and determined, Spurs restricted Palace and could have made the game safe late on as Wilson Odobert hit the post.
Much was made of Romero’s dismissal last weekend, but in his place, Danso responded excellently after a shaky start to help steer Spurs to a sorely needed three points.
The Austrian picked up an early yellow card and looked to be struggling with Jean-Philippe Mateta’s physicality in the first half, but after the break the former Southampton man rose to the occasion, getting his head to every Palace delivery.
It was a testament to Danso’s performance that despite his fifth-minute caution, he remained aggressive in the tackle without committing another foul.
Frank’s search for an identity continues in earnest, and he will be looking to make this afternoon’s performance a cornerstone of what his Spurs side looks like going forward.
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Spurs bid to ease some of the pressure on Thomas Frank
Tottenham visit Selhurst Park in the Premier League
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Arthur Ferridge
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Tottenham bid to get back to winning ways when they play Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
Spurs have slipped to 14th in the Premier League table after back-to-back defeat to Nottingham Forest and Liverpool, with pressure building on Thomas Frank.
Frank needs a positive result to ease some of the scrutiny on him but Spurs face a tough test against a Palace side just three points off Chelsea in fifth.
The Eagles are having another good season under Oliver Glasner, though their squad is stretched and this game comes at the end of a gruelling run of games for them.
Date, kick-off time and venue
Crystal Palace vs Tottenham is scheduled for a 4.30pm GMT kick-off on Sunday, December 28, 2025.
The match will take place at Selhurst Park.
Selhurst Park will play host to Crystal Palace vs Tottenham
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Where to watch Crystal Palace vs Tottenham
TV channel: In the UK, the game will be televised live on Sky Sports Premier League and Main Event, with coverage starting at 4pm GMT ahead of a 4.30 kick-off.
Live stream: Sky Sports subscribers can also catch the contest live online via the Sky Go app and website.
Live blog: You can follow all the action on matchday via Standard Sport’s live blog, with expert analysis from Sam Tabuteau at the ground.
Crystal Palace vs Tottenham team news
Tottenham’s struggles of late have not been helped by a raft of first-team absentees.
Xavi Simons and Cristian Romero will both miss the match as they serve red card suspensions.
AFCON will also prove a nuisance as it occupies Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr for the foreseeable.
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Elsewhere, Destiny Udogie is out injured alongside James Maddison, Dominic Solanke, and Dejan Kulusevski.
Suspended: Xavi Simons
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In a huge blow to Oliver Glasner, Crystal Palace are currently without both Daichi Kamada and Daniel Munoz, who are out with hamstring and knee injuries, respectively.
Eddie Nketiah is a doubt with a knock, as is Chris Richards.
Ismaila Sarr is away representing Senegal at AFCON.
There is a chance Lacroix finds himself dropped after both scoring an own goal and missing a crucial penalty against Arsenal.
Crystal Palace vs Tottenham prediction
This match provides Crystal Palace a perfect opportunity to bounce back from that hard-to-take defeat by Arsenal.
Spurs are in a deep malaise. Players do not seem to buy into Thomas Frank’s philosophy, and that is showing in their body language, results, and league position.
The Eagles are, admittedly, depleted, but will know this dour Spurs side is ripe for the taking.
Crystal Palace to win, 2-0.
Head to head (h2h) history and results
The Eagles pulled off a league double over Spurs last season, winning 1-0 at home and 2-0 at Hotspur Stadium.
Crystal Palace wins: 12
Tottenham wins: 33
Draws: 15
Crystal Palace vs Tottenham match odds
Crystal Palace to win: 6/5
Tottenham to win: 12/5
Draw: 12/5
Odds via Betfair (subject to change).
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New wide player a priority in what could be a big month for Spurs
Thomas Frank is eyeing January reinforcements
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Matt Verri
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Your matchday briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Matt Verri
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January is set to be a crucial month for Tottenham and Thomas Frank.
The pressure is on the Spurs boss, who is adamant the club will be active in the transfer window to try and get the season back on track.
“We will definitely be in the market, no doubt about that," Frank said this month.
Spurs’ owners injected £100million into the club earlier this season, but it is understood that figure should not be viewed only as a transfer kitty.
The potential departure of sporting director Fabio Paratici to Fiorentina is not ideal.
But the Lewis family have been keen to push the idea of a “new era” at Spurs. The January window offers a first real test of that.
Top priority
A top-quality winger has to be high on the wishlist for Frank.
Spurs were keen to sign Manchester City's Savinho in the summer and they are expected to be in the market for a wide player against next month.
Omar Marmoush has been linked with a move to Spurs
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Wilson Odobert, Mathys Tel and Brennan Johnson have all been unconvincing on the left, with Spurs far too reliant on attacking down their right.
