Sports Mole

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe could make a triple alteration for Tuesday's Premier League clash with Tottenham Hotspur in North London.

The Magpies are reeling from their third successive loss in the top flight - a 3-2 home reverse to Brentford - one that left Howe admitting he faces a "harsh reality" as pressure over his position intensifies.

The visiting manager made two changes at the weekend to no avail - withdrawing Joe Willock and Jacob Murphy at half time - and the duo will likely drop out of the first XI altogether here.

Instead, Anthony Elanga and Jacob Ramsey should be given the chance to strut their stuff, the latter alongside Sandro Tonali and the fit-again Bruno Guimaraes in the centre of the park.

Yoane Wissa also failed to take his chance against his former club at the weekend, so Nick Woltemade will be considered for a recall to the attack, which will feature Harvey Barnes while Anthony Gordon recovers from injury.

Ex-Spurs man Kieran Trippier did not cover himself in glory against Brentford, but with both Lewis Miley and Tino Livramento sidelined, the veteran is poised to start against his old club.

Trippier is expected to comprise part of an unchanged rearguard for the Magpies, even though they have now shipped an alarming 10 goals across their last three games in all tournaments.

Newcastle United possible starting lineup:

Pope; Trippier, Thiaw, Botman, Hall; Tonali, Guimaraes, Ramsey; Elanga, Woltemade, Barnes

Tottenham Hotspur head coach Thomas Frank has been plunged into a deeper defensive crisis for Tuesday's Premier League showdown with Newcastle United in North London.

The Lilywhites' skipper Cristian Romero begins a four-game ban for his red card in Saturday's 2-0 loss to Manchester United, in which Destiny Udogie also picked up a thigh problem that will surely rule him out of contention too.

The pair join James Maddison (knee), Dejan Kulusevski (knee), Mohammed Kudus (thigh), Rodrigo Bentancur (thigh), Ben Davies (ankle), Lucas Bergvall (ankle), Richarlison (thigh), Pedro Porro (thigh) and Kevin Danso (toe) on Spurs' hefty absentee list, but there is some hope over Djed Spence's fitness.

If the latter can recover from a calf problem in time for Tuesday, he ought to step into Udogie's place on the left-hand side, but if not, new signing Souza should prepare for his maiden Premier League start.

The Brazilian will be part of a double defensive alteration for the hosts, as Radu Dragusin will almost certainly deputise for Romero, while Archie Gray should reprise his role at right-back.

Frank is at least blessed with a couple of options for change further forward, but Yves Bissouma should be kept in reserve as Conor Gallagher, Joao Palhinha and Pape Sarr operate in midfield.

Wilson Odobert was taken off for Dragusin on Saturday after Romero's red card, but the Frenchman had little impact in the first 30 minutes anyway, so Randal Kolo Muani could be restored to the XI.

Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup:

Vicario; Gray, Dragusin, Van de Ven, Souza; Sarr, Palhinha, Gallagher; Simons, Solanke, Kolo Muani

Both at risk of suffering their 11th loss of the Premier League season, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United lock horns in a bottom-half battle on Tuesday night.

The Lilywhites' four-match unbeaten run ended in Saturday's 2-0 defeat to Manchester United, shortly before the Magpies' grim 3-2 home reverse to Brentford.

Match preview

Disaster, devastation and depleted squads have been the three themes of Tottenham's 2025-26 domestic season under Thomas Frank, and everything that could have gone wrong at Old Trafford did go wrong at Old Trafford on Saturday lunchtime.

Following Cristian Romero's record-equalling red card - a comical next episode in the long-running soap opera after his attack on the club's board - Bryan Mbeumo and Bruno Fernandes condemned Spurs to a 10th top-flight defeat in 2025-26, either side of a Destiny Udogie injury.

The Champions League has provided safe haven for Spurs fans this season, but with the round of 16 still several weeks away, Frank's men have only one goal in mind - avoid being dragged further into a relegation battle.

