Football London

Thomas Frank has just been speaking to the media following Tottenham's Champions League 0-0 draw at Monaco in the Champions League

Thomas Frank has praised Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario for his heroic display that earned Spurs a big Champions League point in Monaco.

The Dane has now spoken to the media following the goalless draw and stated he is now overly concerned by the fact his side faced 23 shots this evening at the Stade Louis II.

Spurs now return to north London to rest before they travel north to Merseyside for Sunday's Premier League game with Everton.

Here is the full transcript from Frank's press conference.

Spurs' first goalless draw since March 2023, 125 games ago. Did you set out to grind it out like that, because that was kind of how it became in the end?I think it was a game where relatively even first half and then a second half where I think Monaco was better than us, where we didn't hit the performance we want. I think we lacked a bit of intensity overall in the game, especially the second half. And that combined with a day where we didn't get too many players at a good enough level, that can happen. I think we are learning Champions League and every game in Champions League is difficult, especially away games against a good Monaco side, Monaco side I said, before the game, which I also think it's fair to say they had the best half of the season against us, but fair play to them and then the ability for us to compete in the Premier League and then in the Champions League is a challenge we are up for and want to. I also think it's fair to say last year we finished 17th and competed in Europa League, so we are taking it step by step. And it's not the worst thing on a bad day to get a point and a clean sheet. I think today the clean sheet was down to a few things, but a big thing down to Vicario, I think, that played a fantastic game.In the last 10-11 years, Tottenham have had either Harry Kane and Son to rely upon or both of them, now you haven't. Are we seeing the reality of that now?I think that's fair to say. Wilson Odobert is a very, very good talent and I think he's been positive but of course he is taking his step into the Premier League and the Champions League. With other players also, Xavi [Simons] has just come to the club, Lucas is a young player, Kudus has been exceptional for us, but also played more or less every minute. So we lack maybe that little extra spark today. Kolo Muani we believe can make a difference and look positive when he came on. But he had that injury, so of course there's some of that. No complaints, it is what it is. It's my job to get the most out of the players available.

Some of the players lack some intensity. What do you put that down to? It's a Champions League night.Good question. Maybe we need to think a little bit more about it. I'll try to come up with an answer. There can be many, many things. It can be a combination of play it good and cover it. It was a very competitive game against Villa. I think we performed very well. Then to go again. Some of them haven't done that too much, some have. It could be just on the day you don't get a top performance. I think the first half was okay in that sense, but I think in the second half we lacked more.But just to be clear, is it a matter of effort in your mind?No, I don't think it's effort. I think it's more the ability to go again and again and again in every action throughout a game. I think it's not been a problem at other times. Sometimes it is. Today was not top.On Vicario, his performance was questioned against Villa, is he the type of character to use that as fuel to turn in tonight's performance? Did you speak to him? There's been some questions amongst fans whether he should be your number one, but that was a great response tonight.I think the two goals against Villa, I don't think it's mistakes. I don't think it's any of that. It was two great finishes. But what I would say, and as you said, I think he was very good today. I think some of the saves were exceptional tonight. He's a big part of why we got a hard-fought point, but at the end of the day it can be a crucial point.

Just on Odobert, did he pick up an injury?Actually, I don't know. But of course we shoved him off because there was some pain, but I don't know the consequences of it.Thomas, I know you had 23 shots tonight. Is that worrying for you, that they're hurting a lot?Yeah, I think you can say we just played home to Villa where they only had eight shots. If it was every game we conceded 23 shots, it would be a big challenge, which it is definitely not. So it can be a combination of lack of intensity, a combination of Monaco hitting a very high level, a combination of us not hitting the best level. But they had too many shots to what I would like.What can Archie Gray give you from left-back?I think he solves it very well, as he's done a lot of times last year, left-back, right-back and centre-back. I think he can play all three positions. I think his best position is still midfielder. But I think he can play all three. I like his character and effort in the left-back today. He just carried on when he came into the midfield and did well there as well. Final one on the back, please.What is Kolo Muani missing to get back into the national team?First and foremost, I think it was very nice to have him back in the Champions League. I'm sure he appreciates it as well. I'm very happy that we managed to sign him in the end of the transfer window. We were unlucky to pick up a dead leg early.

That's kept him out of the game so far. But now he's been training well for some weeks. He got minutes in the weekend against Villa, got more minutes today. I think it looked like there were some promising actions today.

