Sports Mole

Tottenham Hotspur are reported to have entered the race for Bournemouth defender Marcos Senesi, though they will face competition from Premier League rivals.

Now that Spurs have confirmed the appointment of Igor Tudor as Thomas Frank's interim successor, fans will hope for a relatively smooth end to the season.

The club are 16th in the Premier League with just 29 points from 26 matches, and they are only five points above 18th-placed West Ham United.

Tottenham look set for another relegation battle, and if they wish to push towards the division's European spots next season, they will need to make a number of signings before 2026-27.

Bournemouth defender Marcos Senesi will be a free agent in the summer, but while TuttoJuve report that Spurs have entered the race for his signature, other Premier League sides like Manchester United are also interested.

Can Tottenham beat Man United to Marcos Senesi in the summer?

United look likely to qualify for the Europa League at least given they are fourth with 45 points, while securing Champions League football would give them a significant advantage over Spurs in the transfer market.

While Tottenham may not be able to offer new signings continental football, they could look to get ahead of the Red Devils in the managerial department.

Michael Carrick is the interim boss of United, though it would not be surprising if he was appointed on a permanent basis.

Considering Carrick has never previously coached a team on permanent basis in one of Europe's top five leagues, some players may be reluctant to sign for the Red Devils due to his inexperience.

If Tottenham can convince a proven manager such as Xabi Alonso to take over from Frank, then stars might view the club in a more positive light.

Does Marcos Senesi hint at Cristian Romero or Micky van de Ven exit?

While signing an established player from the Premier League for free should not necessarily be seen negatively, it does perhaps hint at potential exits from the club.

Cristian Romero has hit out at Spurs this season on social media, and he has often proved unreliable from both a fitness and discipline perspective.

However, since Senesi has predominantly played on the left for Bournemouth, perhaps fans should be worried about the potential exit of Micky van de Ven, who plays on the same side.

The Dutchman has been linked with an exit to the likes of Liverpool, though his current contract lasts until 2029, meaning Tottenham should have the power to resist any summer offers.

Igor Tudor has been appointed interim manager of Tottenham Hotspur until the end of the season following the departure of former boss Thomas Frank, who was relieved of his duties after Spurs’ 2–1 defeat to Newcastle United on Tuesday.

Frank leaves the North London club 16th in the Premier League table, a worrying 16 points adrift of the top four and only five points above the relegation zone, with 13 matches remaining, suggesting the Lilywhites are currently closer to a survival scrap than a push for European qualification.

It feels like deja vu for Tottenham, who finished a lowly 17th in the top-flight standings last season despite lifting the Europa League trophy, and while Spurs have again impressed on the continental stage this term by reaching the Champions League last 16, domestic struggles have once more overshadowed their progress abroad.

With league form carrying greater immediate consequence, Frank was dismissed after recording just two wins from his last 17 Premier League matches, and Tudor has now been tasked with steadying performances, delivering results and guiding the club back up the table.

With that in mind, Sports Mole takes an in-depth look at the newly appointed manager, his tactical approach, whether he is the right man for the job, and the potential upside of his arrival ahead of his first game in charge.

A look at Tudor’s credentials and style of play

Tudor is a well-travelled coach with close to two decades in management, and Tottenham Hotspur marks roughly the 10th senior role of a career that has taken him across several major European leagues.

The 47-year-old Croat has previously managed Hajduk Split, PAOK, Karabukspor, Galatasaray, Udinese, Hellas Verona, Marseille, Lazio and most recently Juventus, although he has been out of work since his dismissal from the Turin giants in October 2025.

Across much of his managerial journey — including his stint with Juventus — Tudor has favoured a 3-4-2-1 system built on aggressive pressing, wing-back energy and quick vertical transitions, and he is widely expected to stick to that blueprint in North London.

That structure mirrors the approach often associated with Ruben Amorim, who enjoyed success with Sporting Lisbon but found life tougher in England, raising the familiar question of whether tactical identity alone guarantees results or whether squad suitability ultimately decides success.