A reliable option out wide would bring some much-needed balance to the Spurs side.
What else they need
Whether it comes in January or in the summer, the midfield needs work.
Spurs need a player with ball-playing qualities who can better get them up the pitch and progressing through the lines.
Better full-back depth would also be good. Destiny Udogie has regular injury problems and Ben Davies has not started a Spurs match this season.
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Questions remain over Guglielmo Vicario, but that does not feel like a priority for this window.
Possible ins
Spurs have no hope of signing Antoine Semenyo, who has a £65million release clause that is active for the first two weeks of January.
Another move for Savinho looks unlikely, after he signed a new contract in October, but Spurs could instead look for a more central forward and shift Richarlison or Randal Kolo Muani out wide.
Omar Marmoush is another Manchester City player linked with Spurs.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen has been linked with a January move to Spurs
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Porto striker Samu Aghehowa has been linked, though he has an £87m release clause. They have also been linked with Juventus star Kenan Yildiz.
Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen has been linked with a January move to Spurs as he eyes a No1 spot ahead of the World Cup.
Possible outs
Brennan Johnson could be on his way out, with Spurs open to selling for the right price.
He has struggled to make an impression under Frank and Crystal Palace are believed to be pushing to sign the winger in January.
Spurs want to find a buyer for Yves Bissouma, who is out of contract in the summer.
If they cannot not sell in January, Spurs could trigger a 12-month extension option to protect the midfielder's value.
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Spurs ground out a hard-fought victory south of the river
All the plaudits: Archie Gray
AFP via Getty Images
Sam Tabuteau
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Your matchday briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Matt Verri
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Archie Gray’s first Premier League goal was enough to see Tottenham beat Crystal Palace 1-0 at Selhurst Park and ease the pressure on Thomas Frank.
Palace dominated the first half, but it was Spurs who took the lead on the stroke of half-time as Gray nodded home from close range.
It was all about the hosts after the break, but ultimately the north Londoners could have extended their lead as Richarlison, who also saw a first-half effort ruled out, was adjudged to have strayed offside after scoring from Mohammed Kudus’ cross before Wilson Odobert hit the post late on.
Sam Tabuteau was at Selhurst Park to rate the Spurs players...
Guglielmo Vicario 7: Made a few smart saves and commanded his area well as Palace looked to trouble Spurs from set-pieces.
Pedro Porro 7: Provided a delightful first-time cross for Richarlison’s disallowed goal, and his inswinging corner led to the opening goal. Palace caused him problems defensively as they doubled up down his flank, but he responded well as Palace struggled to create many clear chances.
Kevin Danso 6: Picked up an early yellow after making a clumsy tackle on Yeremy Pino inside five minutes. Struggled with Mateta’s physicality in the first half, but composed himself after the break.
Micky Van de Ven 8: The only Spurs defender who looked to size up Jean-Philippe Mateta, he marshalled the defence well to earn a much-needed clean sheet.
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Djed Spence 6: Caused a threat when allowed to drive with the ball and kept his concentration defensively. The Englishman was not dribbled past once.
Mateta’s match: Micky Van de Ven
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Archie Gray 8: Dropped into the backline to help out defensively, but struggled to get a hold of the ball and was cautioned for a foul after a loose touch. Made amends to give Spurs the lead with his first Premier League goal and grew in confidence after the break.
Lucas Bergvall 7: Constantly stretched the pitch by providing an option in behind, and scrapped away in the middle of the park before being replaced just past the hour mark. He was caught offside in the build-up to Richarlison’s disallowed goal.
Rodrigo Bentancur 9: Calm in possession and first to every loose ball, he was everywhere for Spurs. A composed but equally determined display.
Mohammed Kudus 8: Keen to get things going, he dragged Spurs up the pitch and worked tirelessly out of possession. Unlucky not to get an assist for his cross for Richarlison.
Richarlison 8: Recalled to the side, he saw two goals ruled out for offside. Battled well to nod the ball on for Gray to score and offered a real presence in the air.
Randal Kolo Muani 6: Drifted in and out of the game, but got up well at the back post for Spurs’ opener.
Subs:
Wilson Odobert 7: Pinged an effort off the post after racing onto Richarlison’s flick.
Joao Palhinha 7: Provided stability off the bench, snapping into tackles and restricting Palace from creating any real chances.
Radu Dragusin 6: Back after 11 months out, he nearly scored with his first touch after coming on.
Brennan Johnson 7: A lively cameo from Johnson, who is heavily linked with a move to Palace. Created a couple of presentable openings as Spurs looked to seal the game late on.
Unused: Kinsky, Tel,, Takai, Davies, Scarlett.