The reigning Europa League champions are now only six points clear of 18th-placed West Ham United after failing to win any of their most recent seven Premier League matches, as well as just one of their last 11 top-flight games at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Saturday's defeat also marked the fifth straight Premier League match where Tottenham have conceded at least two goals, and as the defensive absentees pile up again, that streak could very well become six in midweek.

Frank and his upcoming opposite number are both facing calls to be removed from their posts, and under-fire Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe was resigned to a "harsh reality" after overseeing a crushing loss to Brentford on home turf.

The Bees condemned Howe's charges to a third straight loss in all tournaments following beatings at Liverpool and Manchester City, as well as a third consecutive defeat in the Premier League alone and their fifth straight game without victory since seeing off PSV Eindhoven.

The Magpies lay marooned in the lower half of the Premier League table as a result - albeit still closer to the top six than the relegation places points-wise - and Howe conceded that he has been under-performing in his rule during Newcastle's recent plight.

Away-day difficulties have bedevilled the Magpies all season long too, and they head to the capital having only scored more than one goal in two of their top-flight road matches in 2025-26 - against Everton and Burnley.

However, Newcastle have made themselves one of Tottenham's bogey teams of late, having won five of their last seven Premier League matches against the Lilywhites, although they had to settle for a 2-2 draw late last year thanks to a brace from the now-banned Romero.

Tottenham Hotspur Premier League form:

Tottenham Hotspur form (all competitions):

Newcastle United Premier League form:

Newcastle United form (all competitions):

Team News

Owing to the sixth red card of his Spurs career, the fourth of his Premier League adventure and the second of his 2025-26 top-flight season, Tottenham captain Romero begins a four-game ban this week, meaning that he will also miss the imminent North London derby.

Udogie's thigh injury will surely rule him out of contention too, as the defensive duo join James Maddison (knee), Dejan Kulusevski (knee), Mohammed Kudus (thigh), Rodrigo Bentancur (thigh), Ben Davies (ankle), Lucas Bergvall (ankle), Richarlison (thigh), Pedro Porro (thigh) and Kevin Danso (toe) in the overflowing infirmary.

On an increasingly rare positive note, Djed Spence may return from a calf problem in time for the visit of Newcastle, but if not, new signing Souza will almost certainly make his full Premier League debut at left-back.

Newcastle at least emerged from their most recent defeat with no new concerns on the fitness front, but it would be a shock to see Lewis Miley back from a knee injury in time for the journey south.

Joelinton (groin), Emil Krafth (knee) and Anthony Gordon (thigh) are expected to remain out for a little while longer too, while Tino Livramento (thigh) and Fabian Schar (ankle) will not be back for several months.

Changes will certainly be afoot after Saturday's miserable showing; both Jacob Murphy and Joe Willock are likely to be sacrificed after being hauled off at half time against Brentford, while Yoane Wissa could be displaced by Nick Woltemade too.

Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup:

Vicario; Gray, Dragusin, Van de Ven, Souza; Sarr, Palhinha, Gallagher; Simons, Solanke, Kolo Muani

Newcastle United possible starting lineup:

Pope; Trippier, Thiaw, Botman, Hall; Tonali, Guimaraes, Ramsey; Elanga, Woltemade, Barnes

We say: Tottenham Hotspur 2-2 Newcastle United

In fairness to Tottenham, they did not completely crumble after going down to 10 against a rejuvenated Man Utd side, but their crises in both fitness and confidence surely rule out the prospect of a rare win.

That said, Newcastle have been pitiful defensively of late and are missing an X-factor in Gordon, so Frank's men can restore a slice of parity in an end-to-end draw.

Tottenham Hotspur will welcome Newcastle United to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for a matchday 26 clash in the Premier League on Tuesday night.

The hosts are looking to secure their first league win in 2026, while the visitors are aiming for just their third away win of the Premier League campaign.