Of course, he liked a little bit more rhythm and Max's top actions. But I like him a lot in many aspects. I think for any player to come into any national team, and the French is a very strong national team, of course you need to play more games and hopefully we'll do that.

Here's how Tottenham's players rated after their Champions League stalemate with Monaco at the Stade Louis II

If anyone was doubting Guglielmo Vicario's credentials as Tottenham's No.1 - perhaps they won't be now. Just three days after his positioning was fiercely scrutinised for both of the goals he conceded from distance against Aston Villa, the Italian led by example and provided a timely reminder of his quality between the sticks in Monte-Carlo.

There were eight exceptional saves in total during a masterful goalkeeping clinic and who knows how important this point might prove to be come the end of the Champions League group phase. Tottenham, at times, played like a side that were planning on using upcoming home matches against Copenhagen and Slavia Prague as an insurance policy. There were bursts of attacking promise and equally, flashes of defensive vulnerability and that is so far, a fair depiction of Thomas Frank's Spurs. They remain a work in progress and were incredibly fortunate not to be beaten - even if Brennan Johnson did squander a golden, late opportunity. Monaco's width and defensive structure provided Sebastien Pocognoli's front three with a license to interchange and shaky Tottenham were forced to ride a giant wave of first-half luck. Come the interval, the contest had effectively become a straight shootout between Vicario and former Arsenal frontman Folarin Balogun. First the Spurs No.1 denied the USMNT striker with his ribs before he raced off his line and spread himself admirably to block the Monaco marksman's rasping close-range strike. Sloppy midfield play from Lucas Bergvall then almost cost Tottenham dearly, however, Vicario was once again equal to Balogun's low effort and this diving stop was undoubtedly pick of the bunch.

Frank's game plan appeared to be centred around counter-attacking and pragmatism. While Spurs missed Romero's leadership and experience, they embraced the chaos provided by replacement Kevin Danso's awkward long throws. One evaded Monaco goalkeeper Philipp Kohn but Richarlison was unable to turn home at the far post. France international starlet Maghnes Akliouche, who acknowledged on Tuesday that he was flattered to read reports of Tottenham's transfer interest during the summer, was a constant thorn in Tottenham's backline. His balance, vision and guile was a persistent nuisance between the lines and Vicario made another credible save to deny the playmaker at his near post early in the second half. The Monaco barrage did not stop there, either. Aleksandr Golovin was next to test Vicario before Monaco captain Thilo Kehrer, a Conference League winner with West Ham, headed narrowly wide. Minutes later, Jordan Teze looked destined to score from yet another header but Vicario continued his heroics, palming the ball to safety. Former Liverpool attacker Takumi Minamino breathed new life into Monaco's dejected frontline and he went close on three separate occasions, twice blazing over and once wide. The hosts had an astonishing 23 shots on Tottenham's goal but Spurs finished the stronger of the two sides and nearly nicked it when the ball found its way to sub Johnson at the far post - his shot was well blocked.

Here's how we rated the Spurs players at Stade Louis II.

Guglielmo Vicario

Sensational performance. Made three crucial first half saves to twice deny Folarin Balogun and then made another handful of excellent saves after the break. Superb all evening. 9

Pedro Porro

Had a hard time defending his flank in the second half. Lots of crosses came down his side and misplaced a few long-range passes when Spurs were trying to build some momentum. 6

Kevin Danso

Long throws caused carnage. Defended well and filled in well for Cristian Romero. Had two headers at goal, also. 7

Micky van de Ven

Put his body on the line and made several crucial blocks. Was some speculation he might start at left-back before kick-off but was a rock at the heart of defence. 8

Archie Gray

Made a couple of crucial first-half interventions. Grew in confidence as the game went on and generally, played very well. Deserved more opportunities on back of this performance. 8

Joao Palhinha

Recovered the ball. Wasted chance to launch first-half counter but was crucial to breaking up play. 7

Rodrigo Bentancur

Subbed on the hour mark. A real surprise he's keeping his place in the side because stylistically, he's too similar to Palhinha. 6

Lucas Bergvall

Poor in possession. Subbed on the hour mark and never really looked comfortable positionally. 5

Mohammed Kudus

Some great touches and really smart holdup play. May not get the credit he deserves because he didn't score or assist but he was very effective all night. Corners were hit and miss. 7

