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Xavi Simons has now opened up on his knock, revealing how determined he is to help his Tottenham teammates navigate a serious injury crisis.

Borussia Dortmund are the next side to visit the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, a ground that has been far from a fortress in the Premier League for Tottenham.

In Europe, however, it has been far more imposing, with Spurs boasting a strong home record on the continental stage, having managed a 23-game unbeaten run in Europe.

Last time out, the visitors, Slavia Prague, were thumped 3-0, putting Tottenham in a strong position to push for the automatic qualification places.

Xavi Simons on injury concerns ahead of Tottenham vs Borussia Dortmund

Thomas Frank is desperate for a result, with pressure mounting on the Dane following a run of three consecutive defeats that saw Spurs crash out of the FA Cup and slip closer to the relegation places.

Injuries have not helped matters, with Frank confirming that he has just 11 fit first-team players available, far from ideal when facing Bundesliga heavyweights Borussia Dortmund.

Xavi Simons, who took a knock against West Ham United, has been confirmed as available and has now spoken about his fitness and his willingness to play through pain.

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Speaking to Tottenham channels, the Dutchman first addressed the severity of the knock, saying: “Yeah, it was not a big impact but it is getting better.”

Spurs stretched despite Simons’ commitment as injuries mount

The midfielder also opened up on his willingness to help his teammates despite feeling pains in his leg following the crunching challenge by Bowen last weekend.

Simons added, “I think everyone wants to win, not only the coach, but the players as well, and we want to change this. Especially me, I am a guy who is willing to give everything to win.

“Obviously, if I had really, really, really pain, then I would not play, but it is now a situation that I can handle myself, even though I have a little bit of pain. I want to play the game, I want to help the team and to grow into that.”

Spurs need all the help they can get, and Frank will be hoping his side can dig deep during this period of crisis. The injury list is damning, with Frank’s bench potentially consisting of just two senior outfield players and Kinsky.

Tottenham Hotspur have made a decision regarding Radu Dragusin after the centre-back asked to join AS Roma.

Spurs have already turned down an offer from Roma for Draugsin, but the Serie A club’s interest has not gone away.

It emerged a few days ago that the Tottenham centre-back had put his foot down to demand a move to the Italian club.

That update, which came from Corriere dello Sport, suggested that the Romanian had already agreed personal terms with Roma and that the Serie A club and Spurs were not far apart in their valuation.

Tottenham inform Roma of their Radu Dragusin decision

A new report in Calciomercato.it has now revealed that the Lilywhites have now made a final decision about the 23-year-old’s future.

The Premier League side have not given their approval for Dragusin to complete a move to the Italian capital.

It is revealed that Spurs have ‘closed the door’ on the centre-back’s switch to the Stadio Olimpico during the current transfer window.

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The report claims that Tottenham’s ‘decision is irrevocable’, and the Giallorossi have thus been forced to look at other centre-back options.

Recent injury development may have affected Spurs’ decision

With Kota Takai having been loaned out to Borussia Monchengladbach, it was always unlikely that Tottenham would allow Dragusin to leave without signing another centre-back.

To make matters worse, Ben Davies appears to have suffered a serious injury and could be set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

It seems like the Lilywhites did not find any suitable centre-back option in January, which is why they decided not to risk leaving themselves short by offloading the Romanian.

Rumoured Tottenham target Oliver Glasner has now confirmed how long he will be staying at Crystal Palace amid exit rumours.

Thomas Frank remains confident that he has the trust of the Tottenham hierarchy, but pressure is mounting on the Dane after defeat to West Ham United.

Fabrizio Romano says things are now tense at Tottenham regarding Frank’s future, while there are reports of the Spurs boss losing some internal support at Hotspur Way.

It has been reported by some sources that the Tottenham hierarchy are big admirers of Oliver Glasner, whose contract at Selhurst Park runs out in the summer.

It was claimed by Fabrizio Romano last month that Spurs are on high alert after Glasner decided to set himself up for a new challenge.

Tottenham target Oliver Glasner confirms he will be leaving Crystal Palace

The former Eintracht Frankfurt boss has now revealed that he made the decision a month ago that he will not extend his stay at Selhurst Park.

He confessed that the decision had already been communicated to the Ealges hierarchy, with both parties deciding to go their separate ways after the end of this campaign.

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When asked if he would extend his stay at Palace, Glasner said (via BBC Sport): “A decision has already been taken, months ago. I had a meeting with Steve [Parish] in October, the international break.

“We had a very long talk, and I told him I will not sign a new contract. We agreed at the time that it was best to keep it between us. It’s the best that we could do, and keep it confidential for three months.

“But now it’s important to have clarity, and we had a very busy schedule, so that’s why we didn’t want to talk about it. Steve and I want the best for Crystal Palace.”

