London Evening Standard

Clubs must submit their List A squads by 11pm BST on Tuesday, September 2, meaning Spurs have just a few hours left to make some crucial calls.

Clubs can name a maximum of 25 players on their A-List, with at least two of those having to be goalkeepers. Significantly for Spurs, eight of those 25 spots must got to locally-trained players.

That applies to those who are club-trained, meaning they have been registered to a club for three entire seasons or 36 months between the ages of 15 and 21.

Clubs can also fill that quota with association-trained players. That refers to those who registered to another club in the same association for three entire seasons or 36 months between the ages of 15 and 21.

Of the eight spots for locally-trained players, only four can be filled by association-trained players. If a club has fewer than eight locally-trained players, their maximum squad size is reduced from 25.

The B-List is named ahead of each fixture and so presents no immediate rush for Spurs. There is no limit on the number of players who can be included on this.

UEFA rules state: “A player may be registered on List B if he is born on or after 1 January 2004 and has, since his 15th birthday, been eligible to play for the club concerned for any uninterrupted period of two years, or a total of three consecutive years with a maximum of one loan period to a club from the same association for a period not longer than one year.

Put simply, Spurs do not have enough club-trained players in their squad and have too many who fall into the association-trained category.

Goalkeeper Brandon Austin is the only club-trained player in the first-team squad, meaning Spurs will fill just one of the four necessary places under that requirement. As a result, their maximum squad size is set to be reduced from 25 to 22.

Spurs can name four association-trained players in their squad, but they have six who could fill those places. Dominic Solanke, Ben Davies, James Maddison, Brennan Johnson, Djed Spence and Archie Gray all qualify.

There are 17 spots to be filled in the squad for players who are not locally-trained, but the signings of Xavi Simons and Randal Kolo Muani now leave Spurs with 21 to choose from.

Frank therefore will have to leave first-team players out while naming a squad that is smaller than other teams in the competition will have.

Yves Bissouma is unlikely to be in the squad, with it still possible that he leaves the club before the Turkish transfer window shuts on September 12.

James Maddison will almost certainly not be included either, having suffered an ACL injury that will keep him out for most of the season.

There are decisions to be made over the fitness of Dejan Kulusevski and Radu Dragusin. Kulusevski will potentially not be named in the squad, with the Swede expected to be out until at least December, while Radu Dragusin is believed to be a couple of months away from returning to first-team action.

Kota Takai is also currently injured and has not played since joining in the summer. However, with limited centre-back depth, Spurs could have to pick either Takai or Dragusin to have them available for the latter stages of the league phase.

If Dominic Solanke’s ankle injury is not serious, then Frank could opt to trim his attacking options. One of Wilson Odobert or Mathys Tel would likely then miss out.

Antonin Kinsky is also at risk of not being included, while Ben Davies and Archie Gray are the most likely candidates to miss out on the association-trained list.

Xavi Simons has revealed that the prospect of working under Thomas Frank was key in his decision to join Tottenham.

He was unveiled ahead of Tottenham’s home Premier League defeat to Bournemouth, but Spurs supporters will be made to wait until after the international break to watch him play in Lilywhite.

Speaking from the Netherlands’ camp to Dutch outlet AD, he explained that Frank’s management style convinced him of a move to Spurs.

“I always think the coaches are the most important people to base a decision on,” he said. “As a player, you see a coach more than your family.

"[Frank] told me a lot. Positive things, but also things I need to improve. It's fantastic how he sees football, how he wants to make players better.”

Conversations with managers have been key to Simons’ past transfer moves, but Frank’s pitch was a cut above, leaving him convinced that Hotspur Stadium could be a long-term home: “I heard different things from Thomas Frank than I've heard from other coaches in the past.

“Spurs is the right place for me to develop. And it's great that he was honest, that he wants to improve things for me."

He went on, adding that he was grateful for his time with Leipzig and PSV Eindhoven, after which he feels prepared to step up to the Premier League.