Wilson Odobert

As bright as he's been in a Spurs shirt. Started confidently and there was some lovely touches in the first half. Picked up a problem with his abdomen but looked dangerous all night on the break. 7

Richarlison

Missed first-half chance that was blocked. Booked for high boot on Mohammed Salisu and otherwise, did not do much at all. 5

Subs

Xavi Simons

Ruined a counter-attack by turning back and playing a poor, weak pass. 5

Pape Matar Sarr

Needs to start pushing for more minutes. Not worse than what Spurs have in midfield. 6

Randal Kolo Muani

Looks lost at times. Doesn't seem to have the belief to make something happen from the bench. 5

Brennan Johnson

FULL TIME - AS Monaco 0-0 Tottenham Hotspur

Spurs do enough to clinch a point at the Stade Louis II, as their clash with AS Monaco finishes 0-0.

Simons hits and hopes

Spurs squander their best chance of the game

Akliouche hits one from range

Minamino causing problems

WHAT A SAVE

The ball is whipped into Teze from the left-hand side, leaving him to nod home from point-blank range. However, the Spurs shot-stopper is once again there to deny Monaco of a lead.

Another incredible save from Vicario

Odobert takes a pew

Free kick squandered by Spurs

More pressure from Monaco

Yellow for Richarlison

Spurs 'a little disjointed' says Les Ferdinand

Speaking on TNT Sports at the interval, Les Ferdinand said: "They seem a little bit disjointed. I know they've had a few players coming in, he's made a few changes, but the team just don't seem settled. Usually they're very good at keeping the ball and they're not keeping the ball at all well tonight."

Half-time

The whistle goes for half-time at the Stade Louis II, as the game remains goalless after 45 minutes.

Two minutes added time

The board shows two minutes added time at the end of the first-half. Can either side steal one ahead of the break?

Brilliant link-up play from Spurs

Kudus puts the set piece deep as Danso gets a free header at the back stick, but he's under it and the ball continues to rise well above the target.

Incredible reactions from Vicario

The shot-stopper has been incredible thus far, and continues to keep the Lilywhites in it.

Kudus on target

Unlucky for Richarlison

Vicario called upon once more

Panic stations for Vicario

It's all open

As we enter the 25th minute of the game, it's been an incredibly open outing thus far - with chances at both ends of the pitch.

Tottenham Hotspur will aim to continue their unbeaten start to their Champions League campaign as they travel to Monaco on Wednesday

Tottenham Hotspur will have to shake off a disappointing Premier League defeat as they return to European duties.

The north London side suffered a second home defeat of the season on Sunday as they fell to a 2-1 loss against Aston Villa. Despite taking an early lead through Rodrigo Bentancur, Morgan Rogers' superb strike put the away side level heading into the break.

With the game looking like both sides were set to share the spoils, Emiliano Buendia made the perfect impact after coming on as his left-footed strike outside the box nestled in the back of Guglielmo Vicario's net.

Spurs have won just one of their last four league games but the opportunity to redeem themselves comes in the form of an away clash against Monaco in the Champions League on Wednesday. They've made an unbeaten start upon their return to the premier competition with a 1-0 win against Villarreal and a 2-2 draw against Bodo/Glimt.

The Ligue 1 side are in similarly disappointing form and are without a win in their last three games while they've yet to record a win in Europe after two games.

The two sides last clashed in November 2016 in Monaco, with the home side earning a 2-1 win thanks to goals from Djibril Sidibe and Thomas Lemar. Here, we bring you all the information required for you to watch the upcoming European clash.

When is Monaco vs Tottenham?

Monaco vs Tottenham is scheduled for Wednesday, October 22 at Stade Louis II, having been the home of the Ligue 1 side since 1985. The game will kick off at 8pm BST.

How can I watch Monaco vs Tottenham?

Fans will be able to watch the action on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate with coverage of the European clash set to start at 7pm BST. For those who opted to buy the package that includes TNT Sports, they'll also be able to stream the match live via a discovery+ subscription.

Supporters are able to subscribe to TNT Sports through every major TV platform, including discovery+, BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media. Fans in the US are also able to tune into the fixture with Paramount+ the home for all Champions League games.

Monaco vs Tottenham live stream

The game is available to stream on the discovery+ app as well as on the online player. Virgin Media subscribers, meanwhile, will be able to stream the match on the Virgin TV Go app.

