Frank sticks to Long-Term transfer plan after Richarlison injury setback

Tottenham Hotspur head coach Thomas Frank has played down the likelihood of a reactive January move in attack, despite confirmation that Richarlison will be sidelined for up to seven weeks with a hamstring injury.

Richarlison, Spurs’ leading scorer this season, picked up the issue during Saturday’s 2–1 FA Cup defeat to Aston Villa and is not expected back until March. The setback adds to Tottenham’s growing list of fitness concerns during a difficult winter period.

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s home clash with West Ham United, Frank insisted the injury would not force Spurs into short-term recruitment that does not align with the club’s wider strategy.

“Richy unfortunately has got a hamstring injury that will keep him out for up to seven weeks,” Frank said.
“It is what it is. We are in the market, as I’ve said many times, to see if we can improve the squad, but it needs to be something that will improve the squad short and long term.

“It can’t only be for the next four months. We need to think bigger picture as well, but of course we know that we are a few offensive players down.”

Tottenham were at least boosted by the return of Dominic Solanke against Villa, marking his first appearance since August 23. However, that positive was offset by the loss of Mohammed Kudus to injury and the earlier sale of Brennan Johnson to Crystal Palace.

The midweek arrival of Conor Gallagher has lifted morale around the club following a poor run of results, but Richarlison’s setback came just days after confirmation that Rodrigo Bentancur required surgery on a serious hamstring injury.

Frank acknowledged the frustration of Tottenham’s stop-start momentum, pointing to how close his side have been to turning performances into results.

“It’s not a straightforward road, let me put it that way,” he said. “I think we are probably one inch on Micky van de Ven’s head away from a 3–2 winner against Bournemouth and then we have eight points in four games, a bit more momentum.

“Sometimes these bits need to drop for you as well. It seems like when we get a fit player back, then another one gets injured. That’s football sometimes.”

Despite the mounting challenges, Frank was keen to strike a composed tone, urging patience as Spurs attempt to navigate a congested schedule with a stretched squad.

“We need just to get through it and get through the tough spells,” he added.
“There’s only one way forward, that’s keep walking. If you are in tough times, you can only walk forward and work through it. So be calm, carry on.”

For now, Tottenham’s approach remains measured. Any January addition will need to fit Frank’s long-term vision rather than serve as a temporary patch for the closing months of the campaign.

Tottenham face West Ham knowing attacking depth will again be tested. With January options limited by strategy rather than urgency, Frank’s management of resources could prove decisive over the coming weeks.

Should Spurs stick rigidly to their long-term transfer plan — or adapt in January to protect their season?