Tottenham Hotspur’s head coach Thomas Frank is facing a significant selection challenge ahead of the crucial Champions League match against Borussia Dortmund at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Tuesday. Following a disappointing 2-1 defeat to West Ham United in the Premier League, there are growing concerns regarding Frank’s position, especially if his team fails to secure a favorable result against Dortmund.
Frank’s difficulties are compounded by a wave of injuries that struck the squad during Saturday’s match. Notably, Ben Davies sustained a serious leg injury and was stretchered off, adding to an already lengthy list of injured players. Joao Palhinha, Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison, Rodrigo Bentancur, Mohammed Kudus, and Richarlison are all sidelined due to various injuries, while Yves Bissouma, Radu Dragusin, Micky van de Ven, and Conor Gallagher are ineligible for selection due to other reasons.
The situation in midfield is particularly dire, as Pape Sarr is unlikely to be considered for selection just two days after participating in the Africa Cup of Nations final. Given these constraints, it is likely that Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall will be tasked with pivotal roles in midfield.
On the offensive front, while Dominic Solanke can rejoin the squad for domestic matches, he remains ineligible for European competition. Instead, Frank may rely on Randal Kolo Muani, Mathys Tel, Xavi Simons, and Wilson Odobert to lead the attack. In defense, with van de Ven suspended and Davies injured, the coach could turn to Djed Spence and Kevin Danso to fortify the backline, alongside regulars Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero, and Guglielmo Vicario.
With the pressure mounting, Frank will need to navigate these challenges adeptly as Tottenham seeks a vital win to keep their Champions League hopes alive. The upcoming match presents an opportunity for the squad to demonstrate resilience and determination in the face of adversity. The potential emergence of fresh talent could also provide a spark that the team desperately needs during this critical period.