Sports Mole

Tottenham Hotspur boss Thomas Frank desperately needs a win against Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday in the Champions League.

The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium will be the staging ground for a crucial European clash, with Spurs 11th in the Champions League table with 11 points.

The Lilywhites are currently in 14th place in the Premier League table following an embarrassing 2-1 defeat against West Ham United on Saturday.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up Tottenham's latest injury and suspension news ahead of their clash at home against Borussia Dortmund.

Ben Davies

Status: Out

Type of injury: Leg

Possible return date: Unknown

Ben Davies suffered a serious leg injury in his side's defeat against West Ham United, requiring a stretcher and oxygen, and he is likely to miss an extended period.

Joao Palhinha

Status: Minor doubt

Type of injury: Knock

Possible return date: January 20 (vs. Borussia Dortmund)

Joao Palhinha suffered a knock in training ahead of Tottenham's loss against West Ham, though he has a strong chance of featuring against Dortmund.

Rodrigo Bentancur

Status: Out

Type of injury: Hamstring

Possible return date: Unknown

Bentancur sustained a hamstring injury in Tottenham's defeat to Bournemouth earlier this month. The Uruguayan has since undergone surgery and is expected to be out for a significant period.

Mohammed Kudus

Status: Out

Type of injury: Thigh

Possible return date: Unknown

Unfortunately for Spurs fans, the thigh injury that Mohammed Kudus picked up against Sunderland on January 4 is expected to keep the Ghana international out until after March's international break.

Richarlison

Status: Out

Type of injury: Hamstring

Possible return date: Unknown

Richarlison was forced off in the first half against Aston Villa on January 10 with a hamstring problem, and he is set to miss up to seven weeks of action.

James Maddison

Status: Out

Type of injury: ACL

Possible return date: Unknown

Maddison is currently working on his rehabilitation from the ACL injury that he sustained in August. The 29-year-old's focus will be on returning to fitness for pre-season ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.

Dejan Kulusevski

Status: Out

Type of injury: Knee

Possible return date: Unknown

Kulusevski has not played since April due to a long-term knee injury. Frank recently revealed that the attacker could back on the grass in the next three to four weeks, but he still seems some way off from returning to first-team action.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR’S SUSPENSION LIST

Micky van de Ven

© Imago

Return date: January 24 (vs. Burnley)

Micky van de Ven has collected three yellow cards in the Champions League and will serve a one-match suspension on Tuesday.

Tottenham Hotspur have identified Brighton & Hove Albion boss Fabian Hurzeler as a replacement for Thomas Frank, the latest report has claimed.

Spurs suffered an embarrassing 2-1 defeat against West Ham United on Saturday, with the 18th-placed Hammers picking up their first win in 11 Premier League games.

Thomas Frank has only guided the club to three victories in 15 matches in all competitions, and it would not be surprising if he lost his job in the coming days.

The head coach's dismissal would see Londoners sack a manager for the second time in just over seven months, creating further chaos at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Football Insider report that Spurs have been impressed by Brighton boss Hurzeler, with the club's hierarchy said to have been pleased by how the German has handled the pressures of managing in the Premier League.

Fabian Hurzeler assessed: How has Hurzeler performed?

Brighton are currently 12th in the Premier League with 29 points, two more than 14th-placed Tottenham, though they do have a game in hand and could move four points behind fourth-placed Liverpool if they beat Bournemouth on Monday.

Hurzeler had to deal with a number of exits in the summer of 2025, with the Seagulls losing key stars such as Joao Pedro, Simon Adingra and Pervis Estupinan.

Midfielder Carlos Baleba has also had a severely disrupted season after a move to Manchester United failed to materialise, and it is understandable that the team have somewhat struggled this campaign.

Hurzeler did guide Brighton to an eighth-placed finish in 2024-25 with 61 points, their second-highest ever tally in the top flight, and his team have consistently played an attacking brand of football.

Are there concerns about Fabian Hurzeler as Frank replacement?

After experiencing significant turmoil under Ange Postecoglou and Frank, it is important that the club look to bring in someone capable of stabilising results and performances.