Here, Sports Mole provides details of how to tune into this fixture.

What time does Tottenham Hotspur vs. Newcastle United kickoff?

Tottenham Hotspur vs. Newcastle United will kick off at 7:30pm UK time.

Where is Tottenham Hotspur vs. Newcastle United being played?

The Premier League meeting will take place at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The Magpies have won two of their last three visits to Spurs' home ground, recording 2-1 triumphs in January 2025 and October 2022.

How to watch Tottenham Hotspur vs. Newcastle United in the UK

TV channels

Tottenham Hotspur vs. Newcastle United will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 3 on Discovery+ for viewers in the UK.

Online streaming

The match will also be available to stream live via Discovery+ which offers TNT Sports coverage across multiple devices including smartphones, tablets, computers and smart TVs.

Highlights

Highlights of Tottenham Hotspur vs. Newcastle United will be available shortly after full time on the Sky Sports Premier League Youtube channel, along with both clubs’ official YouTube accounts.

What is at stake for Tottenham Hotspur vs. Newcastle United?

Tottenham Hotspur head into this encounter desperate to pick up their first league win of 2026, especially as their recent run has seen them drop to within six points of West Ham United in the relegation zone.

Another defeat could leave them in serious danger of being drawn into the battle for survival, especially if the Hammers maintain their ongoing momentum.

Meanwhile, Newcastle are fighting to move up the table and into the European places, but their away form has been a consistent problem for Eddie Howe's side this term.

The Magpies have won just two of their 12 away games in the Premier League, although two wins from their last three visits to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium will provide them with plenty of confidence.

Manchester United's winning momentum continued on Saturday with a commanding 2-0 triumph over 10-man Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League.

Man United were dominant in the first half, helped by Cristian Romero's dismissal after 30 minutes, and the Red Devils quickly took advantage as Bryan Mbeumo's goal gave the hosts the lead at the break.

The Red Devils continued to control the game throughout the second half but struggled to break down the Tottenham defence, until Bruno Fernandes doubled the lead late on to seal the victory.

Victory for Manchester United makes it four consecutive triumphs since Michael Carrick's arrival, while Tottenham remain winless in the Premier League in 2026.

SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT

That is four wins in a row now for Carrick's side - a run Manchester United have not been able to put together since Erik ten Hag's time at the club.

Man Utd were undeniably helped out by Romero's sending off, especially during a period where Tottenham were growing into the game, but the Red Devils were good value for the victory.

One of the most notable improvements under Carrick is their ability and comfort in playing in tight spaces, with several eye-catching and intricate passing moves, showing a creativity and confidence that was lacking throughout Ruben Amorim's time at the club.

While Man Utd's confidence is only continuing to grow with every victory, Tottenham's torrid time continues, with Spurs still yet to win a Premier League game in 2026 - four draws and three defeats.

The pressure on Thomas Frank has already been growing in recent weeks, and yet another defeat will only lead to further unrest from the Tottenham Hotspur fans.

However, there will be some sympathy towards the Spurs boss after today's result, with the team hugely affected by the dismissal of their captain just 30 minutes into the game.

MANCHESTER UNITED VS. TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR HIGHLIGHTS

Tottenham are down to 10! Romero is sent off!

The central defender looks to dribble out of defence but his loose touch allows Casemiro to challenge.

Romero gets to the ball first but the defenders reckless follow through connects with Casemiro's ankle, and the referee wastes no time in dishing out a red card.

Bryan Mbeumo goal vs. Tottenham Hotspur (38th min, Man Utd 1-0 Tottenham)

Mbeumo opens the scoring! That is brilliant from Manchester United!

Bruno Fernandes plays a short free kick to Kobbie Mainoo on the byline, and the midfielder quickly pulls the ball back toward the edge of the box.

Mbeumo meets the ball and side foots a precise effort through the crowded penalty area and into the bottom right corner.

