Tottenham may have eased pressure on Thomas Frank with a much-needed 2–0 victory over Brentford, but the manager’s growing injury list is casting a long shadow over a critical week in their season. Spurs face Slavia Prague in the Champions League tomorrow — a match they must win to strengthen their chances of automatic qualification to the knockout stage — before travelling to Nottingham Forest on Sunday as they attempt to climb back into Premier League contention.
The timing could hardly be worse. Randal Kolo Muani, Destiny Udogie and Dominic Solanke are all facing uncertainty, while several long-term absentees continue their rehabilitation. With December’s fixture load intensifying, Frank must navigate the coming weeks with a squad that remains unbalanced and thin in specific positions.
Tottenham’s win over Brentford offered momentum, but the underlying issue remains unavoidable: the club’s injury list is expanding at the most demanding point of the campaign.
Kolo Muani limps off after Brentford win — update expected on Monday
Randal Kolo Muani impressed again against Brentford, continuing his run of starts as Spurs’ primary centre-forward with Solanke still unavailable. But after 74 minutes he was forced off, later seen limping as he left the stadium. Frank was not asked about the striker post-match, leaving Monday’s training session and press conference as the critical checkpoints for clarity.
Spurs are hoping the setback is minor, as Kolo Muani’s importance has only grown in Solanke’s absence. His pace, pressing and off-the-shoulder movement have become essential to Frank’s transitional attacking structure.
Potential return date: Tuesday 9 December vs Slavia Prague (H)
Udogie suffers soft-tissue injury — “not too long”, says Frank
Destiny Udogie has been a consistent presence on the left flank, but he was omitted entirely from the squad against Brentford. Frank later confirmed the defender had picked up a soft-tissue injury during the closing stages of last week’s 2–2 draw with Newcastle.
Although the manager downplayed the severity — “not too long” — these types of injuries can vary in recovery time depending on response to early treatment.
Potential return date: December 2025
Solanke remains out indefinitely with ankle issue
Dominic Solanke has not featured since August and continues to struggle with a recurring ankle injury. When asked last week, Frank refused to provide an estimate for his return, stressing that he will only comment when the striker is “close to being involved again.”
Solanke’s absence has forced Spurs into tactical compromises, relying heavily on Kolo Muani and, at times, wide forwards playing centrally.
Potential return date: Unknown
Injury Status Table — Tottenham Squad (Dec 2025)
| Player | Injury | Status | Expected Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| Randal Kolo Muani | Knock / Limping | Assessment pending | 9 December vs Slavia Prague (H) |
| Destiny Udogie | Soft tissue injury | Short-term absence | December 2025 |
| Dominic Solanke | Ankle injury | Long-term; uncertain | Unknown |
| Radu Dragusin | Knee injury | In match rehab; played 65 mins in friendly | December 2025 |
| Dejan Kulusevski | Patella injury | Back on grass; progressing | Late December |
| Kota Takai | Return conditioning | Played 45 mins for U21s | Unknown |
| Yves Bissouma | Ankle ligament surgery | Rehab ongoing | Unknown |
| James Maddison | Torn ACL | Season-long absence | Summer 2026 |
source: Tottenham Hotspur FC 8 December 2025
Key Insights
- Kolo Muani limped off vs Brentford; update due today.
- Udogie has a soft-tissue injury but should return this month.
- Solanke remains without a return timeline.
- Dragusin and Kulusevski are nearing comebacks.
- Spurs face Slavia Prague and Nottingham Forest in a defining week.
What’s Next?
Tottenham return to action tomorrow night against Slavia Prague in a crucial Champions League fixture. Whether Kolo Muani is fit may determine the rhythm of Spurs’ attack, while Udogie and Solanke’s situations could shape the club’s medium-term direction heading toward January.
👉 Spurs fans — which returning player do you think will make the biggest difference in December?
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