Hurzeler is only 32 and has been managing in the Premier League for less than two seasons, though he did become head coach of St Pauli in December 2022.

The head coach led St Pauli to promotion to the Bundesliga in the 2023-24 campaign, but his time at Brighton is his only experience of top-flight football.

Perhaps Spurs hold interest in Hurzeler considering his contract at the Amex Stadium expires in the 2027, and bringing him to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium could be relatively straightforward.

Tottenham Hotspur could be taking to the field under Thomas Frank for the final time in Tuesday's Champions League showdown with Borussia Dortmund in North London.

The Europa League holders enter the league-phase contest on a three-game losing run in all tournaments, the most recent of those defeats being a humiliating 2-1 home loss to West Ham United in Saturday's Premier League clash.

However, 11th-placed Spurs are only behind 10th-placed Dortmund on goals scored in the UCL rankings, but Niko Kovac's men are unbeaten in seven before Tuesday's mouthwatering tussle.

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: 6

Tottenham Hotspur wins: 4

Draws: 0

Borussia Dortmund wins: 2

Both losing Champions League finalists in the 21st century, Tottenham Hotspur and Borussia Dortmund have met four times in the continent's premier tournament and twice in the Europa League down the years.

The Lilywhites have impressively triumphed in all of those UCL contests to lead the overall head-to-head record, whereas Dortmund got the better of the North London club on both occasions in the 2015-16 Europa League.

En route to their runners-up medals in 2019, Mauricio Pochettino's Tottenham made light work of Dortmund in the last 16, strolling to a 4-0 aggregate victory over two legs.

Son Heung-min, Jan Vertonghen and Fernando Llorente found the back of the net in a 3-0 first-leg triumph at Wembley, before Spurs made absolutely sure of their spot in the quarter-finals at the Signal Iduna Park by virtue of a Harry Kane goal.

Two years prior, Spurs and Dortmund did battle in the group stage of the 2017-18 Champions League, where Kane and Son struck in a 3-1 Wembley win for Tottenham before another successful away day.

The deadly double act were at it again in November 2017, cancelling out a Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang opener to propel the Lilywhites to a 2-1 victory on German soil.

Tottenham's UCL wins over Dortmund were belated revenge for BVB's successes in the 2015-16 Europa League, in which the Bundesliga powerhouses secured a 5-1 aggregate victory over the Premier League side.

Aubameyang's opener and a Marco Reus brace launched Dortmund to a 3-0 first-leg win at home, and one week later at White Hart Lane, Pochettino's Spurs were haunted by the future Arsenal striker yet again; his double gave Dortmund a 2-1 victory before their unforgettable quarter-final exit to Liverpool.

Last six meetings

Mar 05, 2019: Borussia Dortmund 0-1 Tottenham Hotspur (Champions League)

Feb 13, 2019: Tottenham Hotspur 3-0 Borussia Dortmund (Champions League)

Nov 21, 2017: Borussia Dortmund 1-2 Tottenham Hotspur (Champions League)

Sep 13, 2017: Tottenham Hotspur 3-1 Borussia Dortmund (Champions League)

Mar 17, 2016: Tottenham Hotspur 1-2 Borussia Dortmund (Europa League)

Mar 10, 2016: Borussia Dortmund 3-0 Tottenham Hotspur (Europa League)

Read more on Tottenham Hotspur vs Borussia Dortmund

Tottenham Hotspur head coach Thomas Frank faces a bona-fide selection crisis for Tuesday's critical Champions League showdown with Borussia Dortmund at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The Dane is said to be losing internal support after Saturday's 2-1 Premier League loss to West Ham United, and a dissatisfactory result on Tuesday could very well spell the end of his time in charge.

It is hard not to sympathise with Frank on the selection front, though, as Spurs' injury problems worsened on Saturday when Ben Davies was stretchered off with a nasty-looking leg injury.

The Welshman joins Joao Palhinha (knock), Dejan Kulusevski (knee), James Maddison (knee), Rodrigo Bentancur (thigh), Mohammed Kudus (thigh) and Richarlison (thigh) in the treatment room, while Yves Bissouma, Radu Dragusin, Micky van de Ven and Conor Gallagher are all ineligible for the fixture for one reason or another.

