Sports Mole

Still searching for their first win in 2026, Tottenham Hotspur welcome Aston Villa to North London for an all-Premier League tie in the FA Cup third round on Saturday.

Following back-to-back draws with Brentford and Sunderland, Spurs conceded a 95th-minute goal as they fell to a 3-2 Premier League defeat at Bournemouth on Wednesday night, leaving them 14th in the table and seven points behind the top four.

Head coach Thomas Frank has come under increased pressure and as fixtures continue to come thick and fast, Spurs are still having to cope without a number of first-team players.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up Tottenham's latest injury and suspension news ahead of the contest against Unai Emery's men.

Lucas Bergvall

Status: Major doubt

Type of injury: Muscle

Possible return date: January 10 (vs. Aston Villa)

Lucas Bergvall was forced off with a muscle issue in the defeat at Bournemouth and Frank stated after the match that the midfielder seemed ‘not top’. The Dane then stated at his pre-match press conference that he will be assessed further ahead of kickoff this weekend.

Rodrigo Bentancur

Status: Out

Type of injury: Hamstring

Possible return date: Unknown

Rodrigo Bentancur also came off against Bournemouth with a hamstring injury and Frank has suggested that the midfielder is unlikely to be involved this weekend as he is nursing a "bigger" problem than Bergvall.

Mohammed Kudus

Status: Out

Type of injury: Thigh

Possible return date: March 14 (vs. Liverpool)

Mohammed Kudus was forced off in the 1-1 draw with Sunderland last weekend with a thigh issue and Frank has revealed that the attacker is expected to return after March's international break.

Destiny Udogie

Status: Out

Type of injury: Hamstring

Possible return date: January 28 (vs. Eintracht Frankfurt)

Udogie picked up a hamstring injury towards the end of Tottenham’s 2-2 draw with Newcastle on December 2, but the defender is now training and is in contention to return before the end of the month.

James Maddison

Status: Out

Type of injury: ACL

Possible return date: Unknown

James Maddison has been sidelined since sustaining an ACL injury in August and the Englishman is targeting a return to action during pre-season ahead of the next campaign.

Dominic Solanke

Status: Out​

Type of injury: Ankle

Possible return date: January 28 (vs. Eintracht Frankfurt)

Dominic Solanke underwent ankle surgery at the end of September and he remains unavailable for selection, but the striker has recently returned to first-team training and could return by the end of the month.

Dejan Kulusevski

Status: Out

Type of injury: Knee

Possible return date: February 22 (vs. Arsenal)

Dejan Kulusevski is still recovering from a long-term knee injury that he picked up towards the end of last season and Frank has said that the Swede could be back on the grass in the next three to four weeks if is knee "has settled" following an recent injection to relieve the pain.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR’S SUSPENSION LIST

Antoine Semenyo signed off at Bournemouth with a late winner, as Andoni Iraola's side beat Tottenham Hotspur 3-2 in a Premier League cracker on Wednesday night.

Mathys Tel sent Spurs into an early lead at the Vitality Stadium before Bournemouth turned the match around to lead 2-1 courtesy of goals from Evanilson and Eli Junior Kroupi.

Joao Palhinha looked to have snatched a draw for Tottenham with an excellent overhead kick, but Semenyo's late strike secured all three points for the Cherries.

The result has left Bournemouth in 15th spot in the Premier League table, one point behind 14th-placed Tottenham, who have lost for the eighth time in England's top flight this term.

SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT

Goodness me - what a finish.

Semenyo is expected to undergo a medical with Manchester City on Thursday ahead of a £65m switch to the Citizens, and this was some way to sign off at Bournemouth.

The Cherries will find it incredibly difficult to replace Semenyo, who has nine Premier League goals this season, but the 26-year-old was at least able to help his side secure a vital win.

The success is Bournemouth's first in the Premier League since the end of October, and it came against a Tottenham side that continue to look unconvincing under Thomas Frank.

Spurs have now only managed to win one of their last six in the Premier League, and this will be a tough result to accept considering that it came so, so late.

BOURNEMOUTH VS. TOTTENHAM HIGHLIGHTS

Mathys Tel goal vs. Bournemouth (5th minute, Bournemouth 0-1 Tottenham)

Tottenham make the breakthrough in the fifth minute of the match, as Tel works his way into the Bournemouth penalty box before managing to find the bottom corner despite the fact that it looked very difficult to do so from that angle!

Evanilson goal vs. Tottenham (22nd minute, Bournemouth 1-1 Tottenham)

Bournemouth level the scores in the 22nd minute, and it is Evanilson on the scoresheet, with the striker heading a cross from Marcus Tavernier into the back of the net.

Eli Junior Kroupi goal vs. Tottenham (37th minute, Bournemouth 2-1 Tottenham)

Bournemouth take the lead in the 37th minute of the match, as Junior Kroupi turns a cross from Marcos Senesi into the back of the net from close range.

Joao Palhinha goal vs. Bournemouth (78th minute, Bournemouth 2-2 Tottenham)

Antoine Semenyo goal vs. Tottenham (95th minute, Bournemouth 3-2 Tottenham)

You couldn't write it! In what is almost certainly his final match for Bournemouth, Semenyo scores a late third for the Cherries, finding the bottom corner from outside the box.

That has surely won the match for Bournemouth.

MAN OF THE MATCH - ANTOINE SEMENYO

It has to be Semenyo.

The attacker showed why Man City are signing him with a brilliant late goal, and he was a constant threat to Tottenham with his direct running and movement - Bournemouth will miss him badly.

BEST STAT

BOURMEMOUTH VS. TOTTENHAM MATCH STATS

Possession: Bournemouth 42%-58% Tottenham

Shots: Bournemouth 11-16 Tottenham

Shots on target: Bournemouth 3-4 Tottenham

Corners: Bournemouth 3-7 Tottenham

Fouls: Bournemouth 19-10 Tottenham

WHAT NEXT?

Bournemouth's attention will now switch to the FA Cup, preparing to tackle fellow Premier League side Newcastle United in the third round on Saturday.

Tottenham, meanwhile, will be in action in the same competition on the same afternoon, with Spurs facing Aston Villa in what is shaping up to be a fascinating battle.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly reconsidering their plans to sign Joao Palhinha permanently from Bayern Munich in the summer window.

Spurs signed Palhinha in the summer on loan from Bayern, and they have an option to buy him permanently for £26m after the end of the season.

After spending two fantastic seasons at Fulham, Palhinha moved to Bayern in the summer of 2024 for a fee just shy of £50m, but it did not work out as expected.

The 37-times capped Portuguese international made only 25 appearances under Vincent Kompany, and it became clear that he was like a square peg in a round hole in his system.

Bayern did not hesitate to send him on loan when Tottenham approached in the summer, and they may have to find a new club for him if he returns to Munich after the end of the season.

Tottenham plans for Palhinha revealed

According to a report from talkSPORT, Spurs are considering whether to sign Palhinha permanently after he lost his place in Thomas Frank's starting line-up.

The 30-year-old has made 19 Premier League appearances this season, scoring two goals and registering two assists, and has also made six Champions League appearances, contributing two goals.

Palhinha was impressive for the north London club early in the season, and it felt like Spurs must sign him permanently.

However, Tottenham are having second thoughts over signing him next summer, and as things stand, he could be heading back to Bayern.

No future at Bayern for Palhinha

If Palhinha returns to Bayern, there is a high chance he will be offloaded again, as the midfielder does not feature in Kompany's plans due to his playing style.

Kompany has Joshua Kimmich, Aleksandar Pavlovic, Tom Bischof and Leon Goretzka as four major options in central midfield, and even if the latter departs for free next summer, it looks really difficult for Palhinha to fill the gap.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly in talks with Santos over signing Brazilian left-back Souza in the January transfer window.

The 19-year-old made 24 appearances last term as Santos avoided relegation to the second division.

The Brazilian left-back, who has earned comparisons with Real Madrid legend Marcelo because of a similar playing style, is reportedly wanted by a host of clubs, including Spurs.

The north London club have submitted an initial bid of around £8.7m, which was immediately rejected, and they could face competition from Chelsea and AC Milan for his signature.

Spurs in talks to sign Souza?

© Iconsport / SUSA

According to a report from The Standard, Spurs are still in talks with the Brazilian club to sign the young defender, who is keen to join them.

Souza has a release clause worth €100m (£87.1m) for overseas clubs, but it is highly unlikely any potential club would be willing to pay that amount.

Rather, it has been reported that Santos are demanding close to €20m (£17.3m) for Souza, and it remains to be seen whether Spurs come close with their next offer.

Spurs want a new left-back to provide competition for Destiny Udogie, who has recently returned to training after a hamstring injury.

Tottenham could be busy in January window

© Iconsport / PA Images

Thomas Frank has used right-back Djed Spence in Udogie's absence, while Ben Davies has filled in during Tottenham's 1-1 draw vs Sunderland.

Spurs, therefore, is looking for a natural left-back, and Souza has the potential to become a regular starter for the club if he continues to progress.

Tottenham Hotspur welcome Aston Villa to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for an all-Premier League third round clash in the FA Cup.

While Spurs have won only one of their last five matches, the Villans have won 12 and lost only one of their last 13 games across all competitions.

Here, Sports Mole provides details of how to tune into Saturday's fixture.

