Sports Mole

Tottenham Hotspur head coach Thomas Frank has confirmed the nature and severity of Destiny Udogie's injury ahead of Tuesday's Champions League clash with Slavia Prague.

The Italy international was an unforeseen absentee from the squad for Saturday's 2-0 Premier League victory over Brentford, and Frank revealed post-match that he had sustained soft tissue damage.

The former Bees boss affirmed that Udogie's problem was a minor one, but he immediately emerged as a doubt for the visit of Slavia on Tuesday, when Spurs will seek a third win from three Champions League home games this season.

Udogie was not spotted with the team in Monday's training session, and speaking to the media in his pre-game press conference, Frank revealed that the ex-Udinese man has played his final game of 2025.

"Destiny picked up a hamstring injury in the end of the Newcastle game, so he’s out until January unfortunately," football.london quotes the Tottenham manager as saying.

Tottenham games Destiny Udogie will miss with hamstring injury

Exactly what date in January Udogie will return is unclear, but the Italian defender is guaranteed to miss four games for Tottenham, starting with the Champions League showdown against Slavia Prague.

Udogie will also take his place on the sidelines for Sunday's Premier League match against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground, as well as the high-profile battle with champions Liverpool at home on December 20.

Spurs must also cope without the 23-year-old for the London derby with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on December 28, and it remains to be seen if he is passed fit for the trip to Brentford on New Year's Day.

Udogie may also be doubtful for matches against Sunderland (January 4) and Bournemouth (January 7) early in the New Year, but he could return in time for the visit of West Ham United on January 17, or the UCL clash with Borussia Dortmund on January 20.

Thomas Frank gives Brennan Johnson, Yves Bissouma, James Maddison update

As well as Udogie, Brennan Johnson was not able to train with the team on Monday, and Frank revealed that the Welsh winger is "touch and go" for the contest with the Czech giants.

The Dane was also asked about James Maddison being back on the grass, but he tempered expectations about the ACL victim, saying: "It is very early stages, still a long term injury. Good to see him out there but very early stages and there is no specific time frame. It will be a long time unfortunately before he is available."

Spurs also go into Tuesday's game without Yves Bissouma, who is allegedly 'facing the axe' from the club after he was filmed inhaling nitrous oxide - also known as laughing gas - from a balloon, his second such incident after a similar indiscretion last year.

Asked about the incident and investigation, Frank replied: "It’s an internal matter that we are dealing with at the moment and when we have dealt with that, then I will comment on it."

Dominic Solanke, Kota Takai, Radu Dragusin, Dejan Kulusevski and the ineligible Mathys Tel are also unavailable for Tottenham against Slavia Prague, who have not won a Champions League match in 18 years.

Tottenham Hotspur supporters have received a mixed training update ahead of Tuesday's Champions League clash with Slavia Prague in North London.

The Lilywhites welcome their Czech foes to the English capital aiming for back-to-back wins in all competitions after seeing off Thomas Frank's former club Brentford 2-0 in Saturday's Premier League London derby.

Spurs have also taken maximum points from their two UCL home games this term - overcoming Copenhagen and Villarreal on their own soil - but their last European outing ended in a 5-3 loss to reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes.

That beating marked Tottenham's first continental loss of the season, though, and Frank's side sit in a respectable 16th place in the table with eight points from their first five games.

The Europa League champions are just two points adrift of the top eight places - which guarantee direct entry into the last 16 - and will be firm favourites to defeat a Slavia side without a Champions League win since 2007.

Tottenham in mixed injury update before Slavia Prague Champions League clash

Members of the media were in attendance to watch Tottenham's open training session on Monday, but neither Destiny Udogie nor Brennan Johnson were spotted with the team.

Udogie missed the weekend's win over Brentford with a soft tissue problem, one that Frank affirmed was not serious, but the Italy international will seemingly be absent for the visit of the Czech giants this week.

Meanwhile, Johnson was an unused substitute in the derby success over the Bees, and Frank will likely be asked for the reason behind his absence when he faces journalists in his pre-game press conference.

