Sports Mole

After finishing fourth in the UEFA Champions League group stage table, Tottenham Hotspur will be looking to continue their promising performances on the continent away to Atletico Madrid on Tuesday evening.

Since winning their previous Champions League game against Frankfurt, Spurs have won just one match and have lost each of their previous five which has seen them slump to 17th in the Premier League table.

As the possibility of relegation looms over them, Igor Tudor’s side will be looking at their tie against Atletico Madrid for inspiration, with the chance to reach the quarter-final stage of the competition for the first time since the 2018-19 campaign.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up Tottenham’s latest injury and suspension news ahead of their showdown with Atletico Madrid, who come off the back of a 3-2 win against Real Sociedad on Saturday evening.

Radu Dragusin

© Imago / Sportimage

Status: Major doubt

Type of injury: Knock

Possible return date: March 10 (vs. Atletico Madrid)

In Cristian Romero’s absence, Radu Dragusin has featured heavily for Tottenham alongside Micky van de Ven in defence. However, after missing the game against Crystal Palace with a minor knock, it remains to be seen whether the Romanian international will return for Spurs’ Champions League fixture.

Djed Spence

© Iconsport / SUSA

Status: Major doubt

Type of injury: Calf

Possible return date: March 10 (vs. Atletico Madrid)

Djed Spence has not appeared for Tottenham since their 4-1 defeat to Arsenal a fortnight ago. Although he missed the game against Palace, there is a chance he returns on Tuesday.

Ben Davies

© Imago

Status: Out

Type of injury: Ankle

Possible return date: April 11 (vs. Sunderland)

Ben Davies is expected to be sidelined for at least another month after picking up an ankle injury against West Ham United in January.

Destiny Udogie

© Imago / Sportimage

Status: Out

Type of injury: Hamstring

Possible return date: March 15 (vs. Liverpool)

Destiny Udogie is nearing a return from a hamstring injury sustained against Manchester United in February. Although he will certainly miss Tuesday's match, there is a chance he returns before the international break.

Lucas Bergvall

© Imago / Mark Pain

Status: Out

Type of injury: Ankle/Foot

Possible return date: April 11 (vs. Sunderland)

After being forced off with an ankle injury against Borussia Dortmund in January, Lucas Bergvall is expected to be back following the international break.

Mohammed Kudus

© Imago / Every Second Media

Status: Out

Type of injury: Thigh

Possible return date: April 11 (vs. Sunderland)

Although it was originally seen as a minor injury, Mohamed Kudus is expected to return after the March international break due to a thigh injury picked up against Sunderland in early January.

Rodrigo Bentancur

© Imago / News Images

Status: Out

Type of injury: Hamstring

Possible return date: May 2 (vs. Aston Villa)

Rodrigo Bentancur is hoping to make himself available before the end of the season after suffering a major hamstring injury in January.

Wilson Odobert

© Imago / News Images

Status: Out

Type of injury: Knee

Possible return date: Unknown

After rupturing his ACL against Newcastle last month, Wilson Odobert will not feature for Spurs until next season as he begins his lengthy rehab.

James Maddison

© Imago

Status: Out

Type of injury: ACL

Possible return date: Unknown

James Maddison sustained an ACL injury in August and has subsequently missed the entire season. The English midfielder looks set to be back in the summer.

Dejan Kulusevski

© Imago

Status: Out

Type of injury: Knee

Possible return date: May 2 (vs. Aston Villa)

Dejan Kulusevski remains unavailable with a knee injury that he picked up last season. There is hope that he features before the end of the campaign but it is not certain.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR’S SUSPENSION LIST

While they will not miss any players through suspension on Tuesday evening, Spurs will be without Micky van de Ven for their game against Liverpool on March 15.

Manchester United could reportedly move for Dejan Kulusevski during this summer's transfer window if Tottenham Hotspur are relegated from the Premier League.

Spurs are in the last-16 stage of the Champions League, but they have had a disastrous domestic campaign to date, sitting down in 16th spot in the Premier League table.

Tottenham are only one point outside of the relegation zone and are in real danger of dropping down to the Championship for the 2026-27 campaign.

