Thomas Frank is facing a worrying defensive problem ahead of Tottenham Hotspur’s Champions League trip to Monaco.
Captain Cristian Romero was forced to withdraw during the warm-up before the 2-1 home defeat to Aston Villa due to an adductor issue.
That late change saw Kevin Danso unexpectedly step in to partner Micky van de Ven at the heart of Tottenham’s defence. Unfortunately for Frank, his options are growing thinner with each passing game.
Ben Davies was unavailable after picking up an unspecified injury while on international duty for Wales, leaving the squad short on experienced defenders.
Radu Dragusin is still not fit enough to return after his recovery from anterior cruciate ligament damage, while summer signing Kota Takai continues to build his match fitness.
As a result, 16-year-old academy defender Jun’ai Byfield was the only backup centre-back on the bench against Villa — a clear sign of the squad’s defensive crisis.
Frank could not confirm whether Romero would be fit in time for the Monaco clash. To make matters worse, Danso suffered a knock to his ankle late in the Villa match, which could further limit Tottenham’s options.
If Danso joins the growing injury list, midfielders Joao Palhinha or Archie Gray may have to fill in as makeshift centre-backs. When asked about Romero’s status, Frank simply replied, “Minor adductor issue, nothing big,” but added uncertainty when pressed on his availability for Monaco, admitting, “He could be, he couldn’t. I just don’t know.”
The situation looks even more complicated on the left side of defence. Destiny Udogie missed the Villa match after reporting minor knee irritation following his return from international duty with Italy.
Should both Udogie and Romero remain sidelined, Tottenham could be without as many as ten players for their Champions League trip to Stade Louis II. Adding to their selection woes, young forward Mathys Tel is not part of the club’s registered Champions League squad for the group stage.
In Romero’s absence, Dutch defender Micky van de Ven could once again wear the captain’s armband. Despite the loss, Van de Ven praised Danso for his professionalism and composure under difficult circumstances.
“It’s always a blow when ‘Cuti’ drops out right before kick-off,” he said to SpursPlay. “In the warm-up he stepped inside, and we knew he was done for the day. But Kevin did an unbelievable job to come in. It’s never easy to be told last-minute that you’re playing, but he handled it so well.”
Van de Ven went on to add that he trusts Danso completely: “I know his qualities, and he knows what to expect from me. We’ve played together before, and the understanding was there.”
Meanwhile, Aston Villa’s impressive 2-1 win at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium marked their fifth straight victory across all competitions. Unai Emery’s side continue to gather momentum, and the manager was full of praise for Morgan Rogers, who netted his first goal for Villa in 20 matches. Rogers, who impressed for England during the international break, produced a brilliant strike to seal the win.
Emery expressed delight at Rogers’ persistence and attitude, saying, “He’s always doing his task because he works very hard, and through that effort comes performance.
Like today, he and Ollie Watkins were fantastic. Watkins didn’t score, but his work was top-class. For Morgan, this goal was the reward for his constant effort working, improving, and contributing for 90 minutes. He’s becoming a very important player for us.”
As Tottenham prepare for Monaco, Frank’s biggest challenge lies in finding a stable backline amid a mounting injury list. With key defenders uncertain and limited replacements available, his tactical flexibility and man-management skills will be tested to their limits.
Spurs must regroup quickly to maintain momentum in Europe, but with so many absentees, Frank’s side faces an uphill battle to remain competitive.