In brighter news, Randal Kolo Muani - who reportedly picked up an issue at the weekend - took part in the session, while James Maddison was also working outdoors on the grass, just a few months on from his ACL injury.

Maddison is still months away from a playing comeback, though, while Dejan Kulusevski, Dominic Solanke, Kota Takai, Radu Dragusin, Mathys Tel and Yves Bissouma are also out of Tuesday's game.

How could Tottenham line up against Slavia Prague?

Heading into a taxing period that features games against Nottingham Forest (A), Liverpool (H) and Crystal Palace (A), Tottenham boss Frank could make a handful of changes to his side this week.

Johnson would have been one candidate to come into the attack at the expense of Mohammed Kudus, but the Ghana international may now continue on the right if his Welsh counterpart is unavailable.

However, Wilson Odobert could displace Kolo Muani if the Paris Saint-Germain loanee is not risked, while two of Pape Sarr, Joao Palhinha and Lucas Bergvall should provide fresh legs in the engine room.

Frank could also decide to rest Cristian Romero and promote Kevin Danso to the starting XI alongside Micky van de Ven, but Udogie's issue should see Djed Spence and Pedro Porro continue in the full-back positions.

Tottenham Hotspur forward Randal Kolo Muani has emerged as a doubt for the team's Champions League clash against Slavia Prague on Tuesday.

Thomas Frank oversaw a 2-0 victory against Brentford on Saturday in the Premier League, with the win a significant boost to the head coach considering he had failed to win his prior five matches.

The performance of forwards such as Xavi Simons was praised, and fans will hope that the team's attackers can continue to impress.

Randal Kolo Muani started on the left flank, but he was substituted in the 74th minute, and he was seen limping as he left the Tottenham Hotspur stadium.

The news of the Frenchman's possible injury will come as a blow to Frank, who is set to lead his side out at home on Tuesday against Slavia Prague in the Champions League.

Tottenham Hotspur vs. Slavia Prague: Who starts in Champions League?

Dominic Solanke is also set to be unavailable for Tuesday's clash, with the timeline on his return to the pitch uncertain.

The forward's injury problems mean that there is no reason to doubt the selection of Richarlison, who started and scored against Brentford.

The Brazilian striker will almost certainly be supported by attacking midfielder Simons, while Mohammed Kudus is set to start on the right flank.

If Randal Kolo Muani is not deemed ready to feature, then perhaps Wilson Odobert will be chosen to feature on the left side of attack.

Xavi Simons: Has he established himself in the Premier League?

Tottenham Hotspur attempted to sign Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace in the summer, but after the Englishman opted to join Arsenal, the club pivoted to RB Leipzig's Simons.

The Dutchman scored against Brentford, but that was his first goal for the club in 19 matches, while has has provided just three assists.

Some fans and pundits have criticised the 22-year-old, but perhaps an adaptation period should have been factored in prior to his arrival in the summer, especially when other attackers such as Florian Wirtz of Liverpool have struggled after moving from the Bundesliga.

However, Simons was excellent against Brentford, with the creator excelling against the Bees' low block, and his goal may be the confidence booster that he needs to kickstart his Spurs career.

Tottenham Hotspur could soon make a £40m bid for a Brighton & Hove Albion defender as Thomas Frank seeks to bolster his rearguard ranks, according to a report.

The Europa League holders converted Kevin Danso's loan from Lens into a permanent deal this summer, but Frank is still lacking in centre-back options.

Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero are immovable in the Tottenham backline when fully fit, and the pair helped the Lilywhites keep their first clean sheet in five games in Saturday's 2-0 Premier League win over Brentford.

However, with Radu Dragusin still on his way back to full fitness after an ACL injury, Kota Takai yet to make his debut and Ben Davies out of contract in 2026, Tottenham could do with additional defensive cover.

According to TEAMtalk, Brighton's Jan Paul van Hecke is a player who has interested Spurs chiefs, and a sizeable bid for the Netherlands international could be forthcoming in 2026.

Tottenham considering £40m offer for Jan Paul van Hecke?