What time does Tottenham Hotspur vs. Aston Villa kick off?

The FA Cup clash will kick off at 17:45pm UK time on Saturday afternoon.

Where is Tottenham Hotspur vs. Aston Villa being played?

The match will take place at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, which can hold a capacity of up to 62,850 supporters.

The Villans have enjoyed their recent trips to Tottenham's home ground, winning in three of their last four visits.

How to watch Tottenham Hotspur vs. Aston Villa in the UK

TV channels

The match will not be broadcast live on BBC One and TNT Sports One.

Online streaming

The contest can be streamed online via BBC Sport Online or Discovery+.

Highlights

Highlights from the third round of the FA Cup will be shown on BBC One's Match of the Day show, which is due to begin at 10.40pm on Saturday night.

Tottenham Hotspur vs. Aston Villa: What's the story?

Tottenham's debut campaign under Thomas Frank has been far from plain sailing, with Spurs currently placed 13th in the Premier League with only 27 points from seven wins, six draws and seven defeats.

One of those losses came at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium against Saturday's opponents, with Aston Villa securing a comeback 2-1 victory thanks to goals from Morgan Rogers and Emiliano Buendia.

While Spurs are, therefore, aiming for revenge and a much-needed victory, as they head into this game with only one win in their last five outings, the Villans are coming into this one as the significant favourites.

Unai Emery's side are third in the league with 42 points from 13 wins, three draws and only four defeats, and they have suffered just one loss in their last 13 games, alongside a fantastic 12 triumphs.

Aiming to maintain their momentum, Aston Villa will be aiming to secure their fourth victory in five visits to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and secure their spot in the fourth round of the 2025-26 FA Cup.

Newcastle United are reported to have tracked Wolverhampton Wanderers star Mateus Mane.

The Toon's season has been mixed, as while the are in the semi-finals of the EFL Cup, they are ninth in the Premier League having failed to win 12 of their 20 league matches.

Eddie Howe's side have struggled to create chances in the final third, and it is no surprise that they have been linked with attacking stars in the January transfer window.

The Daily Mail claim that Wolves' Mateus Mane has come into consideration, with the Magpies keeping track of the 18-year-old.

Mane became Wolves' youngest Premier League goalscorer, when he netted in his team's 3-0 win over West Ham United on Saturday, and he may be available for a reduced fee if the team are relegated in the summer.

Tottenham Hotspur recall defender this January transfer window

Tottenham Hotspur have recalled defender Alfie Dorrington from his loan at Scottish club Aberdeen.

The 20-year-old had spent the second half of the 2024-25 season on loan at Aberdeen, winning the Scottish Cup in May.

After signing a new deal with Tottenham, he then went back on loan to the Dons, a deal that was supposed to last until the end of the 2025-26 campaign.

However, after starting just three league games and appearing just six times in the top flight, Spurs have decided to recall the defender.

There is not yet any indication as to whether the youngster will be used as part of the first-team squad, or whether he will be sent out on loan again.

Bournemouth see bid for Antoine Semenyo replacement rejected

Bournemouth have had a bid for Stuttgart winger Jamie Leweling rejected, the latest report has claimed.

With the January transfer window open, rumours linking Cherries forward Antoine Semenyo with a move away have ramped up.

The attacker's release clause makes Bournemouth powerless to stop him leaving, though they will be able to bring in replacements this month.

Andoni Iraola's side have been linked with a host of stars, including Stuttgart forward Jamie Leweling.

Santos defender Souza is reportedly keen on joining Tottenham Hotspur in the January transfer window.

The 19-year-old has reportedly emerged as a target for Spurs, and they have already submitted an offer, which was rejected.

The young left-back has put in impressive performances in 38 competitive appearances for Santos, earning him comparisons with Brazil legend Marcelo.

Spurs failed with an initial bid of around £8.7m for the Brazilian, who is also being chased by Chelsea, and Serie A giants AC Milan, among others.

Newcastle United have been linked with a move as well, but Ben Jacobs has confirmed that the Magpies are not in the race for his signature.

Souza eyes Spurs move?

© Iconsport / SUSA

The journalist has reported that Spurs are still in talks with the Brazilian club, and Souza is particularly interested in joining them.

It has been reported that Santos are demanding close to €20m (£17.3m) for the player who is contracted with the Brazilian club until 2028.

This also means Spurs will have to double the offer or come close to it to have any chance of beating rivals for the youngster's signature.

Spurs have Djed Spence, Ben Davies and Destiny Udogie as three left-back options for Thomas Frank, and Souza could be seen as a player for the long-term haul.

What other areas Spurs need to sign?

© Imago / Action Plus

Tottenham could be interested in signing a new centre-back, especially if they allow Radu Dragusin to move on, although the chances are very slim.

