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Tottenham are under new management in the 2025/26 season, but the first half of the campaign has not been kind to Thomas Frank in terms of results.

After finishing a woeful 17th last term, they could find themselves back in the bottom half of the Premier League table as the calendar turns to 2026.

Despite their Europa League triumph last season, which helped mitigate the horrendous domestic finish, Spurs are still hoping to improve greatly on their performances and consistency. One major component of achieving that is keeping the squad fit, which has proven a challenge for the London club.

The Sporting News brings you a look at the list of injured Tottenham players, plus a projected lineup for their upcoming match.

MORE: An updated list of the Premier League top goal scorers for the 2025/26 season

Tottenham injury list

Below is the latest injury picture for Tottenham, including estimated return dates for those who are sidelined.

Lucas Bergvall

Injury: Knock

Expected return date: TBD

Lucas Bergvall was forced off in the 63rd minute of Sunday's match against Crystal Palace with a knock. His status moving forward is unclear and more information is needed before knowing the extent of his injury.

Destiny Udogie

Injury: Hamstring

Expected return date: January

Frank ruled Udogie out of the rest of December after confirming he had sustained hamstring damage prior to the game with Slavia Prague. He should return sometime shortly after the turn of the new year.

Radu Dragusin

Injury: ACL tear

Expected return date: December

Romania international Dragusin tore his ACL in January in a Europa League clash with Elfsborg and his recovery timeline had been set at around 10-11 months. The club confirmed his rehab is on track, and he was finally back in the matchday squad for the loss to Liverpool on December 20.

Dejan Kulusevski

Injury: Knee

Expected return date: Unknown

Kulusevski's absence has been felt by club and country with the Sweden international yet to feature this season after undergoing knee surgery in May. The call to address a persistent issue was taken before Frank's arrival at Spurs, and all parties are cautious over his comeback date after he played a key role under Ange Postecoglou.

He was expected back before the end of 2025, but Spurs continually refuse to give a timeline for his return. As of now, it's unclear when he will be back. Even Frank has been frustrated by his continued absence, saying in late December: "When they are ready to be close to joining the squad then I will provide an update."

Dominic Solanke

Injury: Ankle

Expected return date: January

Solanke needed a minor operation on an ankle injury in September. Frank had initially hoped the striker might be back by now, but is now targeting a return in the coming weeks. "We want to be absolutely sure, as sure as we can be, that there is no setback going forward," he said.

Like Kulusevski, Solanke's return has been shrouded in mystery.

Kota Takai

Injury: Thigh

Expected return date: December

Japan international Takai is yet to make his Spurs debut following a summer move from Kawasake Frontale, but he could get his first taste of Premier League football in December.

James Maddison

Injury: ACL tear

Expected return date: June 2026

Maddison suffered ACL damage in a preseason game against Newcastle United in August, with his campaign over before it even started. The England international has left a creative gap in Frank's team, but due to the length of his rehabilitation, he's not expected to feature again this season.

Xavi Simons

Suspended (three games)

Expected return date: January 7 (vs. Bournemouth)

Simons was sent off for a challenge on Virgil van Dijk in the 2-1 loss to Liverpool on December 20. He is suspended for Spurs' next three games, against Crystal Palace, Brentford, and Sunderland.

Unavailable: Yves Bissouma, Pape Sarr

Bissouma and Sarr are away at the Africa Cup of Nations and will not be back until at least early January.

Tottenham predicted lineup vs. Brentford

Formation: 4-3-3

Vicario (GK)

Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Spence

Bentancur, Gray, Bergvall

Kudus, Richarlison, Kolo Muani

Tottenham next five games

Following the Sunday league meeting with Crystal Palace, Spurs have a busy run of Premier League fixtures, although they are home for four of their next five matches.

They next return to Champions League action on January 20 against Borussia Dortmund.

Tottenham and Chelsea will both be keen not to lose further ground on Premier League leaders Arsenal when they clash in Saturday's London derby.