Bruno Fernandes goal vs. Tottenham Hotspur (81st min, Man Utd 2-0 Tottenham)

Fernandes doubles Manchester United's lead!

Diogo Dalot whips an inviting delivery into the Tottenham penalty area, narrowly evading Benjamin Sesko's leap in the middle of the box and finding Fernandes at the back post.

Fernandes meets the cross and directs the ball into the bottom right corner, surely sealing the win for the hosts.

MAN OF THE MATCH - KOBBIE MAINOO

Mainoo continues to shine since his reintroduction into the team under Carrick, producing another stellar performance against Tottenham Hotspur.

The midfielder brings a level of calm and composure that was visibly missing during Amorim's time at the club, with virtually every move beginning with the ball at Mainoo's feet.

Mainoo made an impressive 10 passes into the final third, while also registering an assist, and he also showed his defensive abilities, winning eight duels and making four recoveries.

MANCHESTER UNITED VS. TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR MATCH STATS

Possession: Manchester United 65%-35% Tottenham Hotspur

Shots: Manchester United 23-7 Tottenham Hotspur

Shots on target: Manchester United 10-1 Tottenham Hotspur

Corners: Manchester United 7-0 Tottenham Hotspur

Fouls: Manchester United 12-11 Tottenham Hotspur

BEST STATS

WHAT NEXT?

Manchester United continue their chase of a Champions League place in the Premier League when they take on West Ham United on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur will return to their home ground to face Newcastle United on Tuesday night.

There are seven Premier League matches on Saturday, with the action kicking off at Old Trafford at 12.30pm, as Manchester United welcome Tottenham Hotspur.

Premier League leaders Arsenal will also be in action, hosting Sunderland, while Chelsea will make the trip to Molineux to tackle Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Here, Sports Mole provides predictions for Saturday's Premier League games.

Manchester United vs. Tottenham Hotspur (Saturday, 12.30pm)

Manchester United will be looking to make it four wins out of four under interim boss Michael Carrick when they welcome Tottenham Hotspur to Old Trafford for an intriguing Premier League clash on Saturday lunchtime.

The two teams butt heads for the first time since August when Matthijs de Ligt scored a 96th-minute equaliser for the Red Devils in a 2-2 draw in North London.

We say: Man United 3-1 Tottenham

Only Burnley (23) and Wolves (21) have conceded more first-half goals than Tottenham (18) in the Premier League this season. Spurs are also winless in all 10 top-flight games when trailing at the break this term (D3 L7) and are unbeaten in all six when leading at half time (W5 D1), so a fast start from Frank’s men could be crucial if they wish to claim a positive result this weekend.

However, taking into account Tottenham’s injury woes and the recent form of both teams, Man United will enter this contest as favourites and Carrick’s side should do enough to outscore their opponents.

> Click here to read our full preview for Man United vs. Tottenham, including team news and predicted lineups

Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. Chelsea (Saturday, 3pm)

Chelsea will endeavour to strengthen their top-five hopes when they travel to Molineux to face basement club Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.

The two teams meet for the first time since November when the Blues claimed a 3-0 top-flight victory at Stamford Bridge.

We say: Wolves 1-3 Chelsea

Bearing in mind that Wolves have failed to score a second-half goal in any of their last 10 Premier League games at Molineux, a strong first-half performance could be crucial if Edwards’s side wish to claim three valuable points and pull off an upset against Chelsea.

Although the Old Gold have produced a few spirited performances of late, we are backing the Blues to bounce back from their EFL Cup defeat to Arsenal and secure maximum points on their travels.

> Click here to read our full preview for Wolves vs. Chelsea, including team news and predicted lineups

Fulham vs. Everton (Saturday, 3pm)

Aiming to move on from their last-gasp defeat against Manchester United in the previous round, Fulham return to Premier League action against Everton in Saturday’s gameweek 25 clash.

Defeat at Old Trafford was a second loss in three fixtures for Marco Silva’s men, who now face a Toffees side heading to the capital on a four-match unbeaten run in the league.