The north London club are most likely to sign a new attacker during this month following the injury to Mohammed Kudus, who is now expected to be out for a spell on the sidelines.

Spurs have already sold Brennna Johnson to Crystal Palace, and with Dejan Kulusevski still out injured, there is a need for a new wide player.

Tottenham Hotspur could reportedly look to bolster their attacking department as Mohammed Kudus is now set for a spell on the sidelines.

Kudus joined Spurs in the summer for a fee of around £55m from London rivals West Ham, and has been a mainstay of Thomas Frank's squad.

The 25-year-old has scored three goals and registered five assists in all competitions for Spurs thus far, but has failed to contribute goals in his last five games.

Kudus started in Tottenham's 1-1 draw against Sunderland in the previous game, alongside Wilson Odobert, Richarlison and Mathys Tel in a four-man attack.

The Ghana international lasted for only 19 minutes, as he clutched his left knee and was replaced by Randal Kolo Muani.

Kudus may have picked up a serious injury

© Imago / Every Second Media

According to a report from The Telegraph, the scans showed Kudus's injury is worse than feared.

The winger will definitely miss the Premier League clash against AFC Bournemouth, and could miss more games in the second half of the season.

Until now, the former Hammers attacker has missed just one match through injury so far - the 2-2 draw with Manchester United in November - but this latest setback will come as a massive blow for Spurs.

Spurs have just sold Brennan Johnson to Crystal Palace for £35m, which leaves Frank with limited options.

Tottenham eye new attacker in January?

© Imago / IMAGO / Every Second Media

The report claims Spurs will look to sign a new attacker in January, especially with Dejan Kulusevski also injured.

The north London club have been linked with a move for Antoine Semenyo, but the Ghana winger has chosen to move to Manchester City and will reportedly complete his medical in the next few days.

Seeking their first-ever Premier League double over Tottenham Hotspur, Bournemouth welcome the Lilywhites to the Vitality Stadium on Wednesday evening.

The Cherries will move to within one point of Thomas Frank's men in the bottom half of the table with a win, and here Sports Mole rounds up the team news for both clubs.

BOURNEMOUTH vs. TOTTENHAM

BOURNEMOUTH

Out: Tyler Adams (knee), Ben Gannon-Doak (thigh), Ryan Christie (knee), Matai Akinmboni (muscle), Justin Kluivert (knee), Will Dennis (ankle)

Doubtful: Veljko Milosavljevic (knee)

Sports Mole's predicted XI: Petrovic; Jimenez, Hill, Senesi, Truffert; Cook, Scott; Semenyo, Tavernier, Brooks; Evanilson

TOTTENHAM

Out: Mohammed Kudus (thigh), Yves Bissouma (AFCON), Pape Sarr (AFCON), Dejan Kulusevski (knee), James Maddison (knee), Dominic Solanke (ankle)

Doubtful: Wilson Odobert (face), Destiny Udogie (thigh)

Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola has admitted that Manchester City-bound Antoine Semenyo could play his final game for the club this week.

The Cherries are scheduled to face Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League at the Vitality Stadium on Wednesday night.

Semenyo has enjoyed a stellar start to the campaign and it is said that Man City are preparing to trigger the £65m release clause in his Bournemouth contract.

The Ghana international has scored nine goals and provided three assists across 19 Premier League contests in 2025-26.

Since making the permanent switch from Championship outfit Bristol City in January 2023, Semenyo has played in 109 games for the Cherries, netting on 31 occasions.

'It could be his last game' - Iraola discusses Semenyo future

Ahead of his side's battle with Spurs, Bournemouth boss Iraola completed his pre-match press conference, with questions about the future of Semenyo inevitable.

When quizzed on whether the 25-year-old might be playing for the Cherries for the final time on Wednesday, he said: “There is nothing signed with Antoine Semenyo.

"If you ask me personally what I think, with all the noise and this, I think it could be the last game. But I cannot guarantee it.

“I understand the market, the noise, but right now there is nothing agreed and nothing signed, so for me he is our player, and I hope he continues, but my understanding also is that there is a chance that it’s his last game.”

Bournemouth will be looking to halt a worrying 11-game winless run in the Premier League when Thomas Frank's troops visit on Wednesday night.

How do Bournemouth replace Semenyo?

Attracting interest from the majority of the so-called big six in the Premier League this term, it was highly unlikely that Bournemouth would be able to keep hold of Semenyo.

Iraola and the Cherries must now plan for a future without the influential Ghanaian, who could be jumping a ship sinking towards a relegation battle.

The South-coast side have failed to win a top-flight fixture since the end of October and sit 15th in the Premier League standings after 20 games.