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Tottenham have made a flying start under Thomas Frank, but the injury list is already growing with Destiny Udogie, Dejan Kulusevski, and James Maddison all out.

Thomas Frank would be delighted with the start to life he has had at Tottenham Hotspur this season, with his side picking up two wins in their opening two Premier League games.

Victories over newly promoted Burnley and former Premier League champions Manchester City have placed Tottenham second in the table, level on points with Arsenal but behind only on goal difference.

It is all the more impressive given that Frank has not yet had a fully fit squad to work with, as injuries have already hit his side early in the campaign.

The Standard has now provided the latest on every Tottenham player currently sidelined, including updates on the fitness of Destiny Udogie, Yves Bissouma, James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski.

Destiny Udogie, who missed Tottenham’s pre-season tour of Asia after suffering a knee injury while warming up for a friendly against Luton, is understood to be edging closer to a return after resuming training with his team-mates last week. His comeback could arrive when Spurs face Bournemouth at home on Saturday, 30 August.

As for Yves Bissouma, the Malian midfielder has endured a frustrating start to the campaign. He was left out of the UEFA Super Cup squad due to disciplinary reasons and then picked up a knock in training ahead of the Burnley game. He has yet to make an appearance this season, with no clear return date confirmed at present.

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Meanwhile, Dejan Kulusevski is still recovering from knee surgery carried out in May. The Swedish international has not featured at all this season, and while Thomas Frank has not pinned down a timeline, the expectation is that he may not return until early 2026.

James Maddison’s absence has left an even bigger hole in midfield, with the playmaker sidelined after tearing his ACL in a pre-season friendly against Newcastle United. The England international is set to miss the majority of the campaign, with April 2026 marked as a possible return date.

Spurs still battling more injury setbacks

Radu Dragusin, who also suffered an ACL injury during a Europa League clash with Elfsborg back in January, remains unavailable. The Romanian defender has taken positive steps in his recovery and recently returned to the training pitch, with a late 2025 return considered realistic.

New signing Kota Takai has yet to feature for Tottenham after picking up a plantar fascia injury during pre-season. Speaking about the situation, Frank said: “Kota got a plantar fascia injury, unfortunately we do not know the scale of it – weeks.” His return remains unclear.

Manor Solomon, who returned to Spurs after an impressive loan spell with Leeds United last season, has also been kept out by a mystery issue.

The Israeli winger missed the entire pre-season schedule but has now returned to training. He is unlikely to feature before September 2025.

Tottenham supporters have been quick to share their thoughts on which number ten the club should target after missing out on Nico Paz.

Tottenham Hotspur are still without a recognised number ten despite the summer transfer window entering its final week.

Spurs’ pursuit of Nico Paz ended abruptly, as the youngster made it clear that his priority remains centred on forcing his way back into Real Madrid’s first-team picture rather than making the move to north London.

The rejection has left Tottenham scrambling for alternatives, with James Maddison sidelined for a lengthy spell and Dejan Kulusevski also expected to miss several matches in the opening months of the season.

Tottenham fans name number ten targets after Nico Paz rejection

Following the setback in their chase for Nico Paz, we put the question directly to Spurs fans on social media – which number ten would they want to see arrive at the club?

The responses were lively and varied, with plenty of strong opinions. One supporter pushed for a clear choice by insisting: “El Khannous 100%.”

Another Tottenham fan argued: “Paqueta is the last option I think,” while yet another echoed the sentiment simply with “Paqueta.”

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Suggestions came thick and fast, including a bold call for a return move for Morgan Gibbs-White: “Hear me out. Go for MGW again.”

Another fan urged: “Get Yildiz with that 70m,” while there was a shout for Akliouche with: “We need to go all out for him before the window closes.”

Barcelona’s Fermin Lopez was also mentioned, with one fan noting: “Fermin Lopez would cook for us. Cheeky 50 mil.”

The push for Lucas Paqueta kept reappearing, with one supporter explaining: “Paqueta is the best of the options available. Prem experienced, and has the qualities Frank likes.”

Spurs options and the number ten dilemma under Thomas Frank

So far, Thomas Frank has managed to get results without a specialist number ten, guiding Tottenham to two wins from their opening Premier League matches while using Pape Matar Sarr in an improvised role further forward.

However, if Spurs are serious about competing on multiple fronts this season, the squad depth must be addressed.

Last year served as a harsh reminder of what injuries can do to a campaign, with Ange Postecoglou forced to juggle his side despite having ten players sidelined at one point.

It will be fascinating to see where Tottenham turn in these final days of the window, with Premier League-proven options such as Lucas Paqueta and Morgan Rogers still in the market, alongside younger talents that could shape the future of the team.