Enzo Maresca's Club World Cup winners were stunned by Sunderland last weekend; however, that was the only game in the past six across all competitions that they've failed to win.

Spurs headed into the weekend five points shy of Arsenal at the top of the table but have not won back-to-back Premier League matches since August.

Defeat to Aston Villa a fortnight ago continued a poor run of just one point from the past nine on offer at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for Thomas Frank's side.

The Sporting News is following the Tottenham vs. Chelsea match live, providing score updates and commentary

Latest live updates | Team news and lineups | Where to watch where you are

Tottenham vs. Chelsea score

Venue: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London

Referee: Jarred Gillett

Keep track of every game and every goal via SN's live Premier League scoreboard

Lineups:

Tottenham (4-3-3, right to left): 1. Guglielmo Vicario (GK) — 23. Pedro Porro, 4. Kevin Danso, 37. Micky van de Ven, 24. Djed Spence — 29. Pape Sarr, 6. Joao Palhinha, 30. Rodrigo Bentancur — 20. Mohammed Kudus, 39. Randal Kolo Muani, 15. Lucas Bergvall (7. Xavi Simons)

Chelsea (4-2-3-1, right to left): 1. Robert Sanchez (GK) — 24. Malo Gusto, 29. Wesley Fofana, 23, Trevoh Chalobah, 3. Marc Cucurella — 24. Reece James, 25. Moises Caicedo — 7. Pedro Neto, 8, Enzo Fernandez, 49. Alejandro Garnacho — 20. Joao Pedro

MORE: Will Arne Slot be sacked? November fixtures set to define Liverpool's 2025/26 season

Tottenham vs. Chelsea live updates, highlights, and commentary

Halftime

Chelsea lead and deservedly so. They've produced nearly all the moments of quality in a frantic, phyiscal game of few chances.

Joao Pedro finishes nicely but this goal is all about Caicedo. First the Ecuador midfielder snaps into a challenge inside the final third to put Tottenham on their heels. Spurs get in back but Caicedo is into ransack Van de Ven. He can't finish but the ball spins to Joao Pedro and he does the honours.

Kickoff: 1st Half

Chelsea kickoff. Sanchez pumps it long and the ball goes through to his opposite number. Then Garnacho has an early tangle with Porro but there's not much in it.

Tottenham vs. Chelsea kick off time

The Premier League match kicks off in London at 5:30 p.m. local time.

Here's how that time translates across some of the major territories:

DateKickoff timeUSASat, Nov 11:30 p.m. ETCanadaSat, Nov 11:30 p.m. ETUKSat, Nov 15:30 p.m. BSTAustraliaSun, Nov 23:30 a.m. AEDTIndiaSat, Nov 111:00 p.m. IST

Tottenham vs. Chelsea lineups, team news

We know that Guglielmo Vicario will return in goal to replace Cup deputy Antonin Kinsky, but beyond that it's unclear how Thomas Frank will revert his squad for Premier League play, as he did not rotate as much as expected for the EFL Cup match.

Micky van de Ven should come back in along the defensive line, moving Joao Palhinha back to midfield after he stepped in at the back for the EFL Cup game. Brennan Johnson and Xavi Simons were deployed in each of the last two games and therefore could rotate out, with Mathys Tel and Wilson Odobert both pushing for minutes.

Both Randal Kolo Muani and Richarlison have been ineffective up front in their recent starts, so who gets the nod at striker in league action.

There are a host of Tottenham players carrying fitness issues, with Dejan Kulusevski, Cristian Romero, Destiny Udogie, and Dominic Solanke all out injured but expected to return shortly.

Tottenham starting XI (4-3-3, right to left): Vicario (GK) — Porro, Danso, van de Ven, Spence — Sarr, Palhinha, Bentancur — Kudus, Kolo Muani, Bergvall

Tottenham subs: Kinsky (GK), Romero, Udogie, Simons, Odobert, Johnson, Tel, Scarlett, Richarlison

After Maresca made wholesale changes for the midweek EFL Cup match, he is likely to bring most of the starters back in for their return to league play.

Fans got their hopes up of a return soon for Cole Palmer after seeing him in his kit at Cobham, but reports claim that he has not yet been brought back into training just yet and is likely still out this weekend. Liam Delap only just returned from injury as he came off the bench against Wolves, but was sent off for two yellow cards and will be suspended for this game.

That means Enzo Fernandez should move up to the No. 10 position, while Joao Pedro takes over at the striker position. Marc Guiu was deployed up front against Sunderland, but was ineffective in his first Premier League start, and is unlikely to be given another go.

Tosin Adarabioyo and Jorrel Hato are some of those likely to return to the bench after a League Cup start but Malo Gusto keeps his place at right-back, with captain Reece James deployed in midfield alongside Moises Caicedo.

Chelsea starting XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Sanchez (GK) —Gusto, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella — James, Caicedo — Neto, Fernandez, Garnacho — Joao Pedro

Chelsea subs: Jorgensen (GK), Acheampong, Tosin, Hato, Lavia, Andrey Santos, Estevao, Gittens, Guiu

Tottenham vs. Chelsea live stream, TV channel

Here is how to watch the match in some of the world's major regions:

Tottenham Hotspur are preparing £53m [$70m] offer for Jarrod Bowen, according to the Fichajes.

The England international remains under contract until 2030 with West Ham which would reportedly make a transfer difficult without a substantial fee.

According to reports, Spurs are currently monitoring the situation at West Ham as Nuno Espirito Santo side continue to struggle.

The player scored 14 goals and registered 10 assists in 36 appearances last season across all competitions and this campaign alone, he has three goals and one assist in nine league matches.

West Ham stance amid Tottenham interest

According to the Spanish outlet, West Ham are not ruling out a sale if their valuation is met and relegation could force the club to consider offers for key players as part of their long-term financial stability plan.

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The forward joined West Ham in January 2020 and has made 248 appearances, scoring 77 goals and providing 53 assists.

Tottenham news and related links

Tottenham Hotspur are loving life under Thomas Frank at the start of 2025/26.

Despite ending the club's 17-year wait for a trophy at the back end of last season, Ange Postecoglou's 17th place finish in the Premier League saw him dismissed over the summer.

Spurs turned to Frank as Postecoglou's successor, after seven impressive years at Brentford, and the Dane has hit the ground running in North London.

Tottenham are up to third in the top-flight rankings with the best away record in the Premier League so far in the campaign.

Victory at Everton brings Frank onto 13 points amassed on the road and Spurs are also unbeaten in the Champions League after three games played.

As attention switches to an EFL Cup Round of 16 clash, Frank is confident his team can cope with hectic schedule, and hailed stand-in captain Micky van de Ven as the lynchpin.

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"To get to win a trophy is very difficult. To sustain it, is even harder, but that's the aim. The players here had a fantastic experience last year and are very eager to win again. We are going for it," he said.

"Micky has been brilliant for the club since he signed. He's taken his game up a level, he's still very good on the ball and he's added in headed goals. He's a threat from set-pieces. We have a good contract for him but definitely a player with a big future here."

Frank's comment on Van de Ven's future will be a boost for Spurs fans worried over a big-money summer exit in 2026 with the 24-year-old already beating his best-ever season goal tally with five scored in all competitions.

Tottenham news and related links

Scott McTominay was regarded as a fairly average player during his time at Manchester United, but has since become a star with Napoli.

McTominay has scored 17 goals, with seven assists in 47 games for the Serie A side, helping them to win the division last season.

The Scotsman was even nominated for the Ballon d'Or, but despite his form in the field, there are rumours that he is not happy off the field in Italy.

Napoli have a huge fanbase, and it is difficult for their players to lead a normal life. This could lead to McTominay returning to England, and possibly London.

TEAMtalk has reported that "As Scott McTominay continues to flourish away from Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur are keen on signing the Napoli midfielder."

Could Scott McTominay sign for Tottenham Hotspur?

