Pressure point for Spurs ahead of Dortmund visit
Comfortable space is small tottenham hotspur Now, and tonight’s Champions League game Borussia Dortmund Reaching a moment of internal tension. The stoppage-time loss to West Ham brought increased scrutiny to head coach Thomas Frank, who remains in charge but amid ongoing discussions about direction and stability.
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The participation of chief executive Vinai Venkatesham, sporting director Johan Lange and the ownership group’s Nick Beucher underlined the seriousness of the moment. The challenge at hand, however, is more practical. Spurs must deal with this game with an extreme lack of options.
Injury crisis affects Tottenham plans
Frank admits he only has 11 senior outfield players. Ben Davies will undergo surgery after breaking his ankle against West Ham United, adding to the injury list for the likes of James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, Mohamed Kudus, Rodrigo Bentancur and Richarlison.
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There is slightly better news elsewhere. Harvey Simmons is fit and will play through pain after a hard tackle from Jarrod Bowen, while Archie Gray is training and available. However, Joao Palinha remains sidelined after picking up an injury in training.
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Suspensions and qualifications further weakened the team. Mickey van de Veen has been suspended after accumulating three yellow cards in six Champions League games. New signings Connor Gallagher, Radu Dragusin and Yves Bissouma are all ineligible.
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Selection calls under review
Frank’s most controversial decision has been made. Mathys Tel has been left out of the Champions League squad and replaced by Dominic Solanke. Ter initially replaced Solanke during his recovery, but Frank described the substitution as a “difficult decision” as Solanke recovered. Thiel has since been linked to moving out this month.
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There are also concerns for Pape Matar Sarr, who missed out due to illness after Senegal won the Africa Cup of Nations. He was taken to hospital after the final and it is unclear whether he will take part in the Dakar celebrations.
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Predicted Spurs lineups and details
With so many absences, the Spurs’ options feel more like damage limitation than rotation.
Tottenham’s predicted XI: Vicario, Polo, Denso, Romero, Spence, Gray, Bergvall, Xavi, Odobert, Solanke, Kolo Mouani
Injuries: Maddison, Kulusevski, Davies, Bentancur, Kudus, Palinha, Richarlison
Unqualified: Dragosin, Gallagher, Bissouma, Taylor
Suspended: Van de Ven
Absent: Sarr (AFCON illness)
Start time: Tuesday 20 January 2026 at 8pm (GMT)
Match Venue: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
TV: TNT Sports
