Thomas Frank has provided an important injury update following Tottenham Hotspur’s 2-0 Carabao Cup defeat to Newcastle United, where several key players were missing from the squad.
Among the absentees was first-choice goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, whose absence initially raised questions. Frank confirmed that the Italian goalkeeper, who has been in great form with consecutive clean sheets against Monaco and Everton, missed the trip to St. James’ Park due to a minor issue.
The Spurs boss assured fans that Vicario would be fit and ready to return between the posts for Saturday’s Premier League clash against Chelsea, putting to rest any major concerns about his condition.
With Vicario unavailable, young goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky was handed the opportunity to start, but it turned into a challenging evening for him.
The 21-year-old found himself under pressure when Joe Willock’s cross sailed into the box, and his misjudgment allowed Nick Woltemade to head home Newcastle’s second goal into an unguarded net.
Despite Kinsky’s efforts, Spurs struggled to find their rhythm and were ultimately eliminated from the Carabao Cup, leaving the team to shift focus back to their league campaign.
Tottenham’s injury woes, however, extended far beyond Vicario’s absence. The North London side was without as many as 12 first-team players during the match, highlighting the growing list of fitness concerns that have hampered Frank’s squad.
Among those sidelined were young talents Wilson Odobert and Archie Gray, both of whom had been nursing problems sustained during the recent match in Monaco.
While they were fit enough to make the bench against Everton, neither featured in the squad for the trip to Newcastle.
Frank explained that Odobert suffered a “side strain” that ruled him out of the midweek clash, but there is optimism that the winger could recover in time for the Chelsea match.
Meanwhile, Gray’s situation appears a bit more serious. The versatile midfielder picked up a knock to his calf in Monaco, which has since developed into a sprain.
Although Tottenham have not confirmed an official timeline for his recovery, early indications suggest that Gray could be out for around a month. Frank expressed disappointment over losing such an energetic young player but remained hopeful that the injury would not be a long-term setback.
Amid the mounting injury concerns, there was at least some positive news for Tottenham supporters. Radu Dragusin is nearing a return to action and is expected to be available shortly after the upcoming international break.
The Romanian defender’s comeback would provide much-needed depth to a backline that has been stretched thin in recent weeks. Another boost for Spurs comes in the form of Kota Takai, who is edging closer to making his first appearance for the club since joining.
His progress in training has reportedly impressed the coaching staff, and he could soon be ready to contribute to the senior squad.
Frank also shared updates on several key first-team regulars who have been sidelined. Cristian Romero, Destiny Udogie, and Dominic Solanke are all progressing well in their respective recoveries.
While the manager stopped short of providing specific return dates, there is optimism within the camp that all three could rejoin the squad soon.
Romero’s leadership and defensive solidity, Udogie’s energy down the flank, and Solanke’s attacking presence have been sorely missed in recent matches.
When asked about the volume of injuries currently plaguing the squad, Frank remained calm and pragmatic. He acknowledged that while he would prefer to have everyone fit and available, injuries are simply part of football.
The Tottenham boss emphasized the importance of adapting and finding solutions, insisting that some of the current issues were down to bad luck rather than poor management.
Frank pointed out that several of the injuries, including those to James Maddison, Yves Bissouma, and Udogie, were contact-related or unavoidable situations.
Despite the challenges, Frank maintained confidence in his squad’s ability to cope with the setback. He highlighted the depth and resilience of his players, praising their professionalism and commitment to bounce back stronger.
Tottenham’s upcoming fixture against Chelsea now looms large, and with key players expected to return, Frank will be hoping for a response that reignites their campaign.
The recent injuries have undoubtedly tested Tottenham’s squad depth and Frank’s tactical flexibility, but the manager’s composed outlook and belief in his team’s strength remain unshaken.
With Vicario set to return and several others closing in on fitness, Spurs will be eager to put their recent frustrations behind them and get back to winning ways as they continue to chase their ambitions for the season.