Pape Sarr will surely not be considered for selection just two days after the Africa Cup of Nations final either, so Frank's hand will be forced in midfield, where Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall should operate in the double pivot.

The hosting manager can call upon Dominic Solanke again domestically, but he remains ineligible in Europe, so Randal Kolo Muani, Mathys Tel, Xavi Simons and Wilson Odobert should be retained.

Van de Ven's suspension and Davies's injury open the door for Djed Spence and Kevin Danso to come into the backline, where Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero and Guglielmo Vicario are still mainstays.

Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup:

Vicario; Porro, Romero, Danso, Spence; Gray, Bergvall; Odobert, Simons, Tel; Kolo Muani

With or without Thomas Frank at the helm, Tottenham Hotspur welcome Borussia Dortmund to North London for Tuesday's fascinating Champions League league-phase contest.

The matchday seven showdown pits 10th-placed BVB against 11th-placed Spurs, who only trail their German counterparts on goals scored but have little to shout about on the form front.

Match preview

Currently higher in the 36-team Champions League league-phase table than they are in the 20-club Premier League rankings, Europe's premier tournament has sometimes offered Tottenham a welcome escape from their domestic disasters in 2025-26.

The reigning Europa League champions strolled to their third win of the league phase on matchday six, taking down Slavia Prague 3-0 to remain within one point of the top eight places, which guarantee an automatic ticket to the last 16.

The crushing of the Czech side also represented Tottenham's third successive win and clean sheet in Champions League home games this season, but Frank's crop have not prevailed on their own turf since, and Saturday's result was perhaps the worst of the lot.

Indeed, Premier League crisis club West Ham United upset the Lilywhites with a 2-1 London derby triumph, condemning Tottenham to their third straight defeat in all competitions and leaving Frank's job hanging by the thinnest of threads.

Internal talks are thought to have been held over the Dane's future, but he remains Tottenham manager for the time being; whether the same can be said if Spurs fall short in midweek is another question entirely, though.

Frank's opposite number this week - Niko Kovac - has no similar fears over his job security at the Signal Iduna Park, even if the 2023-24 Champions League runners-up are also fighting an uphill battle to avoid the dreaded playoff stage.

BVB's most recent European affair was a forgettable one - they let two one-goal leads slip to draw 2-2 at home with Bodo/Glimt - and Kovac's side have already shipped 10 UCL goals on the road this term, four to Manchester City and Juventus and two to Copenhagen.

Dortmund both ended 2025 and began 2026 as they meant to continue, though, as Saturday's 3-2 Bundesliga win over St Pauli - courtesy of a last-minute Emre Can penalty - extended their unbeaten run to seven matches in all tournaments.

However, BVB remain a distant second to Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga table and were eliminated from the DFB-Pokal by Bayer Leverkusen last month, so the Champions League now represents their best opportunity of silverware for the remainder of 2025-26.

The visitors will not take comfort from their record of seven losses from their last eight games away to English teams in Europe, though, nor their four-match losing run against Tottenham, who most recently bested BVB 4-0 on aggregate in the 2018-19 last 16.

Tottenham Hotspur Champions League form:

Tottenham Hotspur form (all competitions):

Borussia Dortmund Champions League form:

Borussia Dortmund form (all competitions):

Team News

At a time when Frank needs every possible troop fit and available, a double defensive blow is not what the doctor ordered for the Dane, who is firstly missing Micky van de Ven due to a yellow-card suspension.

To make matters worse, the experienced Ben Davies was stretchered off with a nasty-looking leg injury against West Ham, although there is still no firm update on the Welshman's condition.

Nevertheless, he will surely take his seat on the sidelines with Dejan Kulusevski (knee), James Maddison (knee), Rodrigo Bentancur (thigh), Mohammed Kudus (thigh), Richarlison (thigh), Dominic Solanke (ineligible), and Radu Dragusin (ineligible), while Joao Palhinha is likely to miss out with a knock.

New signing Conor Gallagher is also not registered alongside the returning Yves Bissouma, and the clash will surely come too soon for Pape Sarr, who finishes his Africa Cup of Nations campaign on Sunday.

