Touch and go! - Tottenham's Injury Woes Ahead of Man Utd Clash
Tottenham Hotspur face a tough challenge against Manchester United this weekend as injuries continue to plague the squad. Thomas Frank's concerning update on Mohammed Kudus sets the tone for a pivotal match at Old Trafford.
Thomas Frank issued a concerning injury update on Mohammed Kudus ahead of their Manchester United clash this weekend. The Ghanaian playmaker, who joined Spurs from West Ham United in a £55 million ($72.5m) summer move, has become one of the club’s most consistent performers this season. He has scored once and set up five goals across 15 appearances. But just as he seemed to gain momentum, disaster struck again.Kudus picked up a knock during training last week, ruling him out of Tuesday’s emphatic 4-0 Champions League win over FC Copenhagen. Now, his participation against United is also uncertain. Speaking in his pre-match press conference on Friday, Frank cut a cautious figure and said: "Kudus is touch and go for tomorrow, we’ll see."In Kudus' absence, Brennan Johnson, who started on the right flank in midweek, is expected to retain his spot. The Welshman impressed with his intensity against Copenhagen and should be a handful for United defenders. The north London side’s growing injury list continues to stretch the squad thin. Radu Dragusin, Dejan Kulusevski, and James Maddison all remain long-term absentees, while Yves Bissouma and summer recruit Kota Takai are still awaiting their first minutes of the season. To make matters worse, promising youngster Lucas Bergvall will sit out the United game after suffering a concussion during last weekend’s narrow 1-0 defeat to Chelsea. Frank also offered an update on Dominic Solanke’s slow recovery. The striker has been limited to a total of 59 minutes this season. Solanke’s ankle problems have kept him sidelined since pre-season, and he even underwent a minor surgery on October 1. And while his rehabilitation is progressing, Frank insists the club won’t rush his return."I think the international break will be the big decider, because we have two weeks there, to push with the next steps," said Frank."It was clear that he was not ready before the international break, it’s more that we look after the international break, that’s what we’re aiming for. I think you always want to get it right, I think it’s important to get it right so he’s out there, can help the team, and we need him back." However, he did offer some positive updates as well. "The ones that have been out for a small spell, Cuti (Cristian Romero) and Destiny (Udogie), responded well, so fit and available," he said. Frank has also had to manage an internal situation involving defenders Micky van de Ven and Djed Spence. In the aftermath of the disappointing defeat to Chelsea, the Spurs head coach encouraged his players to perform a lap of appreciation for the fans. However, television cameras caught Van de Ven and Spence walking away, apparently ignoring the manager’s request. At the time, Frank refused to publicly criticise the pair, choosing instead to defuse the incident."All the players are, of course, frustrated," he had said after the match. "They would like to do well, they would like to win, they would like to perform. I understand that. I think it’s difficult to be consistent in good times and bad times, that’s why I went around to the fans as I did, it’s more fun when we win, I can tell you that."He added, "I understand why you ask the question. But I think that’s one of, how you can say, small issues. We have Micky van de Ven and Djed Spence doing everything they can. They’ve performed very well so far this season. Everyone is frustrated. We do things in a different way, I don’t think it’s a big problem."However, the two players have apologised to the manager to reach an amicable solution."Micky and Djed came into my office yesterday and just said they wanted to say sorry for the situation," he informed. "They didn't want it to look bad or any misconception that you can get in this beautiful media world. So there was no disrespect meant at all towards me or the team. They were just frustrated with the performance from us and the booing during the game."Tottenham’s 1-0 loss to Chelsea was another frustrating afternoon for the fans, who voiced their displeasure at full-time. Saturday’s showdown against United now carries enormous weight for both sides. A win could reignite Tottenham’s momentum and strengthen their Champions League ambitions. They remain sixth in the Premier League table with 17 points from 10 games and are level with Manchester United but eight behind leaders Arsenal.
Injuries Mount for Spurs
Thomas Frank has raised concerns over the fitness of Ghanaian playmaker Mohammed Kudus ahead of Tottenham's clash with Manchester United. Kudus' absence adds to a growing injury list that includes Radu Dragusin, Dejan Kulusevski, Yves Bissouma, and others. Promising youngster Lucas Bergvall is also sidelined with a concussion.
Brennan Johnson Steps Up
With Kudus uncertain for the United game, Brennan Johnson is expected to fill in on the right flank after an impressive performance against FC Copenhagen. The Welshman's energy and intensity could pose a threat to the United defense.
Mixed News on Dominic Solanke
Thomas Frank provided an update on Dominic Solanke's recovery from ankle problems. While the striker's rehabilitation is progressing, Frank remains cautious and aims for a return post the international break to ensure Solanke's full fitness.
Internal Issues Managed
Following the defeat to Chelsea, an internal situation arose involving Micky van de Ven and Djed Spence seemingly ignoring the manager's request for a lap of appreciation. However, both players have since apologized, and Frank has downplayed the incident, focusing on team unity and performance.
Key Match Against Manchester United
Tottenham's upcoming clash with Manchester United carries significant importance for both teams. With Spurs looking to reignite their season and climb the Premier League table, securing a win at Old Trafford could be crucial for their Champions League ambitions.