Spurs have lost each of their last five Premier League matches, while they have not been victorious in England's top flight since the end of December.

Tottenham are next in league action away to Liverpool on March 15, with that match coming between their Champions League last-16 contests with Atletico Madrid.

Man United 'weighing up' summer move for Kulusevski

There will be a number of first-team departures this summer if Spurs are relegated, with Kulusevski likely to be among them.

The Sweden international has not made a single appearance for Tottenham this season due to a knee injury, and he has been a major miss for the North London club.

Last term, the 25-year-old scored 10 goals and registered 11 assists in 50 appearances at club level, while his overall record for Spurs is 25 goals and 30 assists in 146 matches.

It is unclear when Kulusevski will return to the field, but according to The Mirror, Man United are considering making a move for the attacker this summer.

The Red Devils want to add a left-sided attacker to their squad at the end of the season and are said to be admirers of Kulusevski, who can play in a number of different forward areas.

Van de Ven, Romero, Maddison could leave Spurs this summer

The fact that James Maddison has spent so long on the sidelines could actually work in Tottenham's favour this summer, with the playmaker potentially deciding to stay even if Spurs are relegated, but there will certainly be interest.

There are also clubs keeping a close eye on Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero, with the defensive pair expected to have plenty of suitors.

Relegation for Tottenham this summer would be utterly disastrous, and it remains to be seen whether there are enough characters in the squad to pull themselves out of trouble.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly battling two European giants to sign Brentford winger Kevin Schade in the summer transfer window.

The 24-year-old joined Brentford from SC Freiburg in a club-record deal in 2023 and has emerged as one of their standout performers this season.

The German attacker has registered seven goals and three assists in the Premier League so far this campaign, significantly boosting his reputation across Europe.

Brentford are aware of the growing interest in their versatile forward and are keen to retain his services beyond the current season, with Schade under contract at the club until 2028.

Tottenham among clubs keen to sign Kevin Schade

According to a report from TeamTalk, Spurs retain a long-standing interest in the winger, who could command a transfer fee in the region of £43m to £61m.

However, the north London club are expected to face strong competition from German champions Bayern Munich and Serie A leaders Inter Milan, while Napoli have also been long-term admirers of the player.

Tottenham have struggled with depth in attacking areas this season following injuries to Mohammed Kudus, Wilson Odobert, Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison, while Richarlison and Dominic Solanke have also endured lengthy spells on the sidelines.

Their attacking depth was further weakened after former boss Thomas Frank sanctioned the sale of Brennan Johnson, who joined Crystal Palace during the January transfer window.

Brentford more likely to keep hold of Kevin Schade

Tottenham have endured a difficult campaign and currently sit 16th in the Premier League table with 29 points from 29 matches.

Unless Spurs secure Champions League qualification, they are unlikely to offer European football next season, which could make it difficult to lure Schade away from Brentford.

Bayern Munich could consider strengthening their wide options, although younger and potentially cheaper alternatives such as Said El Mala remain on their radar. Emerging academy talents, including Lennart Karl and Maycon Cardozo, could also influence the club’s transfer strategy.

Inter Milan are expected to refresh their squad next summer, but Brentford’s high valuation of Schade could prove a stumbling block for the Nerazzurri.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly giving consideration to appointing Roberto De Zerbi as a successor to Igor Tudor as head coach.

While the North Londoners only appointed the Croatian on a deal until the end of the season last month, it has become apparent that he is far from safe in the dugout after a disastrous start to life at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Following defeats to Arsenal and Fulham, the 3-1 loss at home to Crystal Palace on Thursday has led to suggestions that the 47-year-old could be removed from his position if the club's poor form continues against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday.

Tudor has insisted that he saw enough improvement in the performance against Palace to indicate that a corner can be turned.

However, as per The Telegraph, Spurs officials are already weighing up whether to make an immediate change.

De Zerbi back on Spurs radar

The report alleges that discussions have already been held with De Zerbi, who has previously been on the club's radar.