Team news

The Premier League outfit will hope Cristian Romero and Destiny Udogie are available for the trip to the principality after they were both withdrawn late from the squad that lost to Aston Villa on the weekend. It's likely Kevin Danso and Djed Spence will retain their spot in the starting line-up on Wednesday.

With Mathys Tel remaining ineligible due to Thomas Frank opting not to include him in his Champions League squad for the league phase, Richarlison is expected to start up top. Randal Kolo Muani continues to build up his match fitness. Lucas Bergvall and Pape Matar Sarr were introduced late against the Villans and could start from the off.

Monaco have their own injury issues with ex-Spurs star Eric Dier set to miss out on a clash against his former side as he nurses a hamstring injury. Captain Denis Zakaria will also miss the game alongside Vanderson and Christian Mawissa. Paul Pogba continues his training to get match fit with the World Cup winner yet to make his debut for the club since joining in June.

Here's the Tottenham team we believe Thomas Frank will pick for the Champions League trip to Monaco

Tottenham are without three players - Cuti Romero, Destiny Udogie and Ben Davies - for their Champions League group clash against Monaco. But that does not mean Thomas Frank is short of options because he is facing a number of big calls when selecting his starting XI. Ten Spurs players will miss the meeting. Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison, Radu Dragusin and Dominic Solanke are sidelined on top of the other three that are already missing. Then there's Mathys Tel and Kota Takai, who have both been left out of Frank's Champions League squad.

The back four - or five including the goalkeeper - should really pick itself. Guglielmo Vicario will keep his place between the sticks despite a shaky display against Aston Villa.

The defence is also unchanged with Kevin Danso poised to partner Micky van de Ven at centre-back. Djed Spence fills in at left-back with Pedro Porro at right-back.

Midfield is where things get a bit more complicated. Spurs travel to Everton on Sunday and will likely seek to call upon Joao Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur on Merseyside.

For Monaco, Bentancur might just get the nod and he could be partnered by Lucas Bergvall or Pape Matar Sarr.

Slightly further forward, Xavi Simons could yet keep his place even though he has now gone eight matches without scoring for Tottenham.

Frank spoke highly of him on Tuesday evening and it feels as though he might get another chance to impress.

Then there is the attack. Mohammed Kudus feels almost undroppable but at left-wing, there is definitely a spot up for grabs.

Johnson has played at left-wing for Spurs this season and could return to the fray, however, it's also possible Wilson Odobert keeps his spot.

Frank has talked up Johnson's form in training and has made it clear the Welshman will get a chance to impress soon after several weeks in the cold.

Say what you like about Johnson but he loves a goal and he has what it takes to come in clutch in Monaco. Richarlison is expected to get the nod through the middle as Tel is unavailable.

With Solanke still out, the Brazilian simply has to start and he'll be desperate to get back among the goals.

Thomas Frank is confident Xavi Simons will come good for Spurs and he's also encouraged Brennan Johnson to keep pushing as opportunities are just around the corner

Thomas Frank isn't losing any sleep over Xavi Simons' Tottenham struggles - because in his view, the Dutchman is showing signs of coming good. The Netherlands international has registered just one assist, from a corner, since sealing his initial £51.8million Spurs switch from RB Leipzig in late August. Frank, speaking ahead of tonight's Champions League showdown with Monaco, feels there is evidence to suggest he is getting closer to awakening the beast. The Dane said when asked whether there were clear parallels between Simons and Liverpool's Florian Wirtz: "It's a very good comparison as Wirtz is also a good player and just like Xavi, he has come into a new country, new club, new city and needs to settle, it's part of it. "We are all getting judged every game but we also need to see the bigger perspective. I always look for glimpses and with Xavi, I asked him to arrive more in the box and when I looked back at the game, he did. "Was there a big eye-catching moment? No, but there were glimpses so it’s going a little bit in the right direction." Tottenham wouldn't even be playing Champions League football if it was not for Brennan Johnson's historic goal in Bilbao.

However, the Welshman now appears to be desperately out of favour, despite starting and scoring against Burnley and Manchester City in the first two Premier League matches of the season.

Mohammed Kudus, a £55m capture from West Ham, appears to have made the right-wing spot his own yet Frank is adamant more opportunities will soon follow for Johnson.

The Spurs head coach explained: "I think, for me, Brennan is a very important player. He scored a fantastic and important goal last season and was the top goalscorer for the club

"Brennan has trained very well the last couple of weeks, doing what he's doing very well, scoring goals in training.