Alan Shearer was mightily impressed with three of Tottenham’s stars against Manchester City, lavishing praise on them for the aggression that they showed to suffocate the home side.

While Tottenham sides have gone to the Etihad Stadium and won in the past, in almost all of those games, the Lilywhites have had spells where their goal was peppered and had to defend with their backs to the wall.

However, that was not the case at all on Saturday, with Tottenham looking very comfortable and Guglielmo Vicario not having too many saves to make.

Thomas Frank admitted that he is over the moon with Spurs’ clean sheet, and Shearer believes that Tottenham’s impressive performance was particularly down to three players.

Alan Shearer praises Tottenham’s midfield trio

After starting with two teenagers in Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall against Burnley, Frank went back to the experienced pairing of Rodrigo Bentancur and Joao Palhinha in Manchester.

The pair proved an impassable wall in front of the back four while Pape Sarr suffocated the City midfielders with his energy. Shearer labelled the performance from the Tottenham trio a ‘midfield masterclass’,

The Newcastle legend told BBC Match of the Day: “It was a midfield masterclass from those three, Sarr, Bentancur and Palhinha. They pressed, they were aggressive and they invited the short pass. If they didn’t win the first tackle, they won the second tackle – that was a constant all afternoon from those three.

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“Tackles, blocks, look at this block from Palhinha – he could be a fantastic signing for Tottenham Hotspur, so many last-ditch tackles, the timing of them were absolutely perfect. Those numbers there tell you they absolutely dominated that midfield battle today, all three were magnificent, it was great to watch.”

Joao Palhinha has proven to be an inspired signing for Tottenham

There has been a lot of noise over the past week about the players that Spurs have missed out on this summer.

However, two signings that Tottenham have made – Mohammed Kudus and Joao Palhinha – have both been inspired signings, who have significantly improved Spurs’ starting eleven.

While Tottenham have not given up on Savinho yet, they have identified an alternative for the Brazilian, fearing Manchester City will continue to block his move to N17.

Some sources have indicated that Tottenham are prepared to do everything in their power to land Savinho after missing out on Eberechi Eze.

However, a move for the 21-year-old is proving difficult for Spurs as Man City are continuing to block Savinho’s departure.

It was reported earlier this month by Paul O’Keefe Tottenham are considering Maghnes Akliouche as an alternative for Savinho, and this has now been backed up by another transfer insider.

Maghnes Akliouche would be cheaper than Savinho

It was recently reported by L’Equipe that Monaco want €70m (£60m) for Maghnes Akliouche this summer.

The outlet added that the 23-year-old may stay put at Monaco since none of his suitors are willing to meet the price tag.

However, O’Rourke has said that the feeling at Hotspur Way is that the versatile French attacker would be a cheaper option than the Man City man.

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O’Rourke told Football Insider: “[Tottenham] have shown interest in Savinho at Manchester City, but City have rebuffed their interest so far, saying they don’t want to lose Savinho. They’re trying to price the Brazilian out of a move, so Tottenham are looking at potential alternatives to him.

“The one that seems to be catching their eye at the minute is Monaco star Maghnes Akliouche, a 23-year-old who is a very talented young player, and would be a cheaper alternative to Savinho as well.”

Could Tottenham sign both Akliouche and Savinho?

While O’Rourke and other sources seem to suggest that Akliouche is a backup for Savinho, the reality is that they are both different players.

While the Monaco man can play on the right, he arguably does his best work as a number ten rather than on the flanks.

That is perhaps why some sources have suggested that Spurs had made advances towards Akliouche after being snubbed by Eze. The possibility of Tottenham making moves for both the Moncao and Man City stars cannot be ruled out.

It has now emerged that Real Madrid played a major hand in ensuring Tottenham’s huge offer for Nico Paz was rejected on Sunday.

Spurs are now in a race against time to bring a number ten through the door, with only a week left until the transfer window slams shut.

It was claimed by Gianluca Di Marzio on Saturday that Spurs will return with an improved offer for Paz after their €40m (£34.6m) offer was rejected at the start of August.

That bid came on Sunday evening, with Tottenham reportedly sending a €70m (£60.7m) bid to Como for Paz, but that too was turned down by the Serie A club.

What Real Madrid did after Tottenham’s big offer for Nico Paz

Fabrizio Romano has explained on his YouTube channel that Real Madrid have control over Paz even though he is officially a Como player.

This is because the La Liga giants have the right to match any offer for the 20-year-old, a 50 per cent sell-on clause, and a buy-back clause for next summer worth just £10m.