We say: Fulham 1-1 Everton

Everton’s struggle for goals on their travels remains a concern, but their ability to secure results through defensive organisation cannot be overlooked.

They are likely to prioritise a clean sheet to frustrate former boss Silva and, while they may not completely succeed, we back the Merseyside team to snatch a point at Fulham to extend their ongoing four-match unbeaten away run.

> Click here to read our full preview for Fulham vs. Everton, including team news and predicted lineups

Burnley vs. West Ham United (Saturday, 3pm)

Separated by one place in the Premier League table, second-bottom Burnley host 18th-placed West Ham United at Turf Moor on Saturday, aiming to secure victory in gameweek 25’s relegation six-pointer.

Both sides are in danger of losing their top-flight status, with the hosts 11 points from safety and the East Londoners six behind 17th-placed Nottingham Forest after 24 rounds.

We say: Burnley 2-2 West Ham

While their failure to score at Sunderland was a setback, Burnley had claimed three consecutive score draws before slipping to defeat against the Black Cats.

Even if their recent tendency to find the back of the net should bode well against West Ham, the Hammers have also been relatively free-scoring of late, netting two or more goals in three consecutive rounds.

Consequently, an entertaining draw could be on the cards in this weekend’s relegation six-pointer in Lancashire, with the points likely to be shared at Turf Moor.

> Click here to read our full preview for Burnley vs. West Ham, including team news and predicted lineups

Bournemouth vs. Aston Villa (Saturday, 3pm)

A resurgent Bournemouth outfit welcome Aston Villa to the Vitality Stadium for a Premier League contest on Saturday afternoon.

Unai Emery’s side are looking to complete the league double over the Cherries for the first time following their emphatic 4-0 victory at Villa Park in November.

We say: Bournemouth 2-2 Aston Villa

A closely-contested battle could be on the cards this weekend between an improving Bournemouth side and an inconsistent Aston Villa outfit seeking to make a swift return to winning ways to boost their Champions League qualification hopes.

Goals at both ends is likely given how leaky the Cherries and Villa - particularly the former - have been at the back in recent weeks, but we believe that the spoils will be shared in an entertaining score draw on this occasion.

> Click here to read our full preview for Bournemouth vs. Aston Villa, including team news and predicted lineups

Arsenal vs. Sunderland (Saturday, 3pm)

Before donning pure red Liverpool scarfs, Arsenal fans will sport their traditional red and white to cheer on their team against Sunderland in Saturday's Premier League showdown.

The Gunners return to a bouncing Emirates buoyed by thoughts of their imminent EFL Cup final, while the Black Cats are still dreaming the European dream.

We say: Arsenal 2-0 Sunderland

Arsenal did not need to over-exert themselves on the attacking front in midweek, and having torn apart a five-man Leeds wall with ease, Arteta's men should have no real issues dishing out the same treatment to Sunderland.

The Black Cats' feats this term have been commendable, but their problems on the road cannot be overlooked, and they have also given up the third-most shots in the Premier League this season - even if they have conceded just 26 goals.

> Click here to read our full preview for Arsenal vs. Sunderland, including team news and predicted lineups

Newcastle United vs. Brentford (Saturday, 5.30pm)

Fresh from their EFL Cup semi-final elimination in midweek, Newcastle United return to Premier League action on Saturday evening when they play host to Brentford at St James’ Park.

The Magpies and the Bees meet for the first time since the beginning of November when the latter claimed a 3-1 victory over the former at the Gtech Community Stadium.

We say: Newcastle 1-2 Brentford

Goals are to be expected this weekend as an average of 4.1 goals per game have been scored in Premier League encounters between Brentford and Newcastle (37 goals in nine matches) - the highest ratio of any fixture to have been played as many times in the division.

