Tottenham Hotspur head into their meeting with Paris Saint-Germain carrying more frustration than momentum, returning from North London with the weight of a painful defeat still sitting heavily on their shoulders.
The 4-1 loss to Arsenal was not just another setback; it was a performance that exposed weaknesses at every level of the pitch. Eberechi Eze delivered the first Premier League hat-trick in the history of the North London derby, and Spurs could only watch as their rivals pressed, passed, and punished them without mercy.
It was a bruising afternoon that left Thomas Frank’s side searching for both answers and confidence at a stage of the season where neither can be taken lightly.
Despite their struggles in the league, Tottenham have been far more resilient in European competition. They remain unbeaten in this season’s Champions League, collecting eight points from their opening four games.
Their place in the table is steady rather than spectacular, yet it gives them something to hold onto as they prepare to face the reigning champions. The only recent sting in Europe came in the UEFA Super Cup, where PSG edged Spurs on penalties in a tight, hard-fought contest.
Now, with both clubs meeting again, Tottenham must confront not only the quality of their opponent but also a long list of injuries and absences that continue to disrupt the squad.
James Maddison remains one of the biggest long-term casualties. The playmaker has spent months recovering from the ACL injury he suffered in the summer, and although his rehabilitation is moving slowly in the right direction, there is no realistic expectation of seeing him on the pitch this season.
It is a cruel blow for a player who was meant to be the heartbeat of Frank’s midfield, and Spurs have missed his creativity in every phase of play.
Dejan Kulusevski is another key figure whose absence has left a hole in the team’s attacking plans. The knee injury he sustained late last season has proven far more complicated than expected. Six months on, he remains unavailable, with no clear timeline for a return.
His ability to control tempo, stretch defenses, and create chances has been deeply missed, especially during Tottenham’s most rigid attacking performances.
Dominic Solanke is still working his way back from ankle surgery. Although he has made progress and could return within weeks, the meeting with PSG comes just too soon.
Spurs hope to see him available again when they face Newcastle in early December. His presence would add physicality and finishing ability that the team has lacked during key moments this season.
Ben Davies is in a more optimistic position. After missing the Arsenal match due to a thigh concern, the defender has returned to training. If he responds well in the coming days, he could travel to Paris and offer reinforcements to a back line that desperately needs stability.
Radu Dragusin is further along in his ACL recovery and has already returned to full training. He has even featured behind closed doors for the under-21 side, showing encouraging signs of sharpness.
However, he will play no part in the PSG clash because he was not registered for Tottenham’s league-phase squad. It is a disappointing technicality for a player who has worked tirelessly to return.
Yves Bissouma finds himself in a similar situation. Even without his ankle injury, he would not be eligible for midweek selection, but the injury ensures he remains sidelined regardless.
His absence removes an important source of energy and ball-winning ability in midfield, attributes Spurs will certainly miss against such a strong opponent.
Young defender Kota Takai has finally rejoined full team training after spending time out with both foot and thigh issues. Like Dragusin, he cannot be selected because he is not part of the registered squad. The frustration for Frank comes from the fact that Takai would have offered valuable depth at a time when options are thin.
Brennan Johnson is facing a different kind of absence. His red card against Copenhagen made him the first British player to score and then be sent off in the same Champions League match.
As a result, he is suspended for one game and will not be available in Paris. His pace and directness would have been an asset in a match where Tottenham will likely spend long stretches without the ball.
As Spurs prepare for PSG, the challenges are clear. They are bruised from their derby defeat, missing many important players, and walking into the home of the European champions with a squad stretched in all directions. Yet football rarely follows expectations.
Tottenham have avoided defeat in Europe this season, and while their task is steep, there is still an opportunity for the team to respond, regroup, and show they are far more than the performance that unfolded at the Emirates. The only question now is whether they can rise to the moment with the players they still have available.
