Tottenham injury update: Bergvall, Solanke and Udogie latest

Tottenham head into the New Year with renewed belief after a gritty win at Selhurst Park, but Tottenham Hotspur are once again managing a growing injury list as Thomas Frank looks to build momentum in 2026.

Spurs closed out 2025 with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace, with Archie Gray scoring his first senior goal to ease pressure on the head coach. The result revived hopes of a top-four push, but another demanding test awaits on New Year’s Day as Frank returns to face Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium.

While captain Cristian Romero is back available after suspension, Spurs are monitoring several fitness concerns. Here is the latest Tottenham injury update and expected return dates.

Lucas Bergvall was withdrawn shortly after the hour mark against Palace and appeared to be struggling with a groin issue. The substitution immediately raised doubts over his availability for the Brentford clash.

Frank confirmed post-match that the midfielder would be assessed:
“Yes, I hope so. Of course, we will assess him tomorrow.”

Potential return date: Thursday, 1 January vs Brentford (A)

There is cautious optimism surrounding Dominic Solanke, who has been sidelined since late August with an ankle injury and underwent surgery in October.

Solanke recently hinted at a return with a cryptic social media post, and Frank has spoken positively about his progress.
“I’m looking forward to naming [Solanke] in the squad,” the Spurs boss said. “He is progressing forward.”

Potential return date: January 2026

Destiny Udogie remains unavailable after picking up a hamstring injury late in the win over Newcastle United.

Frank initially suggested the absence would be brief, but later confirmed a longer timeline.
“Destiny picked up a hamstring injury… so he’s out until January, unfortunately.”

Potential return date: January 2026

Another player approaching a comeback is Dejan Kulusevski, who has not featured since the end of last season due to a patella injury.

The playmaker returned to training on grass during the autumn international break, and Frank previously suggested there was a “good chance” of a return before the end of 2025. That deadline passed, but a New Year comeback remains possible.

Potential return date: January 2026

Kota Takai has yet to make his competitive debut since joining from Kawasaki Frontale, but he was named on the bench for the first time at Selhurst Park.

With defensive options stretched recently, Takai’s inclusion against Brentford cannot be ruled out as Frank continues to integrate him into first-team plans.

Potential return date: Thursday, 1 January vs Brentford (A)

Spurs are without James Maddison for the foreseeable future after the midfielder suffered a torn ACL in a pre-season friendly.

Speaking recently, Maddison offered an honest update on his recovery:
“I’m doing really well for the stage that I’m at… it’s a long injury and I’ve had big knee surgery.”

Potential return date: Summer 2026

Tottenham travel to Brentford on Thursday, 1 January, in a fixture loaded with narrative for Frank against his former club. With several players close to returning, squad management will be crucial as Spurs aim to string results together and keep pace in the top-four race. However, it remains too early to judge whether the injury situation has fully turned a corner.

Should Thomas Frank ease Solanke back slowly, or throw him straight into the action once fit?