The 25-year-old has established himself as a crucial player for the Seagulls since joining in a €2m (£1.8m) deal from NAC Breda in 2020, although he was first loaned out twice to Heerenveen and Blackburn Rovers.

Van Hecke now boasts four goals and four assists from 108 matches in a Brighton shirt, scoring an impressive three times in the current Premier League campaign for Fabian Hurzeler's side.

The Dutchman was at fault for Jarrod Bowen's opener in Sunday's 1-1 draw with West Ham United, but he atoned for his mistake with the assist for Georginio Rutter's injury-time leveller at the Amex Stadium.

However, Van Hecke - who is expected to be part of the Netherlands contingent for the 2026 World Cup - is about to enter the last 18 months of his contract with Brighton, who could therefore be forced into a cut-price sale next year.

A January move has not been ruled out for Tottenham if the Seagulls cannot tie Van Hecke down to a new contract, but the South Coast club are still fighting to keep the 25-year-old for a little while longer.

What would Jan Paul van Hecke bring to Tottenham?

Comfortable on the left and right-hand side of the backline, Van Hecke could seamlessly slot into the Romero or Van de Ven role for Spurs, and it goes without saying that the Brighton man knows the latter from their time in the national team.

There are few better central defenders than Van Hecke when it comes to progressing play, as the Dutchman has averaged 6.70 progressive passes per game over the past 365 days, in addition to 1.95 progressive carries.

The former statistic puts Van Hecke in the top 3% of all centre-backs in the big five European leagues, while he sits in the top 2% for progressive carries.

Moreover, the 25-year-old has made 7.14 passes into the final third per game over the past year, further highlighting how he could help solve Spurs' well-documented build-up issues from the back.

Two for two in Champions League home matches so far this season, Tottenham Hotspur welcome Slavia Prague to North London on matchday six of the 2025-26 league phase.

The Lilywhites have taken down Villarreal and Copenhagen without conceding at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this season, but their last European away day ended in a 5-3 beating at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain.

However, Spurs' two wins at home is still two more than Slavia have picked up all season in the Champions League; the Czech side lie 31st in the 36-team rankings with just three points on the board.

Here, Sports Mole takes an in-depth look at the head-to-head record and previous meetings between the two sides.

Head-to-head record

Previous meetings: 4

Tottenham Hotspur wins: 3

Draws: 1

Slavia Prague wins: 0

Meeting for the first time in the Champions League during the 2025-26 campaign, Tottenham and Slavia previously did battle on four occasions during the days of the old UEFA Cup.

All four clashes were tightly-fought contests, but Spurs nevertheless came up trumps in three of them while playing out one draw, meaning that they are unbeaten against their Czech foes in competitive action.

The two clubs' inaugural meetings came in the first round of the 2006-07 UEFA Cup, in which Martin Jol masterminded a pair of 1-0 victories for the current Europa League champions in the first round.

Spurs firstly prevailed at the Fortuna Arena thanks to a Jermaine Jenas goal, before completing the job at White Hart Lane courtesy of a Robbie Keane effort; the Lilywhites were eventually eliminated by Sevilla in the quarter-finals.

Nearly a year and half later, Spurs and Slavia Prague reunited in the knockout rounds of the 2007-08 UEFA Cup, meeting in the last 32 after the Czech team dropped down from the Champions League.

Spurs played away from home in the first leg again, and Keane repeated his 2006 feat at the Fortuna Arena, adding to a Dimitar Berbatov goal before David Strihavka's consolation in a 2-1 Tottenham victory.

Seven days later, the Lilywhites finished the job at home with a 1-1 draw; Jamie O'Hara broke the deadlock before Matej Krajcik's leveller, which was in vain as Spurs clinched a 3-2 aggregate victory.

Across all meetings with Czech teams in Europe, Tottenham are now unbeaten in seven - winning five of them - and the North London giants' only such loss came against Dulka Praha in the 1961-62 European Cup.