De Zerbi recently departed his role at Marseille after a stint where he recorded 39 wins and 20 defeats from 69 matches in charge.

Talks are said to have been specifically held regarding an arrival in North London during the summer, presumably if Spurs avoid relegation from the Premier League.

Nevertheless, there appears to be the possibility of De Zerbi being drafted into the role within days, rather than months, if nothing improves under Tudor.

Despite his only notable silverware won during his managerial career being a Ukrainian Cup with Shakhtar Donetsk, De Zerbi has credit in the bank from his two-year stint at Brighton & Hove Albion.

Do Spurs have an easy decision to make?

The main reason why Tudor was appointed as Spurs boss was his track record when it comes to making immediate short-term impacts at clubs who required it.

However, from the outside at least, it seems like Spurs are performing worse. When their short-term schedule reads Liverpool away sandwiched between two Atletico Madrid fixtures, it is far from ideal.

While Tudor will likely be given the first leg against Atletico in Spain, it is plausible that Spurs make another managerial change if they suffer defeat to the La Liga giants.

That said, there would also be question marks over whether De Zerbi would want to come into a role at Spurs at this stage of the season.

Glenn Hoddle has publicly offered his services to help rescue Tottenham Hotspur from the threat of the Championship.

Spurs' descent into a historic competitive crisis has reached a fever pitch following a devastating 3-1 home defeat to Crystal Palace on Thursday night, leaving the capital club 16th in the Premier League table.

The loss to Palace marked a third consecutive defeat for interim head coach Igor Tudor, who has struggled to find a tactical foothold since arriving in North London just three games ago.

With the Lilywhites now one point above the Premier League relegation zone and winless in 11 league matches, the atmosphere at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has become increasingly desperate.

Hoddle offers to help Spurs avoid Premier League relegation

Speaking on the Could It Be Magic podcast via The Daily Mail, the 68-year-old expressed a deep desire to return to the dugout at a club he has supported since childhood.

"I think it would actually," he said when asked if returning to management was of interest. "Particularly with Tottenham, as that's my club. I've supported them since I was eight years of age. So they were a massive part of my life."

The former England boss suggested that his experience could be the vital ingredient needed to steady a dressing room that appears devoid of confidence as the pressure of a relegation dogfight intensifies.

When he was told that former Spurs forward Robbie Keane, now managing Hungarian side Ferencvaros, has emerged as a contender for the role, Hoddle suggested a partnership with the Irishman.

"Robbie is doing great as a young manager, but to have someone experienced like myself... that would be a good formula in many ways," stated the ex-Spurs boss.

"I think that's a shrewd move, whether it was me or somebody experienced with him, because the question would be, is Rob ready to go into that sort of job now?"

PL survival: How bad is the situation at Spurs?

While it has been suggested that the Lilywhites are 'too good to go down', alarm bells will be ringing in North London.

The injury-ravaged side could slip into the bottom three after the next round of matches if they lose to Liverpool on March 15 and results elsewhere go against them.

Eighteenth-placed West Ham United and Nottingham Forest, a place above the Hammers, are one point behind the North Londoners, highlighting the precarious situation at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Picking up just four points from a possible 33 in 2026 does them no favours, as they sit at the bottom of the calendar year table in the competition.

If that continues, then their 34-year stay in the top flight may well be over.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly considering Robbie Keane as a summer appointment as they look to navigate the most precarious period in the club's modern history.

The Lilywhites are currently embroiled in a desperate battle for Premier League survival following an unprecedented winless run that has left them just one point above the relegation zone.

Interim head coach Igor Tudor is not expected to be retained in a permanent capacity once the 2025-26 campaign concludes, regardless of whether the club maintains its top-flight status.

While the board are believed to have identified several high-profile targets to lead a potential rebuild, the growing uncertainty surrounding their divisional status has complicated their recruitment strategy.

Spurs identify 'dark horse' candidate to replace Igor Tudor

© Imago

As reported by GIVEMESPORT, former Spurs striker Keane has emerged as a potential candidate to take the managerial reins this summer.

The 45-year-old is currently in charge of Hungarian giants Ferencvaros, where he has maintained an impressive 61% win rate and secured a domestic league title.

While Mauricio Pochettino and Roberto De Zerbi remain the primary targets for the hierarchy, Keane is viewed as a serious alternative should the club fail to land their preferred choices.

It is understood that the Republic of Ireland legend would be a strong contender for the role if the club were to suffer a shock relegation to the Championship.

The report suggests that Keane's standing among the supporters and intimate knowledge of the club's internal culture are seen as significant assets as Spurs prepare for a summer of significant transition.

Spurs managerial search: Pochettino and De Zerbi remains top priorities

© Imago / ZUMA Press Wire

While Pochettino is reportedly not entirely deterred by the prospect of managing in the second tier following his stint with the USA national team, his substantial salary requirements could prove a major hurdle.

Similarly, De Zerbi is expected to have numerous suitors from the top end of the Premier League and across Europe, potentially making a move to North London a difficult sell if top-flight football is not guaranteed.

Keane’s emergence as a potential appointment comes at a time when he is also attracting interest from Crystal Palace, who are seeking a successor to Oliver Glasner.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly prepared to move for a new manager if they fail to beat Crystal Palace on Thursday night.

Spurs have been under the leadership of 47-year-old Igor Tudor for the past two matches on a deal until the end of the season.

However, the Croatian has struggled to get a tune out of the squad to date, losing back-to-back London derbies.

Tudor's troops first fell to a 4-1 scoreline at the hands of arch rivals Arsenal before suffering defeat at Fulham last time out,

Tottenham will be looking to end their 10-game winless streak in the Premier League when they host Palace on Thursday.

Tottenham looking at Tudor alternatives?

According to TEAMtalk, Tottenham are considering a change in the dugout ahead of the remainder of the campaign.

The report claims that there are serious concerns over Tudor's start to life at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

It is believed that the 47-year-old has not had the desired impact on a confidence-drained first-team squad.

It is understood that Tudor could be relieved of his North London duties should they fail to beat Crystal Palace on Thursday.

Spurs supposedly have a number of managerial alternative options in mind ahead of a potential switch.

Tottenham's relegation battle

Following positive results for both West Ham United and Nottingham Forest on Tuesday night, Tottenham have been thrown deep into relegation trouble.

Tudor's side are currently just a single point and two positions above the dreaded drop with 10 games left to play.

Spurs' only two wins of the current calendar year have arrived against Bundesliga duo Borussia Dortmund and Eintracht Frankfurt.

Facing the last team they managed to get one over in the Premier League, Tottenham Hotspur welcome Crystal Palace to North London for Thursday's derby.

The Lilywhites have failed to win any of their last 10 top-flight matches since December's 1-0 victory at Selhurst Park, and here Sports Mole rounds up the team news for both clubs.

TOTTENHAM vs. CRYSTAL PALACE

TOTTENHAM

Out: Destiny Udogie (thigh), Lucas Bergvall (ankle), Ben Davies (ankle), Mohammed Kudus (thigh), Rodrigo Bentancur (thigh), Dejan Kulusevski (knee), James Maddison (knee), Wilson Odobert (knee), Cristian Romero (suspended)

Doubtful: Djed Spence (calf)

Sports Mole's predicted XI: Vicario; Danso, Van de Ven, Dragusin; Porro, Sarr, Palhinha, Gray; Simons; Tel, Richarlison

CRYSTAL PALACE

Out: Maxence Lacroix (suspended), Cheick Doucoure (knee), Eddie Nketiah (thigh), Jean-Philippe Mateta (knee), Jefferson Lerma (thigh)

Doubtful: Jorgen Strand Larsen (unspecified)

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly planning to sign a new goalkeeper in the summer transfer window, with Lens shot-stopper Robin Risser emerging as a serious candidate.

The 2025–26 campaign initially promised much for Spurs under Thomas Frank, but it quickly turned into a difficult season and eventually descended into a nightmare.

The north London club currently sit 16th in the Premier League table with 29 points from 28 matches, and missing out on European football next season could have significant financial ramifications.