Considering the Magpies' recent dip in form and the potential absence of key duo Guimaraes and Gordon, we are backing the high-flying Bees to pull off an upset and claim all three points at St James’ Park.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly in line to generate £7.8m from the sale of a fringe forward.

The North London outfit have just endured a relatively frustrating winter transfer window, with Cristian Romero outspoken over the club's lack of business.

Thomas Frank is now tasked with trying to move Spurs up the Premier League table, as well as retain his job for the remainder of the season.

Should the Dane remain at the helm, he will seemingly be in a position to benefit from a financial boost brought about from the exit of a player that he has never selected.

Veliz future on brink of being resolved

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Alejo Veliz is in line to sign for Bahia in June.

Veliz is currently back on loan at former club Rosario Central, where he has scored six goals from 19 appearances since his return.

As per Romano, the 22-year-old was keen to continue to represent Rosario until the end of June, the previously-agreed length of his loan stay.

He is then in line to make the switch to Brazilian club Bahia for a fee of €9m (£7.82m) plus add-ons.

A return to South America has been facilitated on the back of failing to make an impact in North London, as well as loan spells at Sevilla and Espanyol.

Are Spurs making a profit on Veliz?

When Veliz signed for Spurs in August 2023, Spurs committed to a deal worth £13m. The player also signed a six-year contract.

In terms of making a profit with regards to the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability regulations, Spurs will be close to breaking-even on the deal, with the possibility of a boost through add-ons.

With Veliz having scored just five goals from 43 appearances in European football, Spurs will be satisfied with the pending arrangements.

Seeking to win a fourth Premier League game in a row under interim boss Michael Carrick, Manchester United welcome Tottenham Hotspur to Old Trafford on Saturday lunchtime.

The Red Devils beat Fulham 3-2 on home soil last weekend, while Spurs came from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Manchester City last time out, and here, Sports Mole rounds up all of the latest team news for the two clubs.

MANCHESTER UNITED vs. TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

MAN UTD

Out: Patrick Dorgu (thigh), Matthijs de Ligt (back), Mason Mount (knock)

Doubtful: None

Sports Mole's predicted XI: Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Shaw; Casemiro, Mainoo; Diallo, Fernandes, Cunha; Mbeumo

SPURS

Out: James Maddison (knee), Dejan Kulusevski (knee), Mohammed Kudus (thigh), Pedro Porro (hamstring), Richarlison (hamstring), Rodrigo Bentancur (hamstring), Ben Davies (ankle), Lucas Bergvall (ankle), Kevin Danso (toe)

Doubtful: Djed Spence (calf)

Tottenham Hotspur's Champions League knockout-stage squad has been confirmed, with Thomas Frank making three changes to the Lilywhites' 'A' list for the competition.

The reigning Europa League champions defied their domestic difficulties to finish fourth in the league-phase table, taking 17 points from eight matches to earn a direct ticket to the last 16.

Only Arsenal (24), Bayern Munich (21) and Liverpool (18) collected more points than Frank's side, who concluded a successful league phase with a straightforward 2-0 win over Eintracht Frankfurt in Germany.

Spurs will take on either Club Brugge, Atletico Madrid, Galatasaray or Juventus in the last 16 of the competition, for which the draw will be made on February 27 following the conclusion of the knockout round playoffs.

The first leg of the last-16 ties will then be played on March 10-11, before the return fixtures on March 17-18, and Tottenham have now confirmed their squad changes for the knockout rounds.

Conor Gallagher, Mathys Tel added to Spurs' Champions League squad

Frank has unsurprisingly added new signing Conor Gallagher to his continental ranks following his January move from Atletico Madrid; the Englishman takes Brennan Johnson's place after his switch to Crystal Palace.

Furthermore, Radu Dragusin has also been summoned following his recovery from an ACL injury, as has Mathys Tel, who experienced a whirlwind of emotions in the league phase.

The Frenchman was initially snubbed from Tottenham's squad before briefly being added in December, but he was then demoted once again after Dominic Solanke's return from an ankle issue.