Dortmund are not so unfortunate on the fitness front, but Chelsea loanee Aaron Anselmino (hamstring) is still out, while Marcel Sabitzer (calf) and Ramy Bensebaini (illness) were also absent from the five-goal thriller with St Pauli.

Kovac faces an intriguing dilemma up front too, as Fabio Silva has forced his way into the XI over Serhou Guirassy in recent weeks, and the former Wolverhampton Wanderers man has likely done enough to hold his spot for Tuesday.

Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup:

Vicario; Porro, Romero, Danso, Spence; Gray, Bergvall; Odobert, Simons, Tel; Kolo Muani

Borussia Dortmund possible starting lineup:

Kobel; Can, Anton, Schlotterbeck; Ryerson, Bellingham, Nmecha, Svensson; Adeyemi, Brandt; Silva

We say: Tottenham Hotspur 1-2 Borussia Dortmund

Spurs may have been flawless at home in Europe so far this season, but that should prove meaningless amid their current predicament, in terms squad availability, fan disconnect and pitifully poor performances.

Faced with a Dortmund side who have scored in all of their 14 away games this season, the writing might be on the wall for Frank, who could - or should, in the eyes of some Spurs fans - take charge of his last Tottenham match on Tuesday.

A Tottenham Hotspur-bound defender has issued a heartfelt goodbye to his current club ahead of his £13m switch to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The Lilywhites are in disarray after their harrowing 2-1 home loss to West Ham United in Saturday's Premier League clash, which ramped up the pressure on head coach Thomas Frank.

The Dane's side have now lost three straight games in all tournaments, are winless in five and have picked up a paltry three victories from their last 15 contests; sack-worthy form in the eyes of many.

Frank's position is now believed to be under threat, as Spurs are holding internal talks about whether to dismiss the head coach or keep faith in the ex-Brentford manager to turn his team's fortunes around.

Regardless of Spurs' managerial decision, the hierarchy have already made a firm decision on a new arrival, as Santos left-back Souza is on the verge of completing his move to North London.

Souza says goodbye to Santos before £13m Tottenham transfer

The 19-year-old posted an emotional goodbye to Santos on Instagram on Saturday night, writing: "After 10 years of defending this shield, the time has come for a new challenge.

"The last year was intense, of growth and overcoming, but even in the difficult moments, I felt the affection and support of the Santista cheerleading. This will never be forgotten.

"I walk out with my head held high, grateful for all that I have experienced and for the certainty that this story was built with truth. Thanks for everything, @santosfc is a pride that not everyone can have!"

Football.london reports that Souza - who has already passed his medical - was in attendance at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for Saturday's West Ham loss and also visited the dressing room.

The former Brazil youth international - who won the Under-17 South American championship in 2023 - leaves Santos having registered one goal and four assists in 38 games for the South American giants.

When could Souza make his Tottenham debut?

© Imago / IMAGO / justpictures.ch

Spurs return to action in just two days' time when they face Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League, and there is no guarantee that Souza's arrival will be confirmed before the visit of the German giants.

Regardless, Souza could not make his Tottenham debut in midweek anyway, as Spurs cannot add any new signings to their Champions League squad until the knockout stages.

The 2006-born defender must also receive a work permit before he can line up for Tottenham, but if all goes to plan, he could be involved in next weekend's Premier League clash with Burnley at Turf Moor.

Souza's arrival is particularly timely for Tottenham, as Ben Davies was stretchered off with a serious-looking injury on Saturday, although there is still no firm update on the Welshman's condition.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly considering a move for a Premier League-based forward.

The London side are enduring a season of significant turmoil under head coach Thomas Frank as they struggle to find consistency in the 2025-26 Premier League campaign.

The Lilywhites currently sit 14th in the table following a demoralising 2-1 home defeat to West Ham United on Saturday, a result that saw supporters vent their frustration at the former Brentford boss.

Frank has been forced to navigate a relentless injury crisis that has recently hit top scorer Richarlison, who is set for a seven-week layoff with a hamstring problem.

