Tottenham were left counting the cost of another frustrating afternoon after their 2-2 draw with Burnley, with fresh injury concerns adding to the pressure on Thomas Frank.
Cristian Romero’s late equaliser rescued a point at Turf Moor, but Spurs’ relief was short-lived as the Argentine was forced off moments later. Pedro Porro had already disappeared down the tunnel earlier in the contest, compounding what is becoming an increasingly worrying injury list in north London.
With Spurs already stretched by several long-term absences, Frank now faces another anxious wait ahead of a pivotal run of fixtures.
Cristian Romero
Romero once again dragged Tottenham back into a game they were in danger of losing, but his afternoon ended prematurely. The centre-back was seen struggling with cramp after scoring in stoppage time and was replaced in the final moments.
Frank was quick to play down any fears after the match, insisting it was nothing more than fatigue rather than a muscular issue. That will come as a relief given Romero’s recent run of goals and his importance at both ends of the pitch.
Potential return: Eintracht Frankfurt (A), January 28
Pedro Porro
Porro was withdrawn at half-time, initially raising alarm bells for Spurs supporters. However, Frank later confirmed the decision was a precautionary one.
The Spaniard has been carrying a heavy workload, having started 14 consecutive matches in all competitions, and Spurs opted to manage his minutes with major games on the horizon.
Potential return: Eintracht Frankfurt (A), January 28
Joao Palhinha
Palhinha remains sidelined after picking up a knock in training earlier this month. The midfielder has now missed three consecutive matches, including the Champions League win over Borussia Dortmund and the trip to Burnley.
Frank previously admitted it would be “tight” for the Portuguese international to be available at the weekend, and his absence suggests Spurs are unwilling to take any risks.
Potential return: Eintracht Frankfurt (A), January 28
Lucas Bergvall
Bergvall’s season has been halted by an ankle injury suffered against Dortmund. The teenager attempted to play on but was eventually forced off, with scans later confirming a sprain that will keep him out for several months.
Frank described the injury as a contact issue, and Spurs expect him to miss a significant chunk of the remainder of the campaign.
Potential return: April 2026
Ben Davies
Davies faces an extended spell on the sidelines after breaking his ankle against West Ham. The defender underwent surgery and there is currently no clear timeline for his return.
With Davies out and his contract expiring in the summer, uncertainty surrounds his Spurs future. The injury has already prompted Tottenham to explore defensive reinforcements.
Potential return: Unknown
Rodrigo Bentancur
Bentancur’s absence continues to be keenly felt. The midfielder underwent surgery on a hamstring injury earlier this month and is expected to be out for around three months.
Frank had relied heavily on the Uruguay international before the setback, making his loss a major blow during a critical phase of the season.
Potential return: April 2026
Richarlison
Richarlison is facing up to seven weeks out after suffering a hamstring injury in the FA Cup defeat to Aston Villa. The Brazilian forward is unlikely to return before March.
Potential return: March 2026
Mohammed Kudus
Kudus remains out with a quad tendon injury sustained against Sunderland. Frank previously confirmed the winger is expected back after the March international break, leaving Spurs short of natural options out wide following Brennan Johnson’s January departure.
Potential return: April 2026
Dejan Kulusevski
Kulusevski has yet to feature this season as he continues his recovery from a persistent knee issue. Spurs are taking a cautious approach, with Frank adamant the winger will not be rushed back.
Potential return: Unknown
James Maddison
Maddison’s season was effectively ended before it began after suffering an ACL injury in pre-season. The midfielder is focused on a long-term recovery and is not expected back until the summer.
Potential return: Summer 2026
Key insights
- Romero and Porro are expected to be available for Frankfurt despite late scares
- Palhinha’s absence is becoming a concern as Spurs juggle fixtures
- Frank is managing minutes aggressively amid mounting physical demands
- Defensive depth remains a major issue heading into February
What’s next for Spurs?
Tottenham travel to Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League before facing Manchester City and Manchester United in quick succession. With little margin for error left in the league, managing fitness may prove just as important as tactical tweaks.
Should Spurs prioritise defensive reinforcements before the window shuts, or trust the squad to ride out this injury crisis? Let us know your thoughts.
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