With Tel and Dragusin now included on List A, Rodrigo Bentancur - potentially out for the season with a thigh injury - and Ben Davies, nursing a serious ankle issue, have been excluded.

Tottenham drop sextuple injury hint in Champions League squad

Davies and Bentancur represent just two of a whopping nine injury concerns for Spurs at present, who have dropped a sextuple injury hint with their latest Champions League squad selection.

James Maddison was already known to be missing the rest of the season with his ACL injury, so it is no surprise to see him off the list, but there is also no space for Dejan Kulusevski.

The Swede has not played since the end of last season due to a severe and complicated knee injury, and his omission suggests that he will not be returning to competitive action anytime soon.

However, Kevin Danso (foot), Pedro Porro (thigh), Richarlison (thigh), Mohammed Kudus (thigh) and Lucas Bergvall (ankle) are all in, so Spurs fans should at least see the quintet back in action in the coming weeks and/or months.

Tottenham Champions League knockout squad:

Vicario, Dragusin, Danso, Palhinha, Simons, Richarlison, Tel, Udogie, Gray, Bergvall, Romero, Solanke, Kudus, Gallagher, Porro, Spence, Odobert, Sarr, Kinsky, Van de Ven, Kolo Muani, Austin

Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank highlighted the "beauty of written text" when pressed on Cristian Romero's recent social media outburst on transfer deadline day.

Spurs managed to bring in three new faces during the winter transfer window, although Conor Gallagher is the only experienced member of that trio, which also includes young left-back Souza and teenage striker James Wilson.

The day before transfer deadline day, Tottenham fought back from 2-0 down to hold Manchester City to an exhilarating 2-2 stalemate in the Premier League, but Frank had to include four academy graduates on the bench due to injuries and a lack of depth.

Captain Romero appeared to attack the Tottenham hierarchy on social media following the game, slamming the "unbelievable" and "disgraceful" circumstances that led to Spurs having only "11 players" available.

Romero has now taken aim at the board twice publicly this season, having also claimed that "other people" only appear when Tottenham are winning games to tell "lies" in a now-deleted post.

Thomas Frank: 'Cristian Romero situation has been dealt with'

Asked about Romero's rant in Thursday's press conference, Frank waxed lyrical about the Argentine's passion but admitted that he would not have done the same if he was in the defender's situation.

"I think if you want to know what he meant you have to ask him, that's the right way to answer that question," Alasdair Gold quotes Frank as saying. "Cuti is a very passionate person and leaves everything on the pitch.

"He wants to win every time and there can be an outburst. It is something we have dealt with and dealt with internally. There is a way of doing things. He has been very good at doing things. I wouldn't have done it. This is my message.

"The beauty of written text is that you can read into it and the only person who knows what it meant was Cuti. I think it shows that Cuti is extremely passionate. He wants to do everything he can with his team-mates to achieve great things."

Quizzed again on whether Romero - who has allegedly made a decision on his future - would be punished for what he said, Frank affirmed: "I can confirm that we have dealt with everything internally."

Frank also confirmed that Romero is fine for the showdown with Manchester United this weekend, having been forced to come off at half time in the draw with Man City due to an illness.

Tottenham handed triple fitness boost ahead of Man Utd test

The South American's availability could be one of three boosts for the Lilywhites, as Romero's defensive partner Micky van de Ven has recovered from the knock that has kept him out of Tottenham's last two games.

In addition, Djed Spence - who was ruled out of the Man City clash with a calf issue - is on the road to recovery and has a chance of making the cut against the Red Devils.

"Most are OK. Micky trained today, he's available for Saturday, which is good. Djed is getting closer, he'll be a little bit touch and go but there's a good chance he can be ready," Frank added.

Two-goal hero Dominic Solanke jarred his ankle in gameweek 24, but the striker affirmed after the draw that he would shake off the issue quickly, so there are no concerns about his availability.