"I am ready for the Premier League now. I'm making the right moves at the right time.

“Taking a big step right away—that's on everyone's mind, I think. But step by step, that's how the best results come."

Simons will appear for the Netherlands in World Cup qualifiers against Poland and Lithuania this week before returning to north London to train with his Spurs teammates for the first time.

The club completed the signing of Xavi Simons last week to finally end their pursuit for a No10 and there is still a desire to add another attacking option to the squad.

PSG have been open to letting Kolo Muani leave all summer, and Spurs have swooped in after talks with Juventus collapsed over the weekend.

Standard Sport understands Kolo Muani will join on loan, with Spurs holding no option or obligation to make the move permanent. The player is currently travelling to undergo a medical.

Thomas Frank only wants signings that will raise the quality of the squad and that has made a centre-back addition difficult, with it tough to find a player close to the level of Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero who is also happy to be a back-up.

Spurs' move for Kolo Muani comes despite the club remaining hopeful that Dominic Solanke is not set for an extended spell on the sidelines.

The forward missed the defeat to Bournemouth on Saturday with an ankle issue that has been bothering him since the early stages of pre-season.

Solanke has had an injection on his ankle and will continue to be assessed over the international break, but Kolo Muani's arrival provides cover should that issue prove to be more serious.

Ademola Lookman could be on the move on deadline day, though it is unlikely that Spurs pursue a deal.

The club have been interested in Lookman this summer, and it is believed he wants to leave Atalanta. Bayern Munich have had a loan offer for the winger rejected.

It is looking increasingly likely that Manor Solomon will still be a Spurs player beyond the close of the window this evening.

Spurs have been open to offers for the 26-year-old this summer, whether that be a permanent sale or a loan, but nothing has materialised.

Solomon instead returned to the Spurs squad for the first time in two years on Saturday and could now be a part of Frank's plans going forward.

Spurs are still trying to move on Bryan Gil before the end of the window. However, while Girona want his contract to be terminated so they can sign the winger, Spurs have no plans to do so and will not allow the Spaniard to leave as a free agent.

Dominic Solanke adds to Spurs’ already lengthy injury list

Tottenham will hope to recover some players during the international break

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Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

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Tottenham have a fortnight to mull over their first Premier League loss of the season.

After impressive wins over Burnley and Manchester City, Spurs produced their worst performance under new head coach Thomas Frank on Saturday as they were convincingly beaten at home by Bournemouth.

While the result says 1-0 to the Cherries, there will be an acknowledgement among Tottenham fans that the visitors could, and perhaps should, have won by a larger margin.

With the first international break of the campaign upon us, Frank’s side don’t have an immediate chance to bounce back from the loss, instead they must wait a couple of weeks before facing West Ham.

There was one positive to come from the Bournemouth game as Destiny Udogie made his return from injury, though the news was soured by Dominic Solanke missing out.

That said, here’s a look at the latest Tottenham injury news.

Dominic Solanke

Tottenham suffered a big blow before kick-off against Bournemouth as Dominic Solanke was not named in the matchday squad.

In fact, in the striker’s absence, Manor Solomon was named on the bench.

The reason for Solanke missing out against his former club was due to an ankle issue, as confirmed by Frank.

He said: “Yeah got a minor issue with his ankle. That’s been a little bit grumbling also in the pre-season.

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“It’s just too much for this game and now we have international break so hopefully he can be ready after that.”

The hope is that Solanke will be fit and available for selection after the international break as his absence against Bournemouth was vital due to the lack of options at Frank’s disposal.

Potential return date: September 13, 2025 vs West Ham (A)

Yves Bissouma

Yves Bissouma remains sidelined as his wait to play his first competitive minutes of 2025-26 goes on.

The midfielder was left out of the Spurs squad to face Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup for disciplinary reasons, and then picked up an injury in training ahead of the Premier League opener against Burnley.

Frank said after the 3-0 win: “Unfortunately he got injured in training yesterday so very unfortunate. An injury we look into how much it is.”

Asked for an update before facing Manchester City, Frank simply confirmed: ”Biss will miss this game.”

Potential return date: Unknown

Sidelined: Yves Bissouma

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Dejan Kulusevski

Thomas Frank says Tottenham are not putting a timeframe on how long Dejan Kulusevski will be out, but admits his injury is “a longer one”.

Kulusevski has been out since undergoing knee surgery in May, with Ange Postecoglou stating then that the Swede would be on the sidelines for “at least a few months”.

As expected, Kulusevski has therefore played no part in pre-season and Frank's only update up to that point was to confirm the 25-year-old will be unavailable for “a long time”.

Recent reports claimed that Kulusevski could be out until 2026 and at his press conference ahead of the trip to Manchester City, Frank said: “No Kulusevski, he's out. That's a longer one, I don't want to put a timeframe on it.”

Potential return date: Early 2026

James Maddison

James Maddison is set to miss most, if not all, of the 2025-26 campaign after rupturing his ACL in pre-season.

The injury came in a pre-season friendly against Newcastle, and he has since undergone 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, but he is expected to miss much of this season.

A club statement 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 out since suffering an ACL injury in February.

Although he is set to be back in team training during the international break, Spurs will be cautious over his return to action.

“Dragusin is on the way back and he's been running for a while,” Frank said.

“I think he should join the team in a week's time, 10 days' time, I think that's the thing, so that's positive, but of course it is an ACL. I'm always a little bit more, not worried, but just aware that it takes time.

Long-term absentee: Radu Dragusin

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“When you've been out of football for nine months, you know, you need to get in. It's not enough to have a six-week pre-season. You need to take a little bit more time, but it's positive and and some surprise and come back quicker, of course.”

Potential return date: Late 2025

Kota Takai

Summer signing Kota Takai is yet to feature for Spurs after picking up a plantar fascia issue.

Takai missed 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."

Potential return date: Unknown

Bryan Gil

Bryan Gil spent last season on loan at Girona but saw his spell in Spain cut short by a knee ligament injury.

He underwent surgery promptly, and the club unsurprisingly opted against making his move permanent.

Potential return date: Unknown

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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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Thomas Frank suffered his first defeat as Tottenham boss as Bournemouth came away from north London with a 1-0 win.

Spurs were impressive in winning their first two Premier League matches of the season but could have no complaints here, with the hosts fortunate not to concede at least two or three more goals.

Evanilson scored after five minutes with a deflected strike and Antoine Semenyo, David Brooks and Marcus Tavernier all went close to extending the advantage.

Here’s how we rated the Spurs players after a frustrating afternoon...

Guglielmo Vicario 7

Too slow at times passing out but three great saves early in second half to keep Spurs in it.

Pedro Porro 4

Miserable afternoon against Antoine Semenyo. Caught out of position several times, poor from crossing positions and two fouls throws to cap off his worst display in a long time.

Cristian Romero 5

Unfortunate to deflect Evanilson’s shot over Vicario and into the net. Tried to rally his team-mates at times but struggled in his battle with Evanilson.

Micky van de Ven 7

Booked for late challenge early on but otherwise did his job better than anyone else in a Spurs shot. Brilliant challenge to block Tavernier’s shot and pace was important against a Bournemouth side keen to look in behind.

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Djed Spence 5

Sloppy defending played Evanilson onside for goal. Switched over to right-back in second half and was not decisive enough when getting forward.

Joao Palhinha 5

Fortunate to avoid a booking for a first-half trip. Off the pace compared to superb display last weekend at the Etihad.

Rodrigo Bentancur 4

Unusually loose on the ball and did not provide the invention Spurs need in the final third when getting forward. Weak display in midfield.

Mohammed Kudus 5

Came alive late on but until then as ineffective as he has been in a Spurs shirt. Not enough of the creative spark seen in recent weeks.

Quiet: Mohammed Kudus

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Pape Matar Sarr 5

Energetic in an advanced midfield role but that was about it. Obvious shortcomings as a No10 in games like this where Spurs dominate the ball.

Brennan Johnson 4

Couple of nice early touches but faded badly and again his decision-making in the final third was poor. Ironic cheers when subbed off early in second-half.

Richarlison 4

Spurs needed him more than ever with Dominic Solanke injured but the Brazilian was anonymous. Unable to hold the ball up and didn’t have a sniff in front of goal.

Substitutes:

Lucas Bergvall (Palhinha 54’) 6

Brought some much-needed creative intent and drive to the midfield, without quite having the end product.

Wilson Odobert (Johnson 54’) 5

Tried to run at the defence and got back well to stop a dangerous counter. Blasted over when the ball dropped to him in the box.

Destiny Udogie (Porro 71’) 5’

Return from injury a rare positive on the day for Spurs. Flicked a header just wide in stoppage time.

Mathys Tel (Sarr 76’) 5’

Unconvincing again. Clear that the Frenchman is low on confidence but acrobatic late effort nearly snatched a point.

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Dominic Solanke has been left out of Tottenham’s squad to face Bournemouth due to an ankle issue.

Thomas Frank named an unchanged starting lineup for the Cherries’ visit to north London, but Solanke is not among the substitutes as he has been for the first two Premier League matches of the season.

Solanke missed the majority of pre-season with an ankle injury, returning to feature off the bench against Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup, and Richarlison’s form since then has limited his opportunities.

That same ankle issue has continued to hamper Solanke and Spurs have decided not to risk him against Bournemouth, with the striker now having the international break to try and return to full fitness.

“Yeah got a minor issue with his ankle,” Frank said. “That’s been a little bit grumbling also in the pre-season.

“It’s just too much for this game and now we have international break so hopefully he can be ready after that.”

With Solanke not fit to make the squad, Manor Solomon has taken his place among the substitutes against Bournemouth.

Spurs have been open to selling the winger this summer and he has not featured under Frank, but he is back in the Spurs squad for the first time since September 2023.

Tottenham are back in Premier League action this afternoon as they welcome Bournemouth to north London. Spurs are riding a wave of momentum at the start of the season with players and supporters alike already buying into new head coach Thomas Frank.

Boosted by last weekend’s impressive 2-0 win over Manchester City away from home, the incentive for Tottenham today is a third straight league win could see them top the table heading into the first international break of the campaign. However, they will be wary of a Cherries side who despite losing some key players in the summer transfer window, do have a decent recent record in this fixture and are more than capable of springing a surprise.

New Tottenham recruit Xavi Simons, unfortunately, has not been signed in time to make his debut this afternoon but Spurs are planning to present the £51million arrival from RB Leipzig to supporters before kick-off. Follow the game LIVE below with our dedicated match blog, featuring expert insight and analysis from Matt Verri at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium!

Tottenham are on the verge of completing the signing of Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig.

The 22-year-old has undergone a medical after a full agreement was reached between the two clubs.

Simons is set to join Spurs in a €60million (£51.9m) deal, with Leipzig also having a sell-on clause.

There are still minor details to be agreed between Simons and the Bundesliga club, but those are not significant and are viewed as a formality.

Chelsea had been in pole position to sign Simons in recent weeks and the player was keen on the move.

However, the Blues did not submit an official bid and Spurs have moved quickly this week to secure the Dutchman’s signature.

Simons is believed to have been in London on Thursday after Leipzig gave him permission to explore a move away from the club.

Talks with Spurs progressed swiftly and the player gave the green light. Simons’ arrival ends a frustrating pursuit of a No10 signing for Spurs.

The club pushed to sign Morgan Gibbs-White earlier this summer, only for the midfielder to agree a new contract at Nottingham Forest.

Spurs then felt they had an agreement for Eberechi Eze, only for Arsenal to swoop and get the deal done instead.

It could be a busy final few days of the transfer window for Spurs, who still remain keen on adding a winger to the squad.