Is Tudor the reset Tottenham need to bounce back?

Managerial changes almost always split opinion, and Tudor’s arrival is no exception, with debate already swirling over whether he represents a genuine solution or merely a short-term patch.

Former Spurs interim boss Tim Sherwood has voiced scepticism, arguing that the upside for a caretaker can be limited while the risks are enormous, as merely steering the club clear of relegation often earns little praise.

However, Tudor is no stranger to parachuting into unstable situations, having taken charge of both Juventus and Lazio late in recent seasons and largely meeting the objectives set before him.

At Lazio, he oversaw a strong finish that secured European qualification after arriving with only a handful of fixtures remaining, while a similar late surge with Juventus helped lift the club into the top four before a poor start the following campaign ultimately cost him his job.

Those examples underline a recurring theme of short-term stabilisation in Tudor’s CV, and while transforming Tottenham overnight may be unrealistic, his track record suggests he could at least steady the ship and nudge Spurs up the standings, even if a baptism of fire awaits.

Is Tudor the perfect man to throw a spanner into Arsenal’s title push?

Easing into a new role against modest opposition is often the ideal scenario for most incoming coaches, but Tudor faces the opposite, walking straight into one of the sternest possible openings to life at Tottenham Hotspur.

The 47-year-old’s first assignment comes against fierce North London rivals Arsenal, who currently sit atop the Premier League table with a narrow cushion over Manchester City, and many Spurs supporters may feel the timing of the managerial switch could hardly have been more dramatic.

Former boss Frank had previously drawn criticism from sections of the fanbase over a perceived “Arsenal obsession,” and a heavy 4–1 defeat in the reverse North London derby only intensified that scrutiny.

That result stretched Tottenham’s winless run in the fixture to seven matches (D1, L6), and a victory in Tudor’s first outing would not only instantly endear him to the home faithful but could also deliver a meaningful dent to Arsenal’s title momentum, a scenario Lilywhite supporters would relish.

Sweden boss Graham Potter has revealed there is a possibility that Liverpool striker Alexander Isak and Tottenham Hotspur winger Dejan Kulusevski could return in March.

Isak has struggled with fitness and injury since he completed a mega-money from Newcastle United in the summer.

The forward has been out of action since sustaining a broken leg in December's 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur.

Meanwhile, Isak's Sweden teammate, Kulusevski, has not played for Tottenham since last month due to a long-term knee injury.

Potter delivers Kulusevski, Isak injury update

Prior to his sacking as Spurs boss, Thomas Frank admitted he was unsure whether Kulusevski would play in the 2025-26 campaign.

In contrast to Frank's comments, Potter is hopeful that Isak and Kulusevski could return in time for March's World Cup qualifying playoffs.

“I hope they can play, but these are big injuries,” Potter told Fotboll Direkt. “It’s tough to come back from injuries like that by March, but there’s a chance.

“Yes, I have spoken to both of them. They are on their way back and are optimistic. They are working very hard at home in the club team in an attempt to play with us in March.”

Why Sweden need Kulusevski, Isak available

Sweden are set to compete in the World Cup qualifying playoffs as a result of their performance in the 2024-25 Nations League, where they won five of their six games to finish top of Group C1.

After performing poorly in their World Cup qualifying group, Sweden will be desperate to have key players, like Kulusevski and Isak, available for potentially two crucial games in March.

Sweden will face Ukraine in the semi-finals on March 26, with the winner going on to face Poland or Albania in the final of path B.

From Tottenham's perspective, they will be keen to have Kulusevski available to help their fight to stave off an unthinkable relegation.

Meanwhile, Isak will be desperate to get back on the pitch and produce the sort of form for Liverpool that he displayed during his time at Newcastle.

Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed that Wilson Odobert has suffered a ruptured ACL and will undergo surgery, raising the prospect of a high-profile free agent signing.