"Kudus has done well and Wilson [Odobert] has also done well on the left. There's competition but Brennan just needs to keep going. He will get his games."

Tottenham are without 10 first-team players for the trip to Stade Louis II.

Captain Cristian Romero hasn't travelled due to an adductor injury while Destiny Udogie and Ben Davies have also stayed back in London.

Mathys Tel and Kota Takai are not registered while James Maddison, Dominic Solanke, Dejan Kulusevski, Yves Bissouma and Radu Dragusin remain sidelined through injury.

Despite recent criticism in light of the shock defeat to Aston Villa, ambitious Frank believes there is clear scope for Tottenham to kick on.

He continued: "It’s fair to say we are relatively early days and there has been a lot of progress overall. We've been very good in high pressure and offensively, scored quite a few goals.

"How many teams right now play free-flowing top football three games in a row, in the Premier League?

"We are aiming for the perfect game every game. That’s what we want but we know what we are working at and progressing nicely."

Thomas Frank has been speaking in Monaco ahead of Tottenham's third Champions League group fixture

Thomas Frank has confirmed Cristian Romero, Destiny Udogie and Ben Davies have remained behind in London ahead of Tottenham's Champions League clash with Monaco.

The Dane has been speaking to the media on Tuesday evening to preview the contest and he's also explained why Brennan Johnson hasn't been playing - despite scoring the goal that got the club back into Europe's elite club competitions.

The Spurs boss also shared his positivity that Xavi Simons will soon take off following a tough start to life in N17.

Football.London has you covered with every word both Frank and central defender Kevin Danso just said at Stade Louis II.

Only a couple of days after Sunday’s defeat, an opportunity to put things right?

“Yeah, that is the good thing with playing the games so shortly after each other, you just progress and move onto the next one. I think the good thing with the Villa game is overall a very good performance looking back. I was pleased with a lot of things and now we need to take a lot of the bits into the game tomorrow against Monaco, which is a very good team, with very good players and they already started the campaign quite well with a draw against (Manchester) City. Last year they beat Villa, they beat Barcelona so clearly, clearly a very talented team.”

Any more on Romero after he missed training?

“Yeah, it’s an adductor strain. We will assess it more this week before we come with any time frame.”

FOR DANSO: How conscious are you of replacing Romero with the way he plays with his passing?

“Definitely but also just try to fulfil the role the best I can. Obviously he’s a very important player for us and for me it’s just doing a job, defending first and foremost and trying to replace him as best I can. I think it was an OK game, unfortunately we didn’t get the result we wanted to, but the aim is to win here tomorrow.”

Thomas Frank adds: “I think Kevin played a very good game against Villa.”

Should fans be concerned with Cuti’s injury because it was this time last year he got an injury and it become long-term?

“No, I don’t think so. For me, it is an adductor strain. We will assess him this week and then we’ll know more.”

How difficult has it made preparation with Monaco’s managerial change from Adi Hutter to Sebastian Pocognoli?

“Yeah, I think of course it’s hard, but we have studied Pocognoli and his team at Union. They did very well, they won the Championship in Belgium, so that is what we do. We look at the last game they played and then all or more or less a lot of games from Union and also this Champions League campaign. I think we have a good idea of what they want, but also we know that they have very talented players and it speaks for itself. Also under the former manager, they played 2-2 here with City, so it’s a tough test but we’re up for it. We trust ourselves, we think we’re in a good place and we’ll do everything we can to win the game tomorrow.”

Case of fine tuning?

"It’s fair to say we are relatively early days. There has been a lot of progress overall. Very good in high pressure. Very aggressive against Villa. Offensively, scored quite a few goals. How many teams right now play free-flowing top football three games in a row, in the Premier League? We are aiming for the perfect game every game. That’s what we want. But we know what we are working at and progressing nicely."

Xavi, similar to Wirtz, new league and not yet reached heights expected?

"Very good comparison with Wirtz, also a very good player just like Xavi coming into a new country, new club, new city, just need to settle and it is part of it. We are all getting judged every game but we also need to see the bigger perspective.

"I always look for glimpses and Xavi I asked him to be more arriving in the box and when I looked back at the game, he did. Was there a big eye-catching moment? No, but there were glimpses so it’s going a little bit in the right direction."

