London Evening Standard

Tottenham accused of editing minutes of fans' meeting

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Tottenham have been accused of selectively editing the minutes of a fans' meeting held earlier this month, including taking out a line saying the club "welcomed the input" of supporters.

Representatives of the Spurs board, including chief executive Vinai Venkatesham, met with the Tottenham Hotspur Supporters' Trust on February 3, just over a week before Thomas Frank's dismissal as head coach.

THST says there were a number of specific points raised in the meeting "which the club did not agree to include in the final published version, despite our request".

Among the lines THST says were taken out were: "The club welcomed the input of THST."

Also edited out, THST claims, was a section outlining fans' concern at the risk of relegation from the Premier League, and that the belief generated from winning the Europa League last season had now been "lost".

Concerns around the lack of young players coming through, the club's ability to generate profit and what specific on-field targets lay beneath 'strategic principles' set out by the club were also requested to be included but left out, THST said.

"Publishing a full record of the points raised helps ensure accountability and allows members, and the wider fan-base, to understand how the Trust is fulfilling its role on their behalf," a statement published on the THST website read.

"Transparency is integral to our role and in our dealings with the club."

Tottenham declined to comment, but sources close to the club indicated there was no intention to sanitise the minutes and had sought to produce a factual account of the matters discussed.

Spurs sit 16th in the Premier League with 12 matches to go, five points above the bottom three.

Arsenal injury holder

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Arsenal get Wolves injury boost and hopeful of more good news for Spurs - London Evening Standard
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Arsenal have been boosted by the fitness of Riccardo Calafiori for their trip to Wolves.

Martin Odegaard will miss the game at Molineux on Wednesday but Mikel Arteta hopes the Arsenal captain will be fit for Sunday’s north London derby at Tottenham.

Arteta has also confirmed Kai Havertz could return against Spurs, while Ben White is fit after feeling his hamstring against Wigan in the FA Cup on Sunday.

Calafiori had been due to start against Wigan but suffered a problem in the warm-up and was replaced in the starting line-up.

That was the second time Calafiori has pulled out ahead of kick-off this season, having also done so against Brighton in December.

Speaking on Tuesday, Arteta said on Calafiori and White: “[Calafiori] is fine. He was training with us today, he is feeling better and hopefully he is fit for tomorrow.

“[Ben] was just a bit of fatigue, obviously he did a lot in the game and by the end of it he was feeling a bit of tightness in the hamstring, but he is fine.”

Arteta ruled Odegaard out of the trip to Molineux, but the Gunners hope to have their captain back for the north London derby this weekend.

”For Wolves he is not going to be fit, but for Sunday we are very hopeful he can be with us,” Arteta said.

There was some surprising news when Arteta was asked about any further injury updates.

Havertz had been expected to miss the Spurs match with a muscle problem, but Arteta suggested the German could play some part at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

“Kai is another one for the weekend is a possibility, we're looking forward to having him in the squad,” Arteta said.

Igor Tudor takes Tottenham training and immediately sets sights on Arsenal

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Igor Tudor takes Tottenham training and immediately sets sights on Arsenal - London Evening Standard
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Igor Tudor got straight down to work at Tottenham on Monday and started working on his plan for Sunday’s north London derby against Arsenal.

Tudor took training for the first time as Spurs players returned to Hotspur Way after five days off following last Tuesday’s 2-1 defeat to Newcastle.

After being granted a work permit, Tudor flew to London with his agent Anthony Seric on Sunday and addressed the players for the first time on Monday afternoon.

He then led his first session and Spurs players have been left in no doubt that the hard work has started as they bid to pull away from relegation danger, with it made clear that Tudor will bring “intensity”.

The squad are said to have become bored with Frank’s training sessions, which sources claiming were slow and overly tactical.

But there will be no rest under Tudor, a demanding coach who expects players to give everything in training and in games.

The 47-year-old Croatian, who has been appointed on a deal until the end of the season following the departure of Thomas Frank, has a week on the training ground to prepare for Arsenal and has immediately started preparing for the mission of beating the Gunners.

Tudor has no Premier League experience but Spurs believe he has a track record of making an “immediate impact” at clubs mid-season.

He has favoured a back three but it remains to be seen which formation he will use against Arsenal, with Spurs short of centre-backs with Cristian Romero suspended and Kevin Danso injured.