The French attacker suffered a nasty twist to his left knee in Tuesday's 2-1 Premier League loss to Newcastle United and stayed down for several minutes receiving treatment.

Odobert was at least able to walk off unaided as he was replaced by Mathys Tel, so there was some optimism that the former Burnley man had avoided a potential season-ending issue.

However, reports emerged on Wednesday stating that the winger had indeed torn his ACL, thus bringing his 2025-26 campaign to a close and also eliminating any slim hopes of a World Cup 2026 call-up.

Releasing an injury update on their social media channels, Spurs confirmed that Odobert will see a specialist next week before going under the knife and beginning his long road to rehabilitation.

"We can confirm that Wilson Odobert has sustained a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. Wilson will see a specialist next week before undergoing surgery, and will then commence his rehabilitation with our medical staff," Spurs said in a statement.

How Spurs can replace Wilson Odobert as ACL injury confirmed

Odobert's 2025-26 campaign comes to a premature end with the 21-year-old boasting two goals and five assists from 33 appearances in all competitions, including 10 starts in the Premier League.

The managerless Lilywhites will have to cope without the France Under-21 international for remaining Premier League matches against the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea, as well as the remainder of their Champions League campaign - the last-16 draw takes place on February 27.

Thankfully for whoever replaces Thomas Frank, Tottenham already have two fit, ready-made replacements for the stricken Odobert in Tel and Randal Kolo Muani, the latter of whom can do a job out wide if necessary.

Richarlison may return from a thigh problem relatively soon too, or the new head coach could switch to a wing-back system, stationing Xavi Simons behind two strikers and having two of Djed Spence, Archie Gray, Souza and Pedro Porro - when he is fit again - out wide.

However, Odobert's long-term issue adds to a perpetual injury crisis for Tottenham, who are still missing James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, Mohammed Kudus, Lucas Bergvall, Rodrigo Bentancur, Ben Davies, Kevin Danso and the suspended Cristian Romero.

Could Tottenham sign any free agents after Wilson Odobert injury?

None of Maddison, Kulusevski or Kudus will be back in action anytime soon, so Tottenham's only alternatives aside from Tel and Kolo Muani are academy prospects or free agents.

However, there is one extremely high-profile and free agent raring to go in the form of Raheem Sterling, who would be a like-for-like replacement for Odobert and would also have the chance to stay in London.

Tottenham were previously linked with a move for the ex-Chelsea and Arsenal winger during the January transfer window, and while a move did not materialise then, Odobert's injury could very well change their plans.

Tottenham Hotspur have picked up just 10 points from their 13 home games in the Premier League this season, the worst return amongst big six teams.

Spurs suffered yet another defeat, losing 2-1 at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium on Tuesday against Newcastle United.

The Toon were deserving winners, with the visitors creating numerous chances, while the hosts only truly threatened in the latter stages of the match when they were already trailing.

Thomas Frank has now overseen 13 league matches at home, with the team losing seven, drawing four and winning two games at the ground.

The 10 points his side have collected at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium ranks last amongst big six clubs, with Arsenal (32), Manchester City (29), Manchester United (27), Liverpool (24) and Chelsea (22) having picked up more than double Spurs' total on home soil.

Will Tottenham be relegated from the Premier League?

The loss against Toon left the club in 16th place, and their points tally of 29 is only five more than 18th-placed West Ham United.

Tottenham's next league clash comes at home against Arsenal on February 22, whereas West Ham have a more favourable fixture against Bournemouth on February 21.

Frank's side have failed to win any of their last eight league outings, suffering defeat on four occasions, while the Hammers have won three, drawn one and lost just one of their past five in the top flight.

Though Spurs' squad possesses a number of stars, it would be foolish for the players or management staff to think that they are too talented to be relegated.

Is Thomas Frank overseeing a transition season?

With many clubs in the Premier League such as Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United having also experienced turmoil this season, there have been claims that a number of sides are simply going through transition phases.

Some of Frank's supporters have also argued that the Londoners are experiencing a period of transition, but with the team undoubtedly in the relegation battle, it is hard to see how fans can take any positives from the current situation.

With the team quickly plummeting towards the bottom three, it may be in the best interest of Tottenham to dismiss the Dane before the club's plight becomes irrecoverable.

Tottenham Hotspur head coach Thomas Frank has insisted he has no issue with fans singing about former manager Mauricio Pochettino.

Frank has seen his position come under considerable scrutiny following a seven-game winless run in the Premier League.

Spurs fell to a 2-0 defeat in their most recent outing against Manchester United on Saturday, leaving them in 15th place and six points above the drop zone ahead of Tuesday's meeting with Newcastle United.

Having been left disappointed with results under Frank, Tottenham fans have chanted about Pochettino in recent weeks, making it clear that they would welcome the Argentine back with open arms if the opportunity arises in the future.

The USA head coach only added to the speculation when he talked about the "special" connection he has with Tottenham in a recent appearance on the High Performance Podcast.

Frank responds to Pochettino chant question

Speaking ahead of Tuesday's clash with Newcastle, Frank was asked about Pochettino's comments and the chants about the former Spurs boss.

“I met Mauricio a few times. Great guy, a great coach. I think he’s a legend [here],” Frank told reporters on Monday.

“I don’t think he won a trophy, but he was part of transforming the club, from where it was at that stage to where it ended being in terms of being close to winning the Premier League title and getting into the Champions League final.

“If you are close, then you are very close to winning it. Sometimes it’s football, it’s margins. Pochettino did a top job here and is a true legend, so if the fans sing his name, it’s well deserved.”

How likely is a Tottenham return for Pochettino?

Frank may be currently fighting for his job, but Pochettino will not be an immediate option if Spurs decide to part ways with their current head coach in the near future.

That is because Pochettino has a contract with the USA national team until after the World Cup, so his current focus will be on the tournament taking place in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

With that said, the 53-year-old's recent comments suggest he is itching to get back into club management for the first time since leaving Chelsea at the end of the 2023-24 season.

Pochettino spent over five years during his time as Tottenham boss, notably leading the club to the 2018-19 Champions League final.

However, he was sacked in November 2019 without winning a trophy, suggesting that he has unfinished business with the North London club.

A return to Spurs could be possible if the club decide to move on from Frank and show a willingness to wait until after the 2026 World Cup.

Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United collide at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the Premier League on Tuesday night, both in increasing need of a long-awaited victory.

The Lilywhites went down 2-0 to Manchester United on Saturday, suffering their 10th top-flight loss of the season, a fate that the Magpies shared when they were bested 3-2 by Brentford at home.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up the team news for both clubs ahead of the fixture.

TOTTENHAM vs. NEWCASTLE

TOTTENHAM

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

Doubtful: Djed Spence (calf)

Sports Mole's predicted XI: Vicario; Gray, Dragusin, Van de Ven, Spence; Sarr, Palhinha, Gallagher; Simons, Solanke, Kolo Muani

NEWCASTLE

Out: Joelinton (groin), Emil Krafth (knee), Tino Livramento (thigh), Fabian Schar (ankle)

Doubtful: Anthony Gordon (thigh), Lewis Miley (knee)

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly moved close to parting ways with head coach Thomas Frank after a woeful campaign so far.

The Europa League winners were looking to move away from the lower reaches of the Premier League following a 17th-placed finish in 2024-25, however another term of struggle has arrived in North London.

Under the stewardship of Frank after a 2-0 loss at Manchester United on Saturday afternoon, Spurs have won just one of their last 10 matches and only two of their past 16, leaving them a lowly 15th in the top-flight rankings.

Such awful form from Tottenham combined with a mini-resurgence from West Ham United means that Spurs are sitting just six points above the dreaded drop zone, clearly embroiled in a scrap for survival.

