Tottenham: Thomas Frank issues Lucas Bergvall and Joao Palhinha injury update after huge blow

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·22 January 2026

Tottenham: Thomas Frank issues Lucas Bergvall and Joao Palhinha injury update after huge blow

Young Swede is facing a “long” spell out, but experienced team-mate could return

Thomas Frank has confirmed that Lucas Bergvall is set for a prolonged period on the sidelines with a high ankle sprain.

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Bergvall came off in the 62nd minute of Spurs’ 2-0 win over Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday following a tackle. He tried to carry on, but was soon replaced by 17-year-old debutant Jun'ai Byfield.

Frank was not able to offer a strict timeframe for the midfielder’s return, but said “it looks like a longer one.”

The Spurs boss confirmed: “Unfortunately, Lucas picked up an ankle injury, so keep being very unlucky with injuries.

“He's been assessed these two days, so time frame I know more about in the next couple of days.”

Lucas Bergvall on Tuesday night

Action Images via Reuters

Dominic Solanke and Destiny Udogie started the game on Wednesday for the first time after injuries, while Xavi Simons showed off his bruised foot on social media after the game.

Frank continued: “All three got well through the game against Dortmund, and just extra recovery for various reasons, and all three should be available for Burnley on Sunday.”

Joao Palhinha has missed Spurs’ last two games in all competitions with a knock suffered in training, and Frank confirmed that the midfielder is “progressing well” ahead of the weekend.

“He could be close for Burnley but will be tight,” Frank said.

Pape Matar Sarr is back fit and available after returning from the Africa Cup of Nations.

The Senegal midfielder had been struggling with illness, but will be in the squad against Burnley.

Injuries forced Frank’s hand against Dortmund, and he admitted as many as three players in the starting lineup on Tuesday were playing through pain.

Simons started and impressed as he played with a swollen ankle, while Archie Gray was named in the starting lineup despite coming off at half-time against West Ham.

Having not been deemed fit enough to start or play any considerable time against West Ham, Bergvall was also thrust into the starting lineup versus Dortmund, owing to Spurs’ lack of midfield options, and he lasted just over an hour before coming off.

Spurs, who sit 14th in the Premier League table, are already without a number of first-team players, with James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, Mohammed Kudus, Rodrigo Bentancur, Ben Davies, and Richarlison all long-term absentees.