Pictured: Igor Tudor takes Tottenham training for first time since interim head coach appointment

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Pictured: Tudor takes Spurs training for first time since appointment - London Evening Standard
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Tottenham injury update: Pedro Porro, Richarlison, Kevin Danso latest news and return dates

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Tottenham injury update: Porro, Richarlison, Danso latest return dates - London Evening Standard
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New Spurs boss Igor Tudor could have players back for Arsenal showdown

Injury latest: Richarlison, Pedro Porro and Kevin Danso

Standard Sport

Arthur Ferridge

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Your matchday briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Sam Tabuteau

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Igor Tudor has inherited a Tottenham squad decimated by injuries.

But the new Spurs head coach could be boosted by the return of some players for Sunday’s huge north London derby against Arsenal.

Spurs have been hit by another injury crisis this season and suffered a fresh blow last week when Wilson Odobert ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.

Tudor has taken over a Spurs squad missing as many as 11 first-team players, while Cristian Romero remains suspended for their next three games.

But Spurs could be boosted by the return of some key players for the Arsenal game.

Here’s all the latest Tottenham injury news and potential return dates...

Pedro Porro

Pedro Porro has been out since suffering a hamstring injury in the 2-2 draw at Burnley last month.

Porro has missed the last four Spurs games but the right-back has been pushing to return in time to face Arsenal.

Pedro Porro has been pushing to return in time for the north London derby

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Speaking at the end of January, former Spurs boss Thomas Frank was asked with Porro could be back for the north London derby.

“That could be a dream scenario, and it just could happen,” said Frank. “We will know a little bit more when we get closer - but it's in that bracket.”

Potential return date: February 22 vs Arsenal (H)

Richarlison

Richarlison was initially ruled out for up to seven weeks when he suffered a hamstring injury in the FA Cup win against Aston Villa on January 10.

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But, like Porro, Frank said last month that the Brazilian could potentially return in time to face Arsenal.

Richarlison was injured against Aston Villa on January 10.

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Richarlison is Spurs' top scorer this season with seven goals in 21 Premier League games and his return to fitness would be a major boost given the injury crisis.

Tudor will provide an update on the fitness of Richarlison and Porro when he holds his press conference ahead of the Arsenal game.”

Potential return date: February 22 vs Arsenal (H)

Kevin Danso

Kevin Danso snapped the ligament in his big toe in the 2-0 Champions League win over Eintracht Frankfurt on January 28.

Danso has missed games against Manchester City, Manchester United and Newcastle, and his injury comes at a time when Spurs are missing Romero through suspension.

Speaking last week ahead of the Newcastle game, Frank issued the latest update on Danso.

Frank said: “He met the consultant. It's going forward, but it's still weeks before he's available.”

Potential return date: Late February/early March

Destiny Udogie

Destiny Udogie has once again been struck down by a hamstring injury.

The left-back was injured in the 2-0 defeat at Old Trafford on February 7 and was last week ruled out for up to five weeks.

Destiny Udogie suffered a hamstring injury against Manchester United

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"Unfortunately, Destiny has a hamstring injury and will be out for the next four to five weeks,” said Frank before he was sacked.

Potential return date: Mid-March

Mohammed Kudus

Mohammed Kudus has been out since suffering a hamstring injury in the 1-1 draw with Sunderland on January 4.

Kudus was initially ruled out until after the March international break, and reports last week said the winger was in Amsterdam to see a specialist as he bids to return.

Kudus travelled back to Amsterdam to consult a trusted expert from his time at Ajax and is still said to be targeting a return to full training after the March international break.

Potential return date: April

Lucas Bergvall

Lucas Bergvall could be sidelined for three months after ankle surgery.

Bergvall was injured in the 2-0 Champions League win over Borussia Dortmund on January 20.

Spurs have not given a timescale on his recovery but the midfielder is set to be unavailable for a significant period of time.

Potential return date: April/May

Wilson Odobert

Wilson Odobert suffered a serious knee injury against Newcastle last week and Spurs confirmed he would have surgery.

Wilson Odobert suffered a serious knee injury against Newcastle

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Odobert is the latest long-term injury problem at Spurs, who said in a statement: “Wilson will see a specialist next week before undergoing surgery, and will then commence his rehabilitation with our medical staff. We're all behind you, Wilson.”

Spurs have not put a timescale on his return but he will not be back until next season.

Potential return date: Late 2026

Dejan Kulusevski

Dejan Kulusevski has been out since the end of last season with a patella injury.

Reports in Sweden last week claimed Kulusevski is “nowhere near stepping out” on the pitch.

Just before he was sacked, Frank said he was unsure if Kulusevski would play again this season.

“It's a complicated injury where it’s important to make sure there’s no pain in the knee,” said Frank. “That’s why he got an injection and it hopefully will help. So in three to four weeks’ time, he’ll be on the grass pain-free."

Posting on Instagram last week, Kulusevski shared a video of himself in the gym at Hotspur Way going through an intensive set of single-legged squats with his injured right leg.

Potential return date: Unknown

Rodrigo Bentancur

Rodrigo Bentancur was ruled out for three months after undergoing hamstring surgery in mid-January.

It means Bentancur is set to miss the majority of the rest of the season..

Potential return date: Spring 2026

Ben Davies

Ben Davies could have played his last game for Spurs after suffering a broken ankle in the 2-1 defeat to West Ham last month.

Davies has under a second operation and is a doubt for the World Cup should Wales qualify.

The left-sided defender has been at Spurs for 12 years, playing 448 games, but is out of contract at the end of the season.

Potential return date: Unknown

James Maddison

Potential return date: Summer 2026

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Who is Igor Tudor? Attack-focused coach set to sign as Tottenham interim boss

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Who is Igor Tudor? Attack-focused coach to sign as Spurs interim boss - London Evening Standard
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Journeyman manager was once scouted by Fabio Paratici and has worked alongside Andrea Pirlo

Inbound: Igor Tudor is set to sign with Tottenham

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Arthur Ferridge

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Your matchday briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Sam Tabuteau

I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.

Igor Tudor is set to sign as interim head coach at Tottenham in a move which it is hoped will rescue the club from the threat of relegation.

Standard Sport reported on Friday that the 47-year-old Croat had agreed a deal to take charge of the north London club until the end of the season, and that he could be considered for a permanent deal should he impress over the next few months.

He will be tasked with reversing the club’s fortunes after Thomas Frank’s dismal six-month tenure ended earlier this week. The club are languishing in 16th place in the Premier League - just five points above the drop zone - with two wins in their last 11 matches.

Tudor, who is expected to debut in the dugout at the north London derby later this month, must get right down to work as he looks to steady the ship, quiet talk of relegation and win over a disillusioned fanbase.

He promises to bring a brand of “courageous and intensive” football, but it remains to be seen whether he will have the desired impact at Tottenham.

Here’s everything you need to know about Igor Tudor...

Who is Igor Tudor?

Tudor turned to management after a credible 13-year playing career, mostly spent with Juventus and boyhood club Hajduk Split.

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An uncompromising but injury-prone centre-back, he played 55 times for Croatia and became a two-time Serie A champion before hanging up his boots in 2008.

As a manager he has proven something of a journeyman, never staying long in any of his roles. The Tottenham job will be his twelfth head-coach position since he made his managerial debut with Hajduk in 2013. He has also worked with Galatasaray, Lazio and Udinese.

Despite playing as a centre-back, Tudor sells an attacking, front-footed brand of football, one which should stand in stark contrast to Frank’s pragmatic approach.

Speaking after taking over Marseille in 2022, he said of his tactical style: “I want courageous and intensive football, not only uniquely based on the defence.

Igor Tudor in his playing days with Juventus

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“I want people who come to the stadium to be entertained and not disappointed. It’s inevitable that there’s a part of Italy in me, because I worked there for a long time.

“You have to pick players that are adapted to the game with passion and desire – I’m sure we will get to that point.”

Crucially, Tudor’s style has proven effective in other short-term roles.

He has been out of work since October 2025, when he was sacked by Juventus having gone winless in eight matches, calling time on his second stint with the club.

The first came when he was scouted by ex-Spurs sporting director Fabio Paratici to join Andrea Pirlo’s backroom staff, a post he later left after falling out with the legendary midfielder.

Fabio Paratici brought Igor Tudor to Juventus for his first coaching stint in Turin

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He returned in March 2025 as head coach and breathed life into a side left drifting after the departure of Thiago Motta.

Tudor instilled a direct, man-to-man style of play which briefly revitalised the Bianconeri, who lost only one of his first 11 matches in charge as he employed a three-at-the-back setup.

Those changes saw him through the end of his first campaign with Juventus, but after exiting the Club World Cup in the round of 16, he struggled to get his side back to form and was dismissed.

That short-term impact could be precisely what Tottenham need to get their season over the line, though, with the club set to consider their options in the summer.

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