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Napoli will be reluctant to let their star player leave the club, and he is contracted to them until 2028.

However, if the player is unhappy, then they often have the power to force a move through. This would not go down with the passionate Napoli supporters.

Spurs will have to cough up a huge transfer fee to sign McTominay. This may not have been possible under the club's previous regime under Daniel Levy.

Levy is no longer the chairman at Tottenham, and they could be in line for a change in their transfer strategy.

Thomas Frank's side could do with signing more midfielders as they have faced injury problems this season. James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, and Yves Bissouma are all currently out of action.

Tottenham news and related links

Tottenham Hotspur boss Thomas Frank is determined to sign a new striker in 2026.

Frank oversaw major transfer investment in the summer market as he looked to add more goals to his Spurs attack ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

Mathys Tel's loan from Bayern Munich was updated to a permanent move as Mohamed Kudus and Xavi Simons joined from West Ham United and RB Leipzig respectively.

Randal Kolo Muani also arrived on a season-long loan from PSG but Tel and Kudus are the only ones to register a Premier League goal so far with one each after nine games played.

Defender Micky van de Ven is Frank's current top scorer, with five across all competitions, after scoring twice in the 3-0 weekend win at Everton.

His forwards lack of efficiency is a real concern, and Frank is prepared to take decisive action in January, with Dominic Solanke potentially sold.

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Injures and a lack of form have reduced the England international to just three substitutes appearances so far in 2025/26 and reports from Football Insider claim the Danish coach has already seen enough.

Solanke managed nine top-flight goals, and 16 in all competitions under Ange Postecoglou last season, after joining for a club transfer record £55m [$73m] from Bournemouth last summer.

Frank already has a host of options in mind to bring in at the start of 2026, and Solanke's sale could bankroll those moves, despite his transfer value dropping to around £40m [$54m].

FC Porto star Samu Aghehowa is rumoured to be on Frank's radar alongside a possible move for Sporting CP captain Morten Hjulmand as part of a busy January in North London.

Tottenham news and related links

Tottenham handed the armband to Christian Romero this summer after the departure of Heung-min Son.

The captain has been reliable in that role, too.

But now, he's missing out on some of the action.

Romero won't be available Sunday as Spurs take on Everton in Premier League action.

MORE: The latest on Dominic Solanke

Why isn't Christian Romero playing today?

Tottenham remain without the captain Romero due to injury.

He has missed Spurs' last two matches with an ankle injury and isn't yet fit to regain his place in the side.

Romero is back to individual training but not yet full team training.

“Positive, progressing, no timeframe, but I don't expect it to be a longer one," manager Thomas Frank told reporters, via the Evening Standard.

Without Romero, Spurs have a pretty straightforward choice at center back. They partner Micky van de Ven with Kevin Danso.

It's van de Ven who gets the armband with Romero out. Surely, he'd like to see his main partner in the back return to the pitch sooner rather than later.

Dominic Solanke was a great addition to the Tottenham Hotspur side last season.

He was an effective finisher at his striker position, and he also was excellent at hold-up play.

This season hasn't been the same for Solanke so far. He's hardly been on the pitch.

That will remain true Sunday when Spurs take on Everton.

Why isn't Dominic Solanke playing today?

Dominic Solanke remains out of the Tottenham side due to injury.

He had surgery on his ankle and is not yet fully recovered.

Spurs manager Thomas Frank has choices to make up top for as long as Solanke is out.

The new guy Randal Kolo Muani has only come off the bench so far but could be a consideration.

Frank has also used Mathys Tel up top, although Richarlison has been the most frequent choice to play as the striker with no Solanke.

Tottenham needs to find a way past Jordan Pickford a couple times to beat Everton and stay near the top of the Premier League, and Spurs will continue to have to find a way to do so without Solanke.

Tottenham Hotspur are on the hunt for a new midfielder in 2026.

Thomas Frank focused on other areas of his squad in the summer transfer market as he secured a season-long loan on Bayern Munich's Joao Palhinha.