While they still have the Champions League to focus on, the instability surrounding the club following a managerial change has left Spurs struggling for consistency.

With the squad requiring fresh investment, Spurs could look to recruit relatively unproven but highly-talented young players at reasonable prices as part of a renewed transfer strategy.

Spurs seriously interested in signing Robin Risser?

According to a report from CaughtOffside, Spurs are closely monitoring Risser, who has impressed significantly this season in Ligue 1.

Tottenham are reportedly targeting goalkeepers who are comfortable distributing from the back and capable of contributing during the build-up phase, and the 21-year-old fits that profile perfectly.

The young goalkeeper has earned widespread praise for his shot-stopping ability, while his composure with the ball at his feet has also caught the attention of scouts.

Risser joined Lens from Strasbourg for a modest fee of €3m (£2.6m) and remains under contract until 2030, placing the French club in a strong negotiating position should offers arrive.

Replacement for Guglielmo Vicario?

The report claims there is uncertainty surrounding Guglielmo Vicario’s long-term future at the club, and as a result, Spurs are searching for a potential long-term replacement.

One disappointing aspect of the season has been the limited involvement of backup goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky, whose lack of opportunities could send the wrong message to young keepers hoping to compete for the starting role.

Tottenham could reportedly face competition from Premier League rivals Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United for Risser’s signature, while his €10 million (£8.7m) market valuation makes him an attractive target for the summer transfer window.

Tottenham Hotspur defender Djed Spence will miss Thursday's Premier League London derby with Crystal Palace due to injury, but Igor Tudor is counting on the full-back to return for Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.

The former Nottingham Forest and Middlesbrough man was ruled out of Sunday's 2-1 loss to Fulham before kickoff, and it was reported that he had sustained a fresh calf injury.

Spence's problem was described as a 'very minor' one, but the 25-year-old had already missed matches against Manchester City and Manchester United in February with a similar issue.

Speaking to reporters in Wednesday's pre-game press conference, Tudor ruled Spence out of the visit of the Eagles this week but expressed hope that he would be fit to face Atletico next week.

"Djed Spence is out," football.london quotes Tudor as saying. "Kevin [Danso] came back in the last game. We hope [Spence will return] for the Champions League game."

Tottenham's three Djed Spence replacements for Crystal Palace clash assessed

Spence is just one of 10 Spurs players on the sidelines for Thursday's fixture, alongside fellow full-backs Ben Davies and Destiny Udogie, the latter of whom is expected to spend another couple of weeks out of action with a hamstring issue.

The ever-versatile Archie Gray filled in on the left-hand side of the backline against Fulham, but Tudor possesses two players who are arguably better fits for the role than the former Leeds United youngster.

The Europa League winners brought 19-year-old Souza to the club from Santos earlier this year, and the teenager did not look at all out of place when making his debut against Man United at Old Trafford.

Tudor hinted that the South American could soon get his chance from the first whistle, adding: "He was good, I saw something in him. He is there and waiting for his moment to play."

Alternatively, with Danso back in the fold, Tudor could pair the Austrian up with Radu Dragusin in defence and deploy Micky van de Ven at left-back; the 24-year-old frequently plays out wide for the Netherlands national team.

Van de Ven's blistering pace and attacking prowess makes him a standout candidate for the left-back position, but while there is uncertainty over whether Tudor will go with a back three or back four, it is difficult to envisage the Dutchman being deployed out wide.

Could Igor Tudor leave Tottenham if Crystal Palace win?

Tudor was never expected to stick around for the long-term in North London, but there have already been murmurings of a premature exit as early as this week if Spurs lose on Thursday.

The former Juventus and Marseille manager did not hold his tongue when conducting his post-match media duties at Craven Cottage, claiming that Tottenham are lacking in all areas and labelling the situation "amazing".

A draw or defeat on Thursday would see Tottenham set a new unwanted record for their longest-ever Premier League winless run (11 games), and there have been few signs of progress since Tudor took the reins.

However, another managerial departure would put Tottenham right back at square one, and there would be no logic to parting ways so early - unless the Croatian himself finds the situation untenable and decides to walk.