In the high-stakes world of elite European football, the transition from the group stages to the knockout rounds is often defined as much by administrative strategy as it is by tactical brilliance on the pitch. Tottenham Hotspur has officially confirmed several significant adjustments to their UEFA Champions League squad as they prepare for the business end of the competition.
Following a decisive 2-0 victory against Eintracht Frankfurt at the Deutsche Bank Park last month, Spurs secured their place in the round of 16, giving manager Thomas Frank the opportunity to reshuffle his deck for the challenges that lie ahead.
The most notable inclusion is the return of Mathys Tel. In what many supporters are calling a welcome U-turn, the young forward has been reintegrated into the primary European list. Tel was a high-profile omission during the initial group phase, a decision that Frank admitted at the time was one of the most painful of his managerial career.
Joining him in the updated squad are Radu Dragusin and the club’s marquee January signing, Conor Gallagher. Gallagher, who arrived in North London from Atletico Madrid, brings a wealth of international experience and a high-octane work rate that fits perfectly into Frank’s tactical philosophy.
To make room for these additions, some tough calls had to be made regarding the existing roster. Experienced defenders and midfielders Ben Davies and Rodrigo Bentancur have been withdrawn from the list. Both players are currently sidelined with long-term injuries, and the club has decided to prioritize healthy, available bodies over holding spots for players whose return dates remain uncertain.
Furthermore, Brennan Johnson has been removed following his permanent move to Crystal Palace, and Dejan Kulusevski remains ineligible as he continues his grueling recovery from a knee injury sustained back in May 2025.
The reason behind these squad limitations has been a point of contention for Thomas Frank throughout the campaign. Earlier this season, the Danish manager publicly urged UEFA to reconsider the rigid rules governing Champions League squad sizes.
Due to UEFA’s specific “club-trained” player requirements, Tottenham was only able to register 22 players for the group stages instead of the maximum 25. Because goalkeeper Brandon Austin was the only senior player fitting the strict homegrown criteria at the time, the club was effectively penalized with a smaller squad.
Frank has been vocal about the physical toll the modern game takes on athletes. He argued that with top-tier clubs now regularly playing over 60 matches a season excluding international duties the current squad limits are outdated and potentially dangerous. “I can’t understand why we need to limit ourselves,” Frank remarked during a press conference.
He noted that some elite players could be involved in up to 70 games a year, making a deep squad a necessity for health and safety rather than just a luxury. While he expressed support for the idea of developing local talent, he suggested that the current system puts clubs in an impossible position when their academy pipeline is in a transitional phase.
With the administrative dust now settled, the official “List A” for Tottenham’s knockout phase is a blend of defensive solidity and attacking flair. In goal, Guglielmo Vicario remains the undisputed number one, supported by Antonin Kinsky and Brandon Austin.
The defensive line looks particularly robust with the addition of Dragusin alongside established stars like Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven. Kevin Danso, Destiny Udogie, Pedro Porro, and Djed Spence provide the necessary width and versatility required to handle the diverse tactical threats of the Champions League.
The midfield has been significantly bolstered by Gallagher’s arrival. He joins a technical and physical engine room featuring Joao Palhinha, Xavi Simons, and the young trio of Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall, and Pape Matar Sarr.
This group offers a mix of defensive shielding and creative spark that will be vital in controlling the tempo against Europe’s elite.
Up front, the return of Mathys Tel adds a fresh dynamic to an already potent attacking force. Richarlison, Dominic Solanke, and Randal Kolo Muani provide the physical presence and goal-scoring pedigree, while Mohammed Kudus and Wilson Odobert offer the trickery and pace to unlock deep-sitting defenses.
This squad can also be supplemented by several talented academy players on “List B,” ensuring that Frank has enough options to navigate potential injuries during the final months of the season.
The road to the final is long, and every substitution or squad selection can be the difference between glory and heartbreak. By bringing Tel back into the fold and adding the grit of Gallagher, Thomas Frank has signaled that Tottenham is not just here to participate in the knockouts they are here to compete for the biggest prize in club football.
The fans at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium will be hoping that this refined roster has the balance and depth to see them through the challenges that await on the continental stage.