Last four meetings

Feb 21, 2008: Tottenham 1-1 Slavia Prague (UEFA Cup)

Feb 14, 2008: Slavia Prague 1-2 Tottenham (UEFA Cup)

Sep 28, 2006: Tottenham 1-0 Slavia Prague (UEFA Cup)

Sep 14, 2006: Slavia Prague 0-1 Tottenham (UEFA Cup)

Read more on Tottenham Hotspur vs Slavia Prague

Three Tottenham Hotspur players will be walking a disciplinary tightrope in Tuesday's Champions League clash with Slavia Prague in North London.

The Lilywhites suffered a 5-3 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain on matchday five of the league phase but will now be boosted by the return of Brennan Johnson, who served a European ban in that fixture.

However, Micky van de Ven, Richarlison and Randal Kolo Muani are all on two yellow cards, and a booking here for any of them would rule them out of the clash with Borussia Dortmund on matchday seven.

Thomas Frank is unlikely to consider such hypotheticals when selecting his first XI, though, and if there is any defender in line for a rest this week, it is Van de Ven's partner Cristian Romero.

Kevin Danso may very well join forces with Van de Ven in front of Guglielmo Vicario, while Djed Spence should continue at left-back as a result of Destiny Udogie's recent muscular injury.

Frank can - and should - make changes further forwards, though, potentially introducing both Joao Palhinha and Lucas Bergvall into the engine room, as well as offering starts to Johnson and Wilson Odobert out wide.

Xavi Simons ought to continue after his starring role in Saturday's 2-0 Premier League win over Brentford, though, likely with Richarlison leading the line as Dominic Solanke continues his recovery from an ankle concern.

Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup:

Vicario; Porro, Danso, Van de Ven, Spence; Palhinha, Bergvall; Johnson, Simons, Odobert; Richarlison

Belatedly back to winning ways on home soil, Tottenham Hotspur seek successive victories in all competitions when Slavia Prague pay a visit to North London for Tuesday's Champions League league-phase clash.

The Lilywhites ran out 2-0 victors against Brentford in Saturday's Premier League London derby and now come up against Czech foes who are still waiting for their first UCL win of the campaign.

Match preview

Continuing their commitment to frenetic matches against Paris Saint-Germain - after a four-goal thriller and penalty-shootout defeat in this summer's UEFA Super Cup - Tottenham came out on the wrong end of an eight-goal extravaganza with the reigning European champions on matchday five.

Thomas Frank's men travelled across the Channel on the back of their atrocious North London derby loss to Arsenal, but while they kicked their attacking endeavour up a notch in Paris, their defensive deficiencies cost them dear in a 5-3 beating.

Spurs' reverse at the Parc des Princes marked the end of their unbeaten start to this year's Champions League, but a respectable total of eight points has the hosts still inside the seeded playoff places in 16th, and just two points off the automatic last-16 places.

Also unblemished at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the 2025-26 UCL - beating Villarreal and Copenhagen without conceding - Spurs are on a magnificent 22-game unbeaten run in home European matches, and the Lilywhites are also just one goal away from hitting 100 in the Champions League.

Frank previously could not buy a Premier League victory at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but Saturday's success over London derby rivals Brentford brought the feel-good factor back to North London, as the Lilywhites snapped a five-game winless sequence across all tournaments.

Already succumbing to the superiority of one North London club this season - being condemned to a 3-0 home loss to Premier League leaders Arsenal - upcoming visitors Slavia Prague are trudging towards an early Champions League elimination.

The long-serving Jindrich Trpisovsky is yet to lead his players to a league-phase win, overseeing three draws and two defeats to collect a paltry three points, which have left the Czech giants outside of the playoff places in 31st spot.

Slavia Prague held Atalanta BC and Athletic Bilbao to respectable 0-0 draws either side of their Arsenal pummelling, but it has now been a little over 18 years since they won a top-level European match - a 2-1 victory over Steaua Bucharest in September 2007.

Since then, Slavia have tried and failed 16 times to succeed in the Champions League, where they have also failed to score in each of their last four matches, so the time is nigh for the visitors to translate domestic dominance into European points.

Trpisovsky's men are on a five-game winning streak in the Czech top flight after edging out Teplice 2-1 on Friday - thus maintaining a five-point lead over Sparta Prague at the top of the table - but meetings with Tottenham do not trigger fond memories.

