Tottenham XI vs Aston Villa: Predicted lineup, confirmed team news, injury latest for FA Cup today | OneFootball

Under-pressure Spurs boss Thomas Frank dealt Cristian Romero blow on eve of third-round clash

Cristian Romero will play no part for Tottenham against Aston Villa in their FA Cup tie today.

Spurs captain Romero was on Friday handed a one-match suspension and fined £50,000 after admitting a Football Association (FA) charge that followed his reaction to a late sending off in the 2-1 defeat by Liverpool last month.

Kevin Danso will now be expected to partner Micky van de Ven at centre-back against Villa, with Radu Dragusin in reserve.

Mohammed Kudus, meanwhile, suffered a quad injury during last weekend’s 1-1 draw with Sunderland and will not be back fit until early April.

“Kudus is a bigger one, to the tendon and quad, and don't expect him back until after the March international break,” under-fire Tottenham boss Thomas Frank said in his pre-match press conference.

The Uruguayan was replaced late on by Archie Gray at the Vitality Stadium, and Frank said the injury was worse than first feared.

Lucas Bergvall has been assessed after coming off against Bournemouth with what appeared to be a muscle injury.

“Lucas is being assessed today [Thursday]. We'll know more later today with him,” Frank added.

“Same with Rodri [Bentancur]. Rodri is a hamstring injury, looks like a bigger one. We don't know the extent yet.”

With Bentancur and likely Bergvall set to miss the third-round visit of Villa to north London, Frank has yet more decisions to make in midfield.

Joao Palhinha came back into the starting lineup against Bournemouth and scored a sensational overhead kick to level the score in the second half.

He could be rewarded with another start against Villa, while Gray could be brought back in after starting on the bench in midweek.

Frank switched up his attack against Andoni Iraola’s side, starting Randal Kolo Muani as the central striker.

The Frenchman was, however, ineffectual given the chance to impress in his favoured position and could make way for Richarlison, who nearly scored off the bench as Spurs rallied late on.

The game will come too soon for Dominic Solanke as he builds up fitness having resumed training following ankle surgery, potentially likewise Destiny Udogie after hamstring trouble, while Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison remain absent.

Midfielders Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr are away at the Africa Cup of Nations, with the former sent off on Friday as Mali lost to Senegal in the quarter-finals.

Predicted Tottenham XI (4-2-3-1): Kinsky; Spence, Danso, Van de Ven, Porro; Gray, Palhinha; Simons, Tel, Richarlison; Kolo Muani

Injured: Maddison, Kulusevski, Kudus, Bentancur

Doubts: Bergvall, Udogie, Solanke

Suspended: Romero

Unavailable: Bissouma, Sarr (AFCON)

Time and date: 5:45pm GMT on Saturday January 10, 2026

How to watch: BBC One and TNT Sports 1

Venue: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium