Marshall Munetsi in action against Spurs in 2025

Tottenham squad fitness update before Atletico Madrid Champions League clash

Adem Ozcan Last updated: Mar 9, 2026, 10:07 am
0

Image: IMAGO / Sports Press Photo

Tottenham Hotspur travel to Spain this week for a high-stakes Champions League tie against Atletico Madrid, but their preparations continue to be complicated by a lengthy injury list.

Spurs have endured a difficult domestic campaign and remain under pressure in the Premier League. Despite that, European competition has offered some respite, and the upcoming round-of-16 clash provides another opportunity to reset momentum.

However, Igor Tudor will likely head to Madrid without several key players as Tottenham continue to navigate an ongoing injury crisis.

Djed Spence could return for Atletico Madrid clash

Full-back Djed Spence has missed Tottenham’s recent defeats against Fulham and Crystal Palace due to a calf injury.

The defender has been working towards a return, and there is optimism within the club that he could be available for the Champions League fixture in Spain.

“Djed is out. Not ready. We hope for the Champions League game.” 

Tottenham are scheduled to hold an open training session before travelling to Madrid, where Tudor is expected to provide a further update.

Potential return date: 10 March vs Atletico Madrid (Champions League)

Destiny Udogie nearing return but Madrid trip unlikely

Destiny Udogie has been unavailable since suffering a hamstring injury during Tottenham’s away match against Manchester United on 7 February.

Initial medical assessments suggested the left-back would require four to five weeks of recovery, placing his possible return around mid-March.

While he is progressing through rehabilitation, there has been no confirmation that he will be ready for the Champions League tie this week.

Potential return date: Mid-March

Lucas Bergvall targeting comeback after international break

Midfielder Lucas Bergvall continues to recover from ankle surgery performed earlier this year.

The Swedish international has not played since the end of January and is currently focused on rebuilding match fitness through rehabilitation work.

Reports in Sweden suggest Bergvall could return in time for upcoming international fixtures later this month, although Tottenham have yet to confirm an exact timeline.

Potential return date: April

Several Tottenham players remain sidelined long term

Tottenham’s injury problems extend beyond the immediate squad selection for the Atletico Madrid match.

Mohammed Kudus is expected to remain out until after the international break following a hamstring injury. Rodrigo Bentancur is also recovering from hamstring surgery sustained earlier in the season.

Meanwhile, several players are facing extended recoveries after serious injuries.

Tottenham Injury Status Return Estimate
Djed Spence Possible vs Atletico Madrid
Destiny Udogie Mid-March
Lucas Bergvall April
Mohammed Kudus April
Rodrigo Bentancur Mid-April
Dejan Kulusevski Unknown
Wilson Odobert Late 2026
Ben Davies Unknown
James Maddison Summer 2026

source: club injury updates – 7 March 2026

Dejan Kulusevski remains one of the most uncertain cases. The Swedish forward has been sidelined since suffering a patella injury before last season’s Europa League final, and there is still no clear timeline for his return.

Key Insights

  • Tottenham travel to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League round of 16.
  • Djed Spence could return in time for the first leg.
  • Destiny Udogie is recovering from a hamstring injury and may return soon.
  • Lucas Bergvall is targeting a comeback after the international break.
  • Spurs still have several long-term absentees affecting squad depth.

What’s Next

Tottenham will face Atletico Madrid on 10 March in the first leg of their Champions League round-of-16 tie. Tudor’s pre-match press conference is expected to clarify whether Spence will be fit enough to feature.

Following the European fixture, Spurs return to Premier League action with a difficult trip to Anfield to face Liverpool. Managing player fitness will be critical as the club attempts to balance domestic survival with European ambition.

Can Tottenham overcome their injury problems and deliver a strong performance against Atletico Madrid?

0 Comments

First read message

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Football Place