Despite the arrival of Conor Gallagher from Atletico Madrid last week, the recruitment team are believed to be active in the market for attacking reinforcements to salvage their fading European aspirations.

Tottenham face ‘fierce competition’ for Premier League-based target

© Imago / Focus Images

According to CaughtOffside, Spurs are keeping a close watch on Brentford winger Kevin Schade as they seek to add pace and versatility to their forward line.

However, the North London club is set to face a three-way battle for the German international, with Newcastle United and Aston Villa also credited with an interest.

While Igor Thiago has definitely stood out for the Bees this term, Schade has played a decent-to-good role too, recording six goals and three assists in 20 appearances while attracting attention for his explosive speed.

Frank is understood to admire the 24-year-old from their time together in West London, although he is under increasing pressure to retain his job long enough to oversee any potential pursuit.

Brentford ‘hold firm’ on Schade valuation ahead of summer

© Imago / Sportimage

Brentford are understood to be in a strong negotiating position regarding Schade, who is under contract at the Gtech Community Stadium until 2028.

The Bees are reportedly unwilling to entertain official bids during the January window, with the expectation that the winger will remain part of their survival bid for the remainder of the campaign.

Any potential move is more likely to materialise in the summer, where a valuation of between €50m (£43.3m)and €60m (£52m) is expected to set the tone for negotiations.

For Newcastle and Aston Villa, the 24-year-old represents a long-term investment as they look to bolster their own offensive options for the 2026-27 season.

Thomas Frank’s future at Tottenham Hotspur is reportedly under intense scrutiny after the club’s latest setback.

The London club fell to a demoralising 2-1 home defeat to cross-town rivals West Ham United in Saturday’s Premier League action, leaving them 14th in the table and frustrating supporters who showed their displeasure at the final whistle against the Hammers.

Spurs’ latest setback means that the Lilywhites have won just one of their last eight matches in all competitions, intensifying the pressure on Frank.

Now, a report from Sky Sports News suggests that the former Brentford boss may soon get the chop in North London.

Spurs ‘weighing up’ Frank sacking after West Ham loss

According to the report, the Tottenham board are seriously considering the dismissal of Frank following the toxic atmosphere at the stadium on Saturday.

The Danish manager was booed off by the home support as chants of "you're getting sacked in the morning" rang out after Callum Wilson’s late stoppage-time winner for the Hammers.

While the hierarchy had previously been keen to provide the former Brentford boss with time to oversee a long-term rebuild, eight defeats in 14 matches have reportedly pushed their patience to breaking point.

Frank remained defiant in his post-match press conference, insisting that he retains the trust of the players and is capable of turning around the club.

"Of course, I’ve probably had better times,” admitted the Spurs boss. “It’s probably not the best time of course, but I understand, I’m the man in charge, so the blame will go to me.

“But I can promise that I’m sitting here, giving everything, every single day. I feel the trust from everyone and there’s only one way, we need to keep going.”

However, the lack of an offensive threat and recurring defensive lapses have left the manager in a precarious position after 22 matches played.

Frank’s Spurs future: Glasner and Pochettino linked with role

The uncertainty surrounding Frank's future has inevitably led to speculation regarding potential successors to lead the North London club into the second half of the season.

Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner has emerged as the bookmakers' favourite to take the role, although his current commitments with the Eagles could complicate any mid-season approach.

Former boss Mauricio Pochettino remains a popular choice among the fanbase, though his ongoing role with the United States national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup makes a permanent return unlikely until the summer.

Bournemouth's Andoni Iraola is also reportedly admired by the Spurs leadership for his high-energy style of play and tactical flexibility.

Tottenham Hotspur defender Ben Davies was stretched off against West Ham United and required oxygen after a collison.

The Londoners were beaten 2-1 by West Ham at home on Saturday, with boss Thomas Frank under more pressure given the club are now 14th in the Premier League.

Though the head coach will be concerned by his side's lacklustre performance, he will also be concerned about the health of defender Davies.

The 32-year-old collied with Jarrod Bowen just after the 15-minute mark, and he appeared to sustain an injury to his left leg.

Davies had his leg in a brace as he left the pitch, and it looks as if he is set for a significant period on the sidelines.

