Tottenham XI vs Aston Villa: Confirmed team news, predicted lineup and injury latest for FA Cup

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Evening Standard

·8 January 2026

Tottenham XI vs Aston Villa: Confirmed team news, predicted lineup and injury latest for FA Cup

Spurs take on Aston Villa in FA Cup third round

Thomas Frank has confirmed that Tottenham will be without winger Mohammed Kudus until after the March international break.

The 25-year-old 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,” Frank said in his pre-match press conference.

Rodrigo Bentancur is also facing a significant spell on the sidelines after suffering a hamstring injury during Spurs’ damaging 3-2 defeat to Bournemouth on Wednesday.

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

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

“Lucas is being assessed today. We'll know more later today with him.

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

With Bentancur and potentially Bergvall set to be out for Saturday’s FA Cup third round tie against Aston Villa, Frank has yet more decisions to make in midfield.

Joao Palhinha came back into the starting lineup against Bournemouth and scored an overhead kick to level the scores 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 against Bournemouth.

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.

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

Injured: Solanke, Maddison, Kulusevski, Kudus, Bentancur

Doubt: Bergvall, Udogie

Unavailable: Bissouma, Sarr (AFCON)

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

How to watch: BBC Sport and TNT Sports 1

Venue: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium