Tottenham Hotspur suffering major injury crisis ahead of Chelsea clash | OneFootball

Tottenham Hotspur search for solutions as injury storm bites

Autumn rolls in, the light fades, and once again Tottenham Hotspur find themselves counting wounded players the way some tally falling leaves. Thomas Frank, still relatively fresh in the Spurs dugout after replacing Ange Postecoglou in the summer, knew this job would require resilience. What he probably did not expect was a first major stress test arriving before Halloween.

A 2-0 defeat away at Newcastle in the Carabao Cup fourth round dropped one possible trophy path, leaving Spurs with the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup still on the board, although realistically silverware prospects hinge on the latter. One competition down, three to go, and the squad already looks stretched.

Frank’s multi front ambition meets reality

When Frank took charge, he spoke boldly about fighting on several fronts, insisting Tottenham Hotspur must operate like a club that expects to compete deeply in multiple tournaments. Yet a trip to St James Park highlighted the gap between aspiration and resources.

Spurs were without 12 first team players. Callum Olusesi, Luca Gunter and James Rowswell were on the bench, a reminder of how far down the depth ladder the manager has been forced to reach. Despite this, the starting XI had quality, even if some supporters grumbled that Micky van de Ven could have begun the match. Frank opted for caution, mindful of the defender’s fitness history, and likewise resisted overloading Mohammed Kudus.

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Frank explained that Archie Gray would have started, only for a calf injury in Monaco to rule him out, and Wilson Odobert suffered a side problem. Both had been on the bench for Everton days earlier but sat out here. Adding Guglielmo Vicario’s absence, described as “had a small thing that had to be done”, meant another important figure unavailable.

“We know injuries is part of it,” Frank said. “It’s up to me to find solutions. I think some of the ones we had are relatively, how can I say, unlucky. It’s how quick you get them back.”

“But a contact injury to Maddison, Bissouma. A knee thing with Destiny [Udogie], we can’t do too much about that. Dom mishit the ball.”

Thin margins and talent gaps

Tottenham Hotspur did not collapse. In open play there were encouraging passages, particularly with Xavi Simons impressing. A full strength side, with Solanke, Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison, could have swung the contest differently. Newcastle, meanwhile, were able to summon Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton and Anthony Gordon, a luxury Spurs could not match.

The bigger concern now lies not in one cup tie but in the accumulation of strains and setbacks. Cristian Romero trains individually but there is “no timeframe” for his comeback. Solanke is taking “positive steps” without a date attached. Ambiguity feeds anxiety.

Chelsea test looms amid tight schedule

Chelsea visit north London next, followed by Copenhagen and Manchester United. Tottenham Hotspur need home momentum, yet injuries threaten rhythm and confidence. If Romero misses the Chelsea clash, scrutiny rises further, especially with supporters desperate to avoid another winter slide reminiscent of last season’s post festive slump under Postecoglou.

The upcoming international break could deliver relief. Bodies may return, and Frank might finally breathe. If recovery drags on though, Spurs risk entering the decisive winter stretch patched together and improvising, rather than asserting control.