Slavia Prague and Tottenham previously squared off in the 2006-07 and 2007-08 UEFA Cup campaigns - meeting in the first round of the former and the last 32 of the latter - and the Lilywhites came through those four fixtures with three wins and one draw under their belts.

Tottenham Hotspur Champions League form:

Tottenham Hotspur form (all competitions):

Slavia Prague Champions League form:

Slavia Prague form (all competitions):

Team News

Spurs left-back Destiny Udogie was an unexpected omission from the team sheet for the visit of Brentford, and Frank revealed afterwards that the Italy international had sustained a soft tissue problem, albeit a minor one.

Nevertheless, Udogie will likely be spared for the visit of Slavia Prague, which James Maddison (ACL), Dejan Kulusevski (knee), Kota Takai (thigh), Dominic Solanke (ankle), Radu Dragusin (knee) and ankle victim Yves Bissouma - who is also being investigated for an alleged laughing gas video - will also miss.

Brennan Johnson is at least eligible again following a European ban, but Micky van de Ven, Richarlison and Randal Kolo Muani will miss the matchday seven meeting with Borussia Dortmund if they are booked on Tuesday.

On Slavia Prague's end, the visitors were recently boosted by the return of Slovakian winger Ivan Schranz - scorer of a memorable goal against England at Euro 2024 - from an unspecified injury.

However, Liberian midfielder Oscar (muscle), Filip Horsky (ACL), Petr Sevcik (ACL) and Dominik Javorcek (knee) are on the sidelines, while key attacker Tomas Chory is doubtful due to illness.

Ex-Luton Town defender Daiki Hashioka will likely be on the bench for the visitors, whose line will be led by Mojmir Chytil, scorer of back-to-back braces in his last two league games.

Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup:

Vicario; Porro, Danso, Van de Ven, Spence; Palhinha, Bergvall; Johnson, Simons, Odobert; Richarlison

Slavia Prague possible starting lineup:

Stanek; Zima, Holes, Chaloupek; Doudera, Sadilek, Zafeiris, Boril; Schranz, Chytil, Provod

We say: Tottenham Hotspur 3-0 Slavia Prague

Shutting out Atalanta and Athletic is no mean feat in the Champions League, but Slavia's resistance will surely prove futile in North London.

Spurs have often played with the handbrake off in this season's competition, and Frank should oversee a straightforward success, one that will reignite Tottenham's top-eight charge.

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Yves Bissouma 'faces the axe' after a video of him allegedly inhaling laughing gas was leaked online.

The Mali international is yet to make an appearance for Thomas Frank's side this season, owing to a combination of disciplinary and injury issues.

Bissouma was omitted from the Spurs squad for their UEFA Super Cup loss to Paris Saint-Germain over the summer, with Frank citing persistent lateness as the reason for his absence.

The former Brighton & Hove Albion man has been in the treatment room mostly ever since, and he is currently on the road back from a serious ankle injury sustained during the October international break.

It is not clear when Bissouma may return from his recent operation, but there is a chance that the 29-year-old has already made his final appearance in a Lilywhites kit.

Yves Bissouma 'faces Spurs axe' as laughing gas video emerges

Footage obtained by The Sun appears to show the Mali international inhaling nitrous oxide from a balloon, which was reportedly filmed in the early hours of November 3.

The report adds that Tottenham have already launched an investigation into the video, and Bissouma could 'face the axe' after already being filmed inhaling 'hippy crack' last year.

The midfielder apologised for a "severe lack of judgement" following his first offence in August 2024, claiming that he took his "responsibility as a footballer and role model very seriously".

The use of laughing gas is illegal in the United Kingdom and is punishable by up to two years in prison - which increases to 14 years for dealers - although Spurs are expected to deal with the incident as an internal matter.

Bissouma has scored two goals in 100 appearances for Tottenham since joining from Brighton in the summer of 2022, but he is about to enter the final six months of his contract in North London.

Has Yves Bissouma played his final game for Tottenham?

