Tottenham injury latest: Simons concern, Palhinha absence, Gray setback

Tottenham’s turbulent season reached another low point last week, and the fallout is being felt most sharply in the treatment room.

A damaging home defeat to West Ham — a match grimly labelled ‘El Sackio’ by supporters — has left Thomas Frankunder extreme pressure and with an injury list that continues to spiral. Spurs picked up multiple new concerns in that loss, and they could now be without as many as nine first-team players for Tuesday’s Champions League visit of Borussia Dortmund.

With scrutiny intensifying both on and off the pitch, here is the latest Tottenham injury news and expected return timelines.

Xavi Simons emerged as one of Spurs’ biggest concerns following the West Ham defeat.

The summer signing endured a bruising afternoon, absorbing several heavy challenges — most notably from Jarrod Bowen, who was booked for a foul early in the second half. Simons required lengthy treatment but played the full 90 minutes.

However, the Dutchman was later seen limping away from the stadium, raising doubts over his availability for Dortmund. While he did not require crutches, his involvement remains uncertain.

Potential return date: Unknown

João Palhinha was a surprise absentee from the matchday squad, having reportedly picked up a knock in Tottenham’s final training session before facing West Ham.

The midfielder had been expected to start alongside new signing Conor Gallagher, but his absence forced a reshuffle that ultimately led to further problems in midfield.

Potential return date: Unknown

Archie Gray was forced off at half-time with an unspecified injury.

The teenager was seen holding his knee late in the first half and failed to reappear after the interval, with Yves Bissoumaintroduced in his place. Frank offered no post-match update, leaving Spurs waiting on further assessment.

Potential return date: Unknown

Ben Davies suffered what appeared to be a serious setback early in the West Ham match.

Making just his second Premier League start of the season, the defender was stretchered off inside 20 minutes after receiving oxygen treatment on the pitch. The lack of an update from Frank suggests fears of a significant layoff.

Potential return date: Unknown

Rodrigo Bentancur has been ruled out for the next three months after undergoing surgery on a hamstring injury.

The midfielder was injured late in the defeat at Bournemouth earlier this month and has since had a successful operation. Bentancur had been a key figure this season, featuring in nearly every league and Champions League fixture.

Potential return date: April 2026

Richarlison is facing another lengthy spell on the sidelines.

The striker pulled up during the FA Cup defeat to Aston Villa and has since been ruled out for up to seven weeks with a hamstring problem — another major blow to Spurs’ already thin attacking options.

Potential return date: March 2026

Mohammed Kudus will not return until at least April after suffering a significant quadriceps tendon injury.

Scans confirmed Spurs’ worst fears, with Frank admitting the issue was “a bigger one” and confirming Kudus would only be expected back after the March international break. His absence leaves Tottenham without a natural right winger following the recent sale of Brennan Johnson.

Potential return date: April 2026

Dejan Kulusevski has been sidelined since April with a persistent patella issue.

Frank has stressed caution in his recovery, revealing the player recently received an injection to reduce knee pain. A clearer picture is expected in the coming weeks once the effectiveness of that treatment becomes clear.

Potential return date: Unknown

James Maddison is unlikely to feature again this season.

The midfielder suffered an ACL injury during pre-season in a friendly against Newcastle in Korea and has yet to make an appearance this campaign. His focus remains on full recovery ahead of next season.

Potential return date: Summer 2026

Tottenham face a defining week, with Dortmund arriving amid mounting unrest and a depleted squad. Whether Spurs can cobble together a competitive XI may determine not only their Champions League prospects, but also the immediate future of their head coach.

Can Tottenham survive this injury crisis and steady the ship, or is the damage already too deep for Thomas Frank to recover from?