Has Destiny Udogie Travelled?"No. The latest is that we got that knee irritation after international duty that we are assessing and working very hard to get on top of. We will know more probably day by day or next week."Away from stronger than home? What's that down to?"I think we didn't lose an open game either. Yeah, I think if we, I don't know exactly. It also depends on who you are facing, that can be home and away. I know at home you may be playing in a specific way and other teams are playing in a specific way against you compared to when you go away. And then the team opens a little bit more up, so you can hit them a little bit more on the counter so you don't have to create everything from scratch and it even plays behind the ball.

"But I just think definitely the away form has been very good in terms of what we said before. I think we've been extremely good in the foundation in football, in terms of we have a good base in the middle, low block and also very high. I think it's very important that we probably have the most aggressive teams in the high pressure. And I think that's a big part of why we also are quite good away from home. We need to continue tomorrow against a very good team, but we're up for that."FOR DANSO: What's it like coming in for Romero - has it ever happened before in your career?"Yeah, I think I'm experienced enough, old enough now to deal with whatever comes in a game of football. Things happen that aren't expected, but I felt ready and I was ready and I'll always be ready when the gaffer needs me. And that's what I try to do in the game."

Why are teams struggling in attack?

"That’s a big Q. I was looking and this is with the biggest respect to Villa who won the game, I think they’re a very good team, they are top and have been very free-flowing but they didn’t really create anything, even though they scored two goals. Both teams also, we didn’t create massive, massive chances against Villa but enough. Both teams tried to cancel each other out. There’s me looking at it, a big coaching staff, I don’t know how many analysis guys also helping. Every team prepares so well to cancel each other out. It can be something with training time, it can be, I haven’t thought about that. I think depending on teams, there’s partly that relationship. If you work together constantly in a back four, you play every game and you have two in front of you, how do you hit them with the right passes? There’s some of that, the (clicks fingers), where teams suddenly click. Even with the best teams suddenly they’re playing three games and they lack a bit of flow. It’s a little bit up and down always."

Midfield balance? Happy with it?

"In general I’ve been overall happy with the midfield that have played so far this season. We always want more passes through the lines, diags, balls in behind but overall I’m quite happy. "

Kevin Danso left Lucas Digne with a nasty injury during Tottenham's 2-1 defeat by Aston Villa over the weekend

Kevin Danso has publicly apologised to Lucas Digne after leaving the Aston Villa defender with a gruesome injury during Tottenham's 2-1 defeat on Sunday.

Danso, who stepped in to replace Cristian Romero after the Spurs captain picked up an injury in the warm-up, caught Digne with a strong challenge in north London. Referee Simon Hooper didn't punish the Spurs centre-back despite Villa protests and Digne was seen visibly furious with the challenge on the pitch.

The Frenchman was then seen making his anger clear in the dugout and later posted a picture of his gruesome ankle injury on social media. He captioned his post: "No pain, no gain."

Danso took part in media duties on Tuesday night ahead of Tottenham's Champions League clash with Monaco. The defender was asked about the incident and has apologised to his opponent.

He said: "I saw the picture of his ankle, I didn't get the chance after the game but I apologised to him on the pitch and I would like to apologise to him publicly also, there was no malice in it. My intention is never to injure somebody."

Danso will now focus on Spurs' crunch clash with Monaco in the Champions League. The defender is expected to feature again following Romero's injury blow.

The Spurs skipper and Destiny Udogie sat out Tottenham training ahead of Wednesday’s fixture at Monaco in the Champions League.

Romero pulled out in the warm-up of Sunday’s 2-1 loss to Aston Villa with an adductor issue, while Udogie reported minor irritation in his knee after international duty.

Boss Thomas Frank was unable to confirm if Romero would recover in time to face Monaco after the defeat to Villa, but after the Argentinian missed training on Tuesday morning, he looks set to miss the trip to Stade Louis II.

Versatile defender Ben Davies was also absent from the session and it means Spurs could be without 10 players on Wednesday night.

Tottenham were already without Radu Dragusin, Yves Bissouma, James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski and Dominic Solanke due to injuries, but Kota Takai and Mathys Tel are unavailable after not being included in the club’s Champions League squad.

Meanwhile Spurs have announced the appointment of Dan Lewindon as the club’s new performance director.

Thomas Frank says Tottenham fans shouldn't be too concerned about captain Cristian Romero's injury blow. Romero and Destiny Udogie sat out Tottenham training ahead of Wednesday’s fixture at Monaco in the Champions League.