After some tense disagreements amid Marc Guehi’s transfer to Man City, it is said that Palace and Glasner have since called a truce and will remain together for the time being (Guardian).

Spurs are prepared to make a big call to wait for Glasner

With the 51-year-old only becoming available next summer, Tottenham would have to wait for several months to get their top target, but that does not mean they will stick with Frank until then.

Football Insider claimed a couple of days ago that Spurs are open to sacking Frank and appointing an interim manager until Glasner is on the market, even though that would not be their preference.

The same outlet claimed that the Lilywhites could face competition from Man United for the Palace boss in the summer, with the Red Devils having appointed Michael Carrick as their interim head coach until the end of the season.

The Independent’s Miguel Delaney has revealed that Tottenham Hotspur are operating with a new attitude in the January transfer window and revealed what the club’s objectives are over the next two weeks.

This is Tottenham’s first transfer window of the post-Daniel Levy era, and we have already seen some big changes in the way the club are operating.

Spurs agreed the sale of Brennan Johnson to Crystal Palace just days into the transfer window, which marks a big departure from the club’s negotiation strategy under Levy, where they often pushed deals to the final days of the window in the hope of gaining a few extra million.

Tottenham also acted quickly to secure Conor Gallagher from under Aston Villa’s nose, with the deal being signed, sealed and delivered in a matter of just days.

Tottenham’s Conor Gallagher signing shows their new attitude

Miguel Delaney has now said that the Gallagher deal is evidence of how Tottenham have changed how they operate, explaining that they were presented with a chance to hijack the deal and did not hesitate.

The journalist also confirmed what we have heard from other sources over recent days by stating that the Lilywhites are now ready to press ahead with a move for Monaco’s Maghnes Akliouche.

Delaney wrote in his Inside Football newsletter for the Independent: “While the Conor Gallagher signing genuinely came out of nowhere – this newsletter reported on Monday that he was heading to Aston Villa, with Spurs reportedly considering passing – it is now being seen as a sign of a new attitude at White Hart Lane. The club was told there was an opportunity and chose to act, effectively gazumping Villa.

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“It may also be the first of several signings, as there is still considerable budget for the summer and Spurs are looking to bring in another attacker. The Independent reported this week that Monaco’s Maghnes Akliouche is once again a target, as the club looks to bolster its attack.”

Can Tottenham really make big signings amid Thomas Frank uncertainty?

Thomas Frank has never been under more pressure than he is right now in North London. Even his own Tottenham fans chanted ‘you’re getting sacked in the morning’ after defeat to West Ham.

As a result, Fabrizio Romano reports that things are very tense at Tottenham, and Mauricio Pochettino has even been linked with a potential Spurs return.

Journalist George Sessions is confident that a Ligue 1 attacker could end up at Tottenham Hotspur in the next six months.

Tottenham have bolstered their midfield with the addition of Conor Gallagher, while they have also added to their backline, with Brazilian left-back Souza expected to arrive at N17.

Many fans would expect that signing a winger is next on the club’s agenda, with Spurs allegedly looking at various wide players around the continent.

It has been claimed over recent days that a 23-year-old Ligue 1 star is emerging as Spurs’ top target, and one journalist believes the player will end up at Hotspur Way.

Tottenham expected to win the race for Monaco’s Maghnes Akliouche

It has been suggested that Spurs are attracted by Maghnes Akliouche’s versatility, and that has now been backed up by journalist George Sessions.

He stated that he expects the France international to be a Tottenham player, either in January or at the end of the season.

Sessions told GiveMeSport’s Market Madness podcast: “I think, probably the one that I feel like it’s going to happen this window or maybe in the summer, it feels like Maghnes Akliouche actually is one to keep an eye on.

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“Spurs were interested in the summer. I mean, Monaco kind of expected him to be sold in the summer. €70million (£60.7million) price tag, I think, put a few clubs off.

“And because they couldn’t sell, they actually sort of struggle to reinvest and boost their squad like they’d hoped. But I think Monaco are ready that he is going to be leaving at some point.

“And although he’s not a left midfielder, he’s somebody that can play on the right, is left-footed, can come inside and play in the 10 as well as the left. He feels like, if Spurs are going to sign anyone this month, that they’re probably going to be looking at someone like that.”

Spurs can sign Akliouche on a discount this month

Sessions asserted that Tottenham do not have any plans to shatter their transfer record during the current transfer window. However, they do not need to do that to land Akliouche, as Monaco’s asking price for the youngster has dropped drastically since the summer.

Sessions added: “[Akliouche] is a really good player, but he’s not going to be €70 million. I think his price is going closer to €50 million (£43.3 million), which is generally where Spurs are doing their business – even though there has been a change and Daniel Levy has left.

Tottenham are one of several Premier League clubs circling a Championship starlet, but he won’t come cheap in January.