Former Brentford hero Frank is the villain at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium currently, victorious in just 13 of his 37 competitive matches since the beginning of the season in North London.

Tottenham at 'breaking point' with under-pressure Frank

According to TEAMtalk, Tottenham are preparing to wield the managerial axe on head coach Frank, who will lead his side out for a Premier League home clash with Newcastle United on Tuesday night.

The report claims that Spurs' 26th league fixture of the campaign could be the Dane's last in charge if his men suffer defeat to Eddie Howe's struggling Magpies at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

It is understood that the situation surrounding Frank in North London has reached 'breaking point', with Spurs last winning a Premier League contest at Crystal Palace before the turn of the year.

Should the 52-year-old be relieved of his duties after Tuesday night's match in the capital, it is believed that assistant coach Johnny Heitinga would take interim charge of the first team until the end of the campaign.

In an extraordinary twist, former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino is supposedly the club's preferred option to regain the reins ahead of the 2026-27 season, with the Argentine 'giving the green light' for a sensational return after the World Cup in July.

Spurs playing the long game with Poch

Sitting 14 points away from the top five and likely Champions League qualification, Tottenham have little chance of making it back into UEFA's elite club competition next season unless they somehow win the current edition.

Given that relegation is an unthinkable and improbable prospect, Spurs have essentially written this domestic season off following a string of woeful results under Frank, meaning that they need to take a measured approach with their next managerial appointment.

Preparing to guide the United States into a home World Cup, Pochettino is immovable from his Stars and Stripes position at present, however the Argentine is said to be keen on a return to North London after football's biggest competition.

Tottenham Hotspur head coach Thomas Frank has confirmed the length of time that Destiny Udogie will be sidelined with a hamstring injury for.

The Italian left-back was withdrawn in the first half of Saturday's 2-0 defeat to Manchester United in the Premier League, one of two early blows for Spurs following Cristian Romero's sending-off.

Frank could not give an immediate diagnosis on Udogie's injury straight after the game, but even the most minor hamstring injuries usually require a two-week layoff, so a spell in the treatment room was expected.

Speaking to the press ahead of Tuesday's top-flight showdown with Newcastle United, Frank delivered the latest on the injury-plagued defender, who is now set to miss around a month of football.

"Unfortunately, Destiny has a hamstring injury. So he’s out for the next 4-5 weeks. The squad from Saturday is available," Frank said, before also lifting the lid on the behind-the-scenes work for a player who has made just eight Premier League starts this term.

"It's of course an ongoing process, to keep building him more and more robust every day, so that's a long-term process. I think it's a combination of different things. One, teamwork, recovery, training, management, game load, all that," Frank added.

Which Tottenham games will Destiny Udogie miss through injury?

A four-to-five week layoff means that Udogie will likely be in the care of the doctors until the middle of March, and the former Udinese man is at risk of missing up to six games across all competitions.

Spurs will have to cope without Udogie against Newcastle and North London rivals Arsenal before the end of the month, as well as Fulham and Crystal Palace on March 1 and 5 respectively.

The Lilywhites will play the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie on either March 10 or 11, and Udogie is also at risk of missing that encounter against Club Brugge, Atletico Madrid, Galatasaray or Juventus.

The Italian may have recovered in time for the clash with holders Liverpool on March 15, but there is no guarantee that will be the case, although he should be back in the ranks in time for Nottingham Forest on March 22.

One player Spurs will definitely have available again for Liverpool is Cristian Romero, who begins a four-game domestic ban for his red card at Old Trafford and joins a plethora of players on the Tottenham absentee list.

Thomas Frank delivers worrying update on Dejan Kulusevski

Frank at least confirmed that all other players from Saturday's game will be available once again on Tuesday, but the Dane delivered an alarming update on forgotten man Dejan Kulusevski.