Spurs captain Romero pulled out in the warm-up of Sunday’s 2-1 loss to Aston Villa with an adductor issue, while Udogie reported minor irritation in his knee after international duty.

Boss Frank was unable to confirm if Romero would recover in time to face Monaco after the defeat to Villa, but after the Argentinian missed training on Tuesday morning, he looks set to miss the trip to Stade Louis II.

Speaking on Tuesday night, Frank said the club's medical staff are still monitoring Romero but he doesn't think it's too serious.

He said: "It's an adductor strain. We will assess it more this week before we confirm any timeframe." Asked if fans should be concerned, he said: "No, I don't think so."

Frank was also asked about Udogie and the manager confirmed the defender hasn't travelled to Monaco. He said: "The latest is that he got that knee irritation after international duty. We are assessing and working very hard to get on top of it. We'll know more day by day."

Versatile defender Ben Davies was also absent from the session and it means Spurs could be without 10 players on Wednesday night.

Tottenham were already without Radu Dragusin, Yves Bissouma, James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski and Dominic Solanke due to injuries, but Kota Takai and Mathys Tel are unavailable after not being included in the club’s Champions League squad.

Kevin Danso replaced Romero in the defeat by Villa and is expected to feature again on Wednesday night. Asked about having to fill in at short notice over the weekend, the defender said: "Yes, it's about being ready whenever the gaffer needs me."

Dutch international Micky van de Ven could wear the armband again against Monaco and, speaking over the weekend, he praised defensive partner Danso for his display in defeat at Villa.

“Yeah, of course always a blow when ‘Cuti’ falls out before kick-off. In the warm-up he stepped inside and we knew already, ‘OK, he is done for today,’ but Kev did an unbelievable job to come in,” Van de Ven told SpursPlay.

“It’s really difficult to come in the warm-up when you never know if you’re going to play, but I think he did unbelievable when he came in.

“Of course it’s difficult (last-minute), but I know the qualities of Kevin. I’ve played with Kev a couple of times and I know what I can expect from him and he knows what to expect from me.”

Tottenham were said to be eyeing highly-rated Monaco attacker Maghnes Akliouche during the summer transfer window

Monaco starlet Maghnes Akliouche has revealed he was "flattered" to read stories of potential transfer interest from Tottenham during the summer window.

The talented 23-year-old right-winger, who can also operate as a No.10, is understood to have featured during Spurs' internal recruitment discussions, prior to the signing of Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig.

Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain were also speculated to be amongst Akliouche's growing list of admirers but he eventually stayed put with the Ligue 1 outfit.

football.london asked the exciting forward how he reacted to stories regarding Tottenham's reported interest and additionally, whether he would be open to playing in the Premier League in the future.

The Frenchman responded: "I thought it was very flattering to have these kind of stories and links but I'm a Monaco player and I'm playing against Spurs tomorrow, so I will give my best.

"In terms of playing in the Premier League, why not? We will see in the future but tomorrow I will give my all."

Sadly, there will be no Tottenham reunion for Eric Dier tomorrow as the former Spurs fan-favourite, who netted a late penalty to snatch a draw against Manchester City earlier this month, has picked up a hamstring injury.

Newly-appointed boss Sebastien Pocognoli insists the English defender is "upset" - not solely because he cannot play against his former employers but because he's now sidelined through injury.

Pocognoli said: “Actually it was more general disappointment to be injured because I felt that he really wanted to start the journey with me on the weekend.

"He was really upset with the injury. For sure, he misses the game against Tottenham and it can be deeply disappointing for him, but we didn’t discuss about this [whether he was down about missing Tottenham, specifically]."

The Monaco head coach, a recent arrival from Union SG following the sacking od Adu Hutter, was also linked to Tottenham as a teenager during his time at Genk.

He can still remember that period vividly and he also has recollections of playing at White Hart Lane in a 1-0 win for West Bromwich Albion.

Pocognoli explained: “Yeah, it was a long time ago! I think at the same time Monaco was interested but I was 16 or 17 years old, so it was a really, really long time ago. From my playing time, I played once in the old stadium of Tottenham and I think the coach was Mauricio Pochettino.

"I don’t know if Eric played that game? I’m not sure. I played against my former friend and team-mate Nacer Chadli plus Mousa Dembele. It was in the old fashioned stadium, it was a nice atmosphere and I guess we won 1-0. Yeah, my only reminder of this time."