Spurs have strengthened their midfield with the addition of Conor Gallagher from Atletico Madrid, but the former Chelsea man may not be the only midfielder to arrive through the door at Hotspur Way.

Reports indicate that Tottenham are also exploring the possibility of adding a creative passer to their midfield. However, it remains to be seen whether the club do it this transfer window or put off the pursuit until the summer.

A new report has now revealed that a Championship star, who is continuing to dominate in the English second-tier, has emerged as an option for the Lilywhites.

Tottenham eyeing move for Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney

TEAMtalk have now named Tottenham as one of the clubs leading the race for Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney, who has arguably emerged as the best player in the Championship over the last few years.

The centre midfielder has scored three goals and provided six assists in 26 league appearances this term, and his performances are one of the main reasons Boro are sitting in second place in the table.

The outlet claims that despite signing Gallagher, Tottenham Hotspur are exploring a move for the 23-year-old Championship midfielder as the North Londoners eye making further reinforcements to their squad over the next two weeks.

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However, Boro are reluctant to sell their star man mid-season, particularly given that they are making a promotion push this term.

How much would Spurs have to pay for Hackney?

TEAMtalk say that Tottenham are not the only top-flight side eyeing the former England U21 international, with Man United, Fulham and Everton also keeping an eye on the player’s situation.

Michael Carrick, who has been appointed as United’s interim head coach, is said to be a fan of Hackney and could try to lure the player to Old Trafford.

Boro have put a £30m valuation on the midfielder amidst the growing interest, which would make him the biggest sale in the club’s history. However, the Teessiders do not expect their asking price to be met this month.

Tottenham Hotspur fans will not like what Alan Brazil and Gabby Agbonlahor have just advised one of the club’s best players to do.

Spurs fans would have been hoping that last season’s 17th-place finish was an aberration, but that may not prove to be the case, with Tottenham now sitting in 14th place after 22 league matches.

That not only makes it difficult for the Lilywhites to attract world-class players but potentially also raises question marks over the long-term futures of the few world-class players in the squad.

One of those is undoubtedly Micky van de Ven, who is reportedly wanted by some of the biggest clubs in Europe.

Micky van de Ven told to avoid singing new contract with Tottenham

Reports over recent weeks have indicated that Spurs are now prioritising tying down Van de Ven to a new deal.

The Lilywhites are allegedly willing to make the 24-year-old their highest-paid player to convince him to sign on the dotted line.

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However, Gabby Agbonlahor believes the defender should be aiming much higher than Spurs, and urged him to snub the North Londoners’ contract offer.

The former Aston Villa striker told talkSPORT about Van de Ven: “I feel sorry for him in the sense that he deserves to be playing at a bigger club. He won’t stay at Spurs. Don’t sign a new deal there, Van de Ven. You deserve better than Spurs.”

Premier League giants urged to buy Van de Ven from Spurs

Over the last few weeks, some outlets have revealed that Real Madrid are closely watching Van de Ven’s performances, while it has emerged over recent days that the Tottenham man is also on Barcelona’s wishlist.

However, Alan Brazil feels that Man City may be the one to watch for in the race for the Dutchman.

The talkSPORT host said about the centre-back: “For me, he is the one I’d be buying. I bet his agent is driving him mad. I think he could just slot in at Man City”, to which Agbonlahor replied: “100 per cent, straight away.”

Thomas Frank has shed light on what he took from Vinani Venkatesham’s open letter to the Tottenham Hotspur fan base.

Frank’s job is now reported to be in serious threat after Tottenham fell to another defeat at home on Saturday, this time to a West Ham team sitting in the relegation zone.

The Spurs fans have made it clear that they want to see a managerial change, with the Dane’s future at the club thus appearing to be in serious doubt.

This comes just a few days after a letter by the Spurs CEO to the supporters regarding the lack of connection between the fans and the club.

Thomas Frank reacts to Vinai Venkatesham’s letter to Tottenham supporters

In his letter, Venkatesham wrote that the club are committed to rebuilding the lost connections with the fans, and insisted that Spurs are taking steps to bridge that gap.

The Tottenham CEO also promised fans that the club will be more proactive in its recruitment, insisting that the Lilywhites are ready to show more ambition.

Frank has now claimed that he saw the letter as evidence that the club’s hierarchy understands that Tottenham are in a transitional phase.

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When asked whether he read Venkatesham’s open letter and what he thought about the tone of it, the Dane responded (via Football.London): “Yes, I have seen the letter, and I took six to eight positive things out of the letter. Not apparently the negative thing. What I take out of that letter is that a club and an executive team with Vinai on top that are aligned and know this is a big transitional phase.

“It’s a super-tanker we’re turning in the right direction and there are a lot of good signs behind the scenes and also in some of the performances, but of course when you lose last-minute to one of your rivals, it is very emotional football and there will be noise. That noise we need to keep out there (away) and get head down and keep walking, keep doing the right thing.”