The Swedish winger has not played a single game this season due to a troubling knee injury, and when asked whether he would play at all in 2025-26, Frank replied: "I don't know.

"Deki's got another appointment at the end of the week where we will know more but of course being out of the Champions League squad is a sign it is not tomorrow."

James Maddison, Kevin Danso, Pedro Porro, Mohammed Kudus, Rodrigo Bentancur, Lucas Bergvall, Ben Davies and Richarlison are also out of the picture for Tottenham, but Frank at least confirmed that Djed Spence has recovered from a calf problem.

Tottenham will look to end their horrible run of form and move further away from the relegation zone when they welcome out of sorts Newcastle United to Tottenham Hotspur stadium on Tuesday night.

Thomas Frank's future at the club is in doubt with the north London side still searching for their first Premier League win in 2026.

Spurs have not been helped by the long list of absentees they have had to deal with throughout the campaign, a list that grew after Saturday's defeat.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up Tottenham's latest injury and suspension news ahead of their clash with Eddie Howe's Newcastle United.

James Maddison

Status: Out

Type of injury: Knee

Possible return date: June 1

James Maddison has been out since pre-season after suffering a major knee injury that could force him to miss the entire year. Although he has returned to light training on the grass, a return is not expected soon.

Rodrigo Bentancur

Status: Out

Type of injury: Hamstring

Possible return date: 2 May

Picking up a hamstring injury at the start of the New Year, there is no time frame for when Spurs can expect to see Rodrigo Bentancur back in the side.

Mohammed Kudus

Status: Out

Type of injury: Thigh

Possible return date: March/April

Like Bentancur, Kudus picked up a hamstring injury over the New Year period and is expected to remain on the sidelines for some time. He is expected to remain sidelined until after the March international break.

Ben Davies

Status: Out

Type of injury: Ankle/Foot

Possible return date: April/May

After being carried off on a stretcher against West Ham United back in January, Ben Davies has since undergone two major operations. It is likely he will miss the 2026 World Cup, should Wales qualify, and he may have even played his final game for Tottenham Hotspur.

Lucas Bergvall

Status: Out

Type of injury: Ankle/Foot

Possible return date: 11 April

The Sweden international suffered a high ankle sprain in the Champions League, which is now feared to be worse than first expected. Bergvall may return towards the end of the season.

Destiny Udogie

Status: Out

Type of injury: Thigh

Possible return date: 15 March

Continuing the trend of a Tottenham player seemingly getting injured every game, Destiny Udogie became the latest absentee after being forced off against Manchester United with a thigh injury. It has since been confirmed he will be out for the next four to five weeks.

Richarlison

Status: Out

Type of injury: Thigh

Possible return date: February 22 v Arsenal

The Brazilian forward was ruled out for up to seven weeks with a hamstring injury. It is possible he returns in time for the North London Derby.

Pedro Porro

Status: Out

Type of injury: Calf

Possible return date: February 22 v Arsenal

Pedro Porro suffered a hamstring injury in the first half of Tottenham's 2-2 draw with Burnley. Thomas Frank later revealed he will be out for at least four weeks with a return for the North London Derby potentially on the cards.

Djed Spence

Status: Available

Type of injury: Calf/Shin/Heel

Possible return date: February 10 v Newcastle United

Djed Spence is available for selection once again after a minor injury had kept him out of the previous two games. With the long list of absentees, Spence is likely to start.

Dejan Kulusevski

Status: Out

Type of injury: Knee

Possible return date: Unknown

Dejan Kulusevski has been missing since May due to a knee issue that has required multiple surgeries and various methods to help recover. While a return date is unknown, we do know it is not anytime soon.

Kevin Danso

Status: Out

Type of injury: Ankle/Foot

Possible return date: Unknown

Kevin Danso has been sidelined since Tottenham's Champions League win over Eintracht Frankfurt. Although a return is hoped for soon, Danso will miss Tuesday's game.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR'S SUSPENSION LIST