Why Thomas Frank is under pressure

Given the level of opposition in the Premier League, one-dash off defeats can happen to teams up and down the division, but a pattern of losing is more difficult to overlook.

Spurs have lost their last three games in all competitions, and they have only won four of their past 18 matches.

Frank has also been criticised for failing to implement an attacking style of football, with the Londoners having scored one or fewer goals in seven of their eight most recent outings.

Tottenham supporters would be more forgiving of poor results if they saw signs of progress on the pitch, but a lack of clear identity has left fans frustrated, and it is not uncommon to hear boos at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Tottenham's upcoming fixtures: Will Thomas Frank survive?

Thomas Frank is in desperate need of positive results as he otherwise risks being dismissed, though the next period of fixtures looks challenging.

Spurs will face Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League on Tuesday, and a loss would significantly increase their chances of elimination from Europe.

While Tottenham face Burnley on Saturday in their next Premier League game, they will then face Manchester City, Manchester United, Newcastle United and Arsenal in the league.

It is hard to see Frank's side taking many points in that period, and Tottenham's hierarchy may be forced to review the coach's position.

Thomas Frank's future as Tottenham Hotspur boss is hanging by a thread following a spectacular late defeat to West Ham United on Saturday afternoon.

It appeared that the points would be shared in the London derby, with Cristian Romero cancelling out an opener from Crysencio Summerville to leave the two teams level at 1-1 in the Premier League contest.

However, West Ham came up with a last-gasp winner through Callum Wilson, with the Hammers securing a 2-1 victory to move onto 17 points in the Premier League table.

Nuno Espirito Santo's side sit 18th in the division, four points behind 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, while the result has left Tottenham in 14th, eight points off the top five.

SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT

What a finish.

Not too many would have seen this result coming, but West Ham took advantage of a Tottenham side that are struggling badly at such a vital stage of the campaign.

Both managers entered the match under pressure; Nuno was able to secure a monumental win, but Frank's job at the helm is now in severe doubt.

The 52-year-old's work at Brentford was sensational, but there is no doubt that it has not worked at Tottenham, and the reaction of the supporters on Saturday was telling.

Spurs are 14th in the Premier League table, and while they have again been struck by so many injury problems, their campaign has, once again, simply not been good enough.

Some difficult conversations will occur in the days that follow, but on the flip side, this was such a massive result for a West Ham team that were desperately in need of a boost.

TOTTENHAM VS. WEST HAM HIGHLIGHTS

Crysencio Summerville goal vs. Tottenham (15th minute, Tottenham 0-1 West Ham)

Summerville sends West Ham ahead in the London derby, with the attacker's shot from inside the box taking a deflection before ending up in the back of the net.

Silence inside the Tottenham Hotspur stadium!

Cristian Romero goal vs. West Ham (63rd minute, Tottenham 1-1 West Ham)

Tottenham level the scores in the 63rd minute of the match, as Romero heads a brilliant delivery from Wilson Odobert into the back of the net - game on!

Callum Wilson goal vs. Tottenham (93rd minute, Tottenham 1-2 West Ham)

Oh my goodness me! West Ham have surely won it in the final moments, with Wilson firing home from close range after Tottenham fail to deal with a corner. Incredible scenes!

MAN OF THE MATCH - CRYSENCIO SUMMERVILLE

Summerville was the star of the show for West Ham on Saturday afternoon.

The 24-year-old was on the scoresheet for the Hammers at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and he continued to cause problems throughout the contest.

Summerville also used the ball impressively, completing 30 of his 32 passes.

TOTTENHAM VS. WEST HAM MATCH STATS

Possession: Tottenham 62%-38% West Ham

Shots: Tottenham 27-17 West Ham

Shots on target: Tottenham 6-4 West Ham

Corners: Tottenham 11-5 West Ham

Fouls: Tottenham 12-17 West Ham

WHAT NEXT?

West Ham are back on home soil next Saturday, with the Hammers welcoming Sunderland to the London Stadium in the 12.30pm kickoff.

Tottenham, meanwhile, will now switch their attention to the Champions League, preparing to welcome Borussia Dortmund to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Tuesday night.