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Ailing Spurs look to get back to winning ways after dismal run
Tottenham visit Selhurst Park in the Premier League
ES Composite
Arthur Ferridge
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Your matchday briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Matt Verri
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Tottenham will bring the curtain down on 2025 with a derby as they face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park
The Eagles are fresh off the back of a crushing Carabao Cup defeat by Arsenal, where they rallied late on to force a penalty shootout but were beaten in sudden death.
Maxence Lacroix had a challenging day at the office after he scored an own goal and saw his crucial spot-kick saved by Kepa Arrizabalaga.
It may be a good time for Thomas Frank to face an ailing Palace side as he struggles to get Spurs into gear. They have won just one of their last eight Premier League outings, a run which has seen them tumble to 14th in the table.
The standings are still remarkably compact, though, and Frank could propel his men as high as ninth with a win south of the river.
Date, kick-off time and venue
Crystal Palace vs Tottenham is scheduled for a 4.30pm GMT kick-off on Sunday, December 28, 2025.
The match will take place at Selhurst Park.
Selhurst Park will play host to Crystal Palace vs Tottenham
Getty Images
Where to watch Crystal Palace vs Tottenham
TV channel: In the UK, the game will be televised live on Sky Sports Premier League and Main Event, with coverage starting at 4pm GMT ahead of a 4.30 kick-off.
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Live stream: Sky Sports subscribers can also catch the contest live online via the Sky Go app and website.
Live blog: You can follow all the action on matchday via Standard Sport’s live blog, with expert analysis from Sam Tabuteau at the ground.
Crystal Palace vs Tottenham team news
Tottenham’s struggles of late have not been helped by a raft of first-team absentees.
Xavi Simons and Cristian Romero will both miss the match as they serve red card suspensions.
AFCON will also prove a nuisance as it occupies Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr for the foreseeable.
Elsewhere, Destiny Udogie is out injured alongside James Maddison, Dominic Solanke, and Dejan Kulusevski.
Suspended: Xavi Simons
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In a huge blow to Oliver Glasner, Crystal Palace are currently without both Daichi Kamada and Daniel Munoz, who are out with hamstring and knee injuries, respectively.
Eddie Nketiah is a doubt with a knock, as is Chris Richards.
Ismaila Sarr is away representing Senegal at AFCON.
There is a chance Lacroix finds himself dropped after both scoring an own goal and missing a crucial penalty against Arsenal.
Crystal Palace vs Tottenham prediction
This match provides Crystal Palace a perfect opportunity to bounce back from that hard-to-take defeat by Arsenal.
Spurs are in a deep malaise. Players do not seem to buy into Thomas Frank’s philosophy, and that is showing in their body language, results, and league position.
The Eagles are, admittedly, depleted, but will know this dour Spurs side is ripe for the taking.
Crystal Palace to win, 2-0.
Head to head (h2h) history and results
The Eagles pulled off a league double over Spurs last season, winning 1-0 at home and 2-0 at Hotspur Stadium.
Crystal Palace wins: 12
Tottenham wins: 33
Draws: 15
Crystal Palace vs Tottenham match odds
Crystal Palace to win: 11/10
Tottenham to win: 15/8
Draw: 15/8
Odds via Betfair (subject to change).
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Cristian Romero has so often threatened to be the leader Tottenham need, yet his discipline continues to let him down.
Passion is a central part of the Argentinian’s game. He plays on the edge, and as he proved in leading Spurs to the Europa League last season, it can work to his advantage.
However, on too many occasions, he has let his emotions get the better of him.
The head coach needs Romero to be a rock he can rely on, but his call for others to step up surely begs the question whether there are alternative candidates for the captaincy.
“For me, all the players need to have a cool head and lead by example. You cannot have only one leader on the pitch. I know he's the one with the armband,” Frank said in his press conference ahead of the game against Crystal Palace on December 28th.
“So that's one thing. We're talking about a player, a very passionate player, that when he is at his absolute top, he carries the team on his back, like he did in the Europa League final. Without him, we wouldn't have won the trophy, like he did away to Newcastle, like he's done many times.
“When you're very passionate, sometimes you can maybe, in a few moments, lack the extra coolness. Sometimes, maybe. Something he's working on.”
Romero was the most credible option to take the armband when Frank arrived at the club in June, but he has so far struggled to consistently lead by example - the 27-year-old is averaging more than a yellow card every other game in the league this season.
Frank talks about learning, but with Romero in his fifth season in a Spurs shirt and among one of the more experienced members of the squad, it feels as though the time for conversations of that nature is over.
Frank is honest - “some need to be guided more than others” - so if their captain can’t keep his cool, how can he expect others not to follow suit?
There is a lot of soul-searching for this Spurs side to do, and Romero’s latest rush of blood will have done little to dampen the feeling that they are a long way from embodying the selfless culture Frank did so well to cultivate at Brentford.
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