The Portugal international has struggled for prominence in Bavaria following his 2024 move from Fulham but he looks revived in Spurs' engine room under Frank.

Palhinha has featured in all eight of Spurs' Premier League games so far in 2025/26, with seven starts, and two goals scored by the 30-year-old.

Frank has a €30m [£36m/$35m] transfer clause to make the move permanent next summer in what looks currently like shrewd option for the Danish coach.

The former Cottagers star has made a reputation as a 'tackle king' - and his early numbers at Tottenham back that up - as the Premier League's No.1 for tackles won [21] and the leading midfielder in that metric across Europe's top five leagues.

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Spurs look certain to activate that clause, with Bayern Munich open to an exit, but Frank is also considering a new midfield partner for him next summer.

Reports from Portuguese outlet Record claim Frank is ready to battle Manchester United for Ruben Amorim's former Sporting CP captain - and fellow Dane - Morten Hjulmand.

The Sporting CP hierarchy are confident of retaining him in the long-term, after receiving assurances from his camp in recent weeks, and a current contract until 2028 in Lisbon.

However, the 26-year-old has an €80m [£70m/$93m] release clause in his contract and that could be tested in 2026 if Spurs secure Champions League qualification at the end of the campaign.

Tottenham want Amorim favourite as new midfield enforcer

Amorim is also keen on a move, after failing to lure Viktor Gyokeres from the Estádio José Alvalade ahead of his switch to Arsenal, and UCL qualification could be the decisive factor in Hjulmand's next move.

The former Leece midfielder has a similar profile to Palhinha, but Amorim has cleared indicated his view on who is the better player, based on their time together in Portugal.

"He's going to be a player to help us control games, he's a mix of Palhinha and [Manuel] Ugarte. I know Ugarte and Palhinha are going to be upset with me, but for me, Hjulmand is the most complete player in that position."

High praise from Amorim on his old skipper, but a United move depends on the futures of Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo, but Spurs' main barrier could be finances.

Tottenham news and related links

Tottenham Hotspur yet to achieve the level of consistency that they would like as they suffered a 2-1 defeat against Aston Villa at home as Premier League action resumed after the international break.

Spurs missed a golden opportunity to rise up on the points table as they suffered their second defeat of the league campaign.

After a few games into the campaign there's a feeling that Tottenham are desperately missing a prolific goalscoring striker who can turn games on his own.

The North London outfit have created a shortlist of different forward but according to reports via TBR Football, Spurs have kept a close eye on Samu Aghehowa's progress at FC Porto.

Spurs sporting director Fabio Paratici, who just returned to the club last week is a big admirer of the Spain international who almost joined Chelsea in 2024 from Atletico Madrid, but the deal eventually fell through.

The Spaniard finally moved to FC Porto that summer and the move worked wonders as he has hammered 35 goals in 57 appearances for the Primeira Liga club.

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The 21-year-old is extremely high rated by several European clubs including Spurs but his £87m ($116.4m) release clause could be a deal breaker for many teams.

Why are Spurs chasing Porto star Samu Aghehowa?

Aghehowa joined Granada's youth setup in 2021 and made a name for himself while featuring for their 'B' team.

He moved to Atletico Madrid in 2023 and was immediately loaned out to Alaves where he finished the club top scorer in 2023/24 La Liga campaign with eight goals.

The Spaniard eventually moved to Porto where he has established himself as one of the most talented young strikers in Europe.

He has been hailed as a modern striker who has physicality to hold up and link play whilst making in behind runs and maneuvering space in the final third.

Aghehowa has already scored eight goals in nine games for Porto this season therefore Spurs are extremely interested in the young Spaniard.

As per reports despite his high release clause, he may be available for a much lesser price due to Porto's financial constraints.

Apart from Aghehowa, Spurs are also looking at Juve's Dusan Vlahovic, who is available for free transfer next summer.

Overall, it will be interesting to see with whom Spurs eventually end up but either way they need a striker who would have an imposing presence upfront.

Tottenham Hotspur news and related links