Tottenham XI vs Sunderland: team news, injuries and predicted lineup

Tottenham will look to steady the mood around the club when they host Sunderland on Sunday, with Thomas Frank facing another tricky selection call after a flat performance against Brentford.

Spurs were held to a 0-0 draw at the Gtech Community Stadium in midweek, a result that prompted frustration among supporters and left Frank under growing pressure to deliver both results and cohesion. With injuries and absences limiting his options, wholesale changes appear unlikely — but one attacking adjustment is expected.

Lucas Bergvall missed Thursday’s draw with Brentford after picking up a muscular issue during the win over Crystal Palace. Speaking on Friday, Thomas Frank confirmed the midfielder will be monitored closely.

“Lucas Bergvall is a doubt. We hope he’ll be ready,” Frank said.

If Bergvall is unavailable, Frank is expected to stick with the same midfield three used against Brentford, despite Spurs struggling to control possession or build sustained momentum.

Frank also delivered a cautiously positive update on Dominic Solanke, who has not featured since August due to a persistent ankle problem.

The striker has returned to partial training this week, but Frank refused to place a firm timeline on his comeback.

“The thing I need to know is when he’s out there on the pitch,” Frank said. “Then that’s positive. But to say mid-Jan or end of Jan, I will not do that.”

Solanke is unlikely to be involved before the end of January, leaving Spurs light in central attacking areas for now.

Tottenham were disjointed and blunt against Brentford, managing little threat in the final third. Wilson Odobert was handed a rare start but failed to make a convincing case to keep his place.

As a result, Randal Kolo Muani is expected to return to the starting XI after being benched midweek, offering more physical presence and intent in attack.

Frank is desperate for a response, particularly after being booed by sections of the travelling support on his return to Brentford.

Spurs continue to be hampered by a lengthy absence list. Xavi Simons serves the final match of his three-game suspension, while James Maddison, Destiny Udogie and Dejan Kulusevski remain long-term injury concerns.

Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr are also unavailable as they continue their Africa Cup of Nations campaigns.

Vicario; Spence, Romero, Van de Ven, Porro; Bentancur, Gray, Palhinha; Kolo Muani, Richarlison, Kudus.

Tottenham host Sunderland at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday 4 January 2026, with kick-off at 3pm GMT. The match will be shown live on Sky Sports.

With limited room for manoeuvre in the squad, Tottenham must find improvement within a familiar framework. A convincing performance against Sunderland could help ease tension — but another flat display would only intensify scrutiny on Frank.

Should Randal Kolo Muani start regularly for Spurs — or are Tottenham’s attacking problems deeper than personnel?