Under normal circumstances, Bissouma would soon be jetting off to the Africa Cup of Nations with the Mali squad, but the midfielder is expected to sit out the international tournament as a result of his ankle injury.

Frank has not yet placed a timeline on the 29-year-old's return, but he was already in the manager's bad books over the summer, and this recent incident - if proven - may be the final straw.

Tottenham could choose to sell Bissouma for a cut-price fee in the January window - a switch to Serie A was mooted over the summer - although his misdemeanours may lead to reduced interest in his services.

Alternatively, Spurs could freeze the Mali international out of the squad for the next six months before he leaves on a free transfer, or terminate his deal - either mutually or on their own terms if he was found to have been in breach of his contract.

Tottenham Hotspur head coach Thomas Frank has provided an injury update on Destiny Udogie following his side's 2-0 victory over former club Brentford on Saturday.

The Italian full-back was absent from the matchday squad, having sustained a problem in the previous outing against Newcastle United.

Despite missing the clash against the Bees, Frank offered a favourable prognosis regarding his return.

The manager's remarks came after a comfortable afternoon in North London, where Xavi Simons stole the show.

Destiny Udogie injury: Frank provides positive news

Frank revealed that the defender had suffered a soft tissue injury during the midweek game against Newcastle.

When asked if the issue would keep the left-back out for an extended period, the Spurs boss was optimistic.

"He got a soft tissue injury, unfortunately, against Newcastle," said Frank via football.london. "Not too long, not too long, yeah."

The club will hope to have Udogie back available for the busy festive schedule, as they aim to rise in the Premier League table after a challenging start to year one under their new manager.

Can Spurs build on Brentford victory?

Beating the Bees marked the Lilywhites' second victory on home soil and a first since overcoming Burnley on the opening weekend of the season, highlighting their struggles to claim points on their turf.

Their latest victory pushed them to ninth on 22 points ahead of Sunday's games, three behind fourth-placed Chelsea.

If they fix their results at home, Frank's team undeniably give themselves a fighting chance of finishing in the European spots.

Having finally got that winning feeling back at home, Tottenham Hotspur aim to prolong the feel-good factor in their Champions League battle with Slavia Prague.

The Lilywhites sit 16th in the 36-team league phase table eight points on the board, 15 places and five points better off than their winless visitors.

Here, Sports Mole provides everything you need to know about how to tune into the game.

What time does Spurs vs. Slavia Prague kick off?

Tottenham vs. Slavia Prague will kick off at 8pm UK time on Tuesday, December 9.

Meanwhile, the contest will begin at 9pm for fans in the Czech Republic.

Where is Spurs vs. Slavia Prague being played?

The Champions League showdown is being contested at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, marking Slavia Prague's first visit to the ground.

Spurs previously hosted the Czech team twice at White Hart Lane in the UEFA Cup, winning 1-0 in 2006 and drawing 1-1 in 2008.

How to watch Spurs vs. Slavia Prague in the UK

TV channels

Tottenham vs. Slavia Prague has been selected for coverage on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate.

TNT Sports 1 is channel number 408 on BT/EE TV, 527 on Virgin Media and 410 on Sky.

Online streaming

Fans can also watch the game online via discovery+, the official streaming platform for TNT Sports.

A discovery+ sports subscription will set you back by £30.99 per month.

Highlights

The TNT Sports website will show highlights of the game, and the best bits will also be uploaded to the TNT Sports and Tottenham YouTube channels.

The broadcaster will also post goals, red cards and other key moments as and when they happen on their X account (@FootballonTNT).

What is at stake for Spurs and Slavia Prague?

Victory for the reigning Europa League champions will take them into the double figures for the 2025-26 Champions League, all but guaranteeing that they will make the playoffs at the very worst.

Thomas Frank's men have won both of their Champions League home games this term - against Villarreal and Copenhagen - so their 100% record in front of their own fans is also on the line.

Meanwhile, Slavia Prague - who have already been swept aside by Spurs' bitter rivals Arsenal this term - will be all but eliminated if they cannot claim all three points in the English capital, having failed to win any of their opening five league-phase contests.