Why Venkatesham’s promise may be ominous for Frank

The fact that the club’s hierarchy has spelt out their desire to showcase ambition may be ominous for Frank.

Sticking with a manager despite the club finding themselves sitting in 14th place in the table after 22 matches will certainly not be perceived as an ambitious decision.

Vinai Venkatesham has addressed Tottenham Hotspur supporters directly, with the chief executive outlining how the club view its relationship with fans and the broader direction for the future.

Tottenham Hotspur supporters have not been best pleased with the direction their club is heading and have even organised their first post-Daniel Levy protest.

However, Spurs’ higher-ups remain keen on improving their relationship with fans, given the recent disconnect and dissatisfaction among supporters.

CEO Vinai Venkatesham has often mentioned how he is closely working with supporters and implementing their suggestions around the club as Spurs look to improve their relationship with fans.

Nevertheless, a rift has remained between supporters and the club, with boos often echoing around the stadium following defeats, and the chief executive has now sent a message to supporters.

Vinai Venkatesham sends message to Tottenham supporters

In a letter published in the matchday programme ahead of the West Ham United fixture, Venkatesham focused on the importance of reconnecting the club with its fanbase.

Highlighting the steps being taken to rebuild that relationship, the Tottenham chief executive said: “Perhaps most importantly, we know there is distance between the Club and our supporters and we are committed to rebuilding that connection.

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“With your input we have introduced initiatives such as the new Sonny mural, ticketing changes and a trial singing section and we will continue to work closely with the Fan Advisory Board.

“Making matches more accessible for younger fans is a priority and we will be reviewing concession policies for junior supporters and young adults ahead of next season.

“We want Tottenham Hotspur to be a club that feels open, welcoming and connected to the communities it represents.”

Venkatesham also addressed recent off-pitch appointments and the club’s wider ambitions, adding: “To strengthen engagement, we appointed Kate Miller as Chief Communications Officer in November and Adam Gardiner as Chief Marketing Officer this month.

“Along with Rafi, they form part of a newly established Executive Team under my leadership, reflecting a more modern and collaborative structure.

“I want to be clear that our ambition extends beyond the Men’s team. We are committed to raising the competitive level of our Women’s team and have invested significantly during the January transfer window, with early signs of progress already evident this season. Growing the support and following for Spurs Women is a key focus for us going forward.

“I appreciate this has been a lengthy update, but I wanted to be open about where we want to be and how we are working to get there. Tottenham Hotspur cannot exist without you, our supporters.

“We are built on the loyalty, passion and commitment of those who follow us, and we do not underestimate what supporting our club means. Your dedication matters. Thank you for your ongoing support. We are determined to deliver a future that reflects it.”

Will Spurs actions match the words?

On paper, these steps appear positive from a club that seems intent on getting things right.

However, as always, the issue lies with execution, with many supporters primarily focused on seeing their side perform well and compete with the very best.

Thomas Frank has now opened up on Tottenham Hotspur’s transfer strategy following the fan protest against the current ownership. But will Frank even be at Hotspur Way to welcome any further January signings?

Tottenham Hotspur supporters have been vocal throughout the season, making their frustrations clear both inside and outside the stadium.

Boos and chants have frequently been heard at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with sections of the fanbase unconvinced by the overall direction of the club.

A larger-scale protest was organised ahead of the West Ham United match, with disgruntled fans unhappy with Tottenham’s transfer strategy and the lack of communication from the hierarchy regarding the club’s long-term plan.

Thomas Frank on Tottenham transfer strategy amid fan protests

Thomas Frank also addressed concerns around Tottenham’s transfer strategy before the West Ham game, stressing that actions, rather than words, will ultimately determine how the club’s plans are judged.

Speaking to football.london, the Tottenham head coach explained how he believes the club can begin to shift perceptions among supporters.

He said: “I think in terms of the transfer strategy, we can only prove that by good signings and doing things the right way, and if someone is negative and there is a bad history or whatever it is, the only way we can prove it is by changing it.

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“Of course, I can sit up here and talk a lot, but we need to show it by actions. So that is what we are doing, and I will just say behind the scenes, the strategy, the structure, the process in place looks good and looks like the real thing, but we need to just show it consistently. I think the Conor Gallagher signing was a good step in the right direction.”

However, with Tottenham weighing up a potential manager change, it remains to be seen whether Frank will be the man to welcome any future transfers.

Vinai Venkatesham sends message to Spurs fans before planned protest

Vinai Venkatesham has also addressed Spurs supporters, opening up on the club’s transfer plans for the future.

Frank has hinted that Tottenham are exploring moves for forward options during the winter window, particularly in light of their injury issues.

Venkatesham also spoke about plans to improve the youth system, with a focus on integrating more academy players into the first team.