Romano has pointed out that Como would have only received £30m even if Tottenham Hotspur’s £60m had been accepted due to Madrid’s sell-on clause.

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Further, the journalist adds that Los Blancos contacted the Serie A club to make it clear that they are willing to match any bid that Spurs make and are willing to compensate them in the future for rejecting the North London club’s offers.

Paz wants to stay at Como despite Spurs bid

Additionally, Romano reveals in his YouTube video that despite Tottenham’s interest, Nico Paz is keen to continue working with Cesc Fabregas, having developed a good relationship with the Spanish coach.

He explains that the youngster’s priority is to play regularly this season to give himself the best chance of being in Argentina’s team for next year’s World Cup.

As a result, the attacking midfielder has decided to stay at Stadio Comunale, and Romano adds that his move to N17 is not progressing at the moment.

Alasdair Gold has reacted to reports of Tottenham Hotspur pressing ahead with a move for Piero Hincapie, and has revealed what the North London club’s top priorities are in the final week of the transfer window.

Last week, Tottenham insider Paul O’Keefe revealed that Spurs want to sign a number ten, a winger and a centre-back before the window slams shut.

However, with time quickly running out, that now appears a hard ask for the Lilywhites, who might have to prioritise some of those positions over others.

This morning, Fabrizio Romano revealed that Tottenham had launched a loan offer for Piero Hincapie with an obligation to buy for £52m after the centre-back expressed a desire to leave Bayer Leverkusen.

Alasdair Gold says Piero Hincapie is not a priority for Tottenham

The news regarding Spurs’ offer for the Leverkusen star took some fans by surprise, given that the club have still not managed to strengthen their attack since missing out on some high-profile targets.

However, Alasdair Gold has now taken to social media to confirm that Tottenham are prioritising signing a number ten and a winger in the final week of the transfer window.

The journalist explains that Thomas Frank would also like to add a centre-back to his squad so that Luka Vuskovic can be loaned out, but he adds that Hincapie does not appear to be one of the options the North Londoners are looking at.

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Why Tottenham are unlikely to sign Piero Hincapie

According to various reports, Tottenham would have to pay a club-record fee to sign Savinho, who remains the Lilywhites’ top attacking target.

Meanwhile, it has also been claimed that Spurs are ready to spend big on Como’s Nico Paz, although a deal for the attacking midfielder appears difficult at this point.

It thus seems unlikely that Tottenham would have the funds to spend big on a centre-back. However, Spurs’ stance could change if they decide to prioritise a cheaper option for the number ten rule, such as Bilal El Khannouss.

After Tottenham Hotspur had an offer turned down by Como for Nico Paz, the Serie A club’s manager, Cesc Fabregas, has now revealed what he thinks about the attacking midfielder’s future.

Over the last few days, there has been a lot of speculation regarding which number ten Tottenham will turn to next after being snubbed by Eberechi Eze.

It has been claimed by some sources that Nico Paz has now shot to the top of Tottenham’s wishlist on the back of his outstanding debut season in Serie A last term, following his switch from Real Madrid in 2024.

It was revealed by Fabrizio Romano on Sunday night that Spurs had a €70m (£60.7m) offer rejected by Como for Paz.

The journalist revealed that the midfielder wants to stay at Como with a view to returning to Real Madrid in the future, as Los Blancos have a buy-back clause on the youngster.

Cesc Fabrigas asked about Tottenham’s move for Nico Paz

The Argentina international showed against Lazio on Sunday just why Tottenham Hotspur are willing to break the bank for him, registering a sublime goal and an assist as Como emerged 2-0 winners.

After the game, Fabregas insisted that he is not worried about losing his talisman, revealing that Paz wants to remain at Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia.

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When asked if he is worried about losing the young attacking midfielder to Tottenham, Fabrigas said (via Fabrizio Romano): “I’m very calm and relaxed, Nico is very happy here at Como. He’s a top, top player.”

Why Spurs fans should not be ruling out Paz’s arrival

A number of sources have suggested that Paz is not too keen on a move to Tottenham this summer due to his desire to return to Real Madrid in the future.

However, clubs do not usually make offers for players without first talking to them and finding out if they are open to the move.

Tottenham fans have been left fuming after fresh reports around Piero Hincapie’s future suggest that Arsenal have now entered the race.

It was reported a few days ago that Tottenham Hotspur are still working on adding a few more signings before the transfer window closes, with a left-sided centre-back high on the list of priorities.

Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie has since emerged as a target for Tottenham, although initial reports indicated that the Ecuador international was not for sale this summer.

Spurs appeared to have been handed a huge boost in their pursuit of Hincapie, after claims emerged suggesting that the 23-year-old was open to leaving the Bundesliga side in the coming weeks.

Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano even reported that Tottenham had approached Bayer Leverkusen, tabling a loan proposal with an obligation to buy Hincapie this summer.

Tottenham fans react as Arsenal enter race for Piero Hincapie

However, those reports have now been dismissed, with journalist David Ornstein stating that Arsenal have also made a move for Hincapie.

Following Ornstein’s reports, Spurs supporters have been left frustrated by the latest twist, with many taking to social media to vent their anger at the situation.

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One fan said: “I hate Arsenal with everything I am.” Another added: “Getting embarrassing now.” One more wrote: “Tbh if he goes there then he has no ambition, he is not going to play any minutes.”

Another chimed in: “Arsenal straight up trolling us at this point.” Another Tottenham fan remarked: “They will come for Savio as well at this time.”

The reactions kept coming in, with a fan stating: “Agents use Spurs to get their players a move. In this case, it is probably to make Chelsea/Arsenal move.”

One fan said: “Would have been a top signing, especially with a long season ahead.” Another joked: “The loan player plus 18-year-old signings on deadline day will hit different.” Others turned their frustration towards Romano, with comments like: “Fabrizio should lose a tier.”

Arsenal already embarrassed Spurs over Eberechi Eze

Of course, Arsenal and Tottenham have already clashed in the market this summer, with the Eberechi Eze saga being the most recent example.

The Crystal Palace midfielder looked set to be joining Tottenham Hotspur, before Arsenal swooped in and wrapped up a deal for the 27-year-old.

It feels like a similar scenario once again with Hincapie, although journalist Alasdair Gold has since reported that the defender does not appear to be a realistic option for Tottenham at this stage.

After spectacularly stealing Eberechi Eze from under Tottenham’s noses, Arsenal are now trying to poach another one of their North London rivals’ top targets, just hours after the Lilywhites had launched an offer for the player.

Until the start of last week, it seemed as if Eze was bound for Tottenham, but the Gunners entered the race for Eze in the final moment and hijacked the deal, which left Daniel Levy and the Tottenham hierarchy embarrassed.

It turns out that Arsenal are now set to repeat the trick by stealing another player from Tottenham’s grasp.

It was reported this morning that Spurs made a loan offer for Piero Hincapie, with an obligation to buy for £52m after the centre-back expressed a desire to leave Bayer Leverkusen, but Mikel Arta’s men have now allegedly entered the race for the 23-year-old.

Piero Hincapie is prioritising Arsenal move over Tottenham

The Athletic’s David Ornstein has now revealed that Arsenal are working on a deal to sign Hincapie, who has allegedly been on the club’s radar for a long time.

The journalist says that the Ecuador international’s top preference is to move to the Emirates Stadium this summer.

He adds that Leverkusen are unwilling to let the 23-year-old go unless his €60m (£52m) release clause is activated, but the Gunners are making an attempt to lower the price to what they see as a more realistic market value.

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Spurs may still have Hincapie hope

However, Ornstein makes it clear that Arsenal’s move for Hincapie will be very much dependent on player sales, with Mikel Arteta’s men needing to get some players out of the door to fund a move for the Leverkusen star.

The club are hoping to cash in on Jakub Kiwior, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Fabio Vieira and Reiss Nelson so that they can push ahead with a move for Hincapie.

Tottenham Hotspur have launched a new offer to land Piero Hincapie after the centre-back decided that he wants to leave Bayer Leverkusen.

Until last week, it was reported that Spurs would find it difficult to land Hincapie as Bayer Leverkusen were not willing to let the centre-back leave.

However, the situation has changed drastically over the last 24 hours, with reports emerging on Sunday evening that Hincapie has decided to leave the Bay Arena if his €60m (£52m) release clause is met.

It looks like Tottenham Hotspur are wasting no time in pushing ahead with a move for the Ecuadorian after hearing that he is open to an exit.

Tottenham make an interesting offer for Piero Hincapie

Fabrizio Romano has now taken to social media to reveal that Spurs have approached Leverkusen with a new offer for the centre-back.

He reveals that Spurs have made an initial loan proposal for the 23-year-old with the obligation to buy for £52m next summer, which matches his release clause but delays the payment by 12 months.

The journalist does not say how this offer is expected to go down at the Bundesliga side, but he adds that Tottenham have already begun discussing personal terms with the defender.

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Why Hincapie will be a huge coup for Spurs

Tottenham are not short of centre-backs in their squad, but their first-choice centre-backs are both injury-prone, and Thomas Frank is no stranger to starting with three at the back.

That explains why Frank is reportedly keen on bringing another top-class centre-back through the door before the transfer deadline.