Tottenham will look to build momentum and start 2026 with back-to-back Premier League wins when they travel to face Brentford on New Year’s Day, with Thomas Frank receiving mixed injury news ahead of the trip.
Spurs edged past Crystal Palace 1-0 last weekend and now head to the Gtech Community Stadium hoping to turn a corner after a turbulent end to 2025. Below is the latest Tottenham team news, injury update and predicted XI.
Bergvall boost as Frank sounds optimistic
There is growing confidence that Lucas Bergvall will be available despite being forced off just after the hour mark against Palace with a muscular issue.
“Lucas is okay. I'm quite positive he will be available,” said Thomas Frank.
“Of course, there's a small doubt, but it's quite possible that he will be available.”
Should Bergvall not be risked from the start, João Palhinha is pushing for a recall after an impressive cameo off the bench at Selhurst Park.
Romero returns, Simons still suspended
Captain Cristian Romero is set to return after missing the Palace win due to suspension and is expected to replace Kevin Danso in central defence.
Romero is still facing an FA charge following his red card against Liverpool, but Frank confirmed that will not affect his availability for this match.
“He's ready for the game,” Frank said. “As far as I know, it's something that will be decided in early January.”
Xavi Simons remains unavailable and will serve the second match of his three-game suspension.
Johnson available despite transfer agreement
Despite reports that Spurs have agreed a £35m deal with Palace for Brennan Johnson, Frank insisted the forward remains fully in contention.
“He contributed to a very good and important win against Crystal Palace,” the Spurs boss said. “He trained very well today. I expect him fully to be available.”
Injury latest: Udogie progressing, others still out
There was cautious optimism regarding Destiny Udogie, who has been sidelined since early December with a hamstring injury.
“He is running out there on the pitch, doing individual sessions… so progressing going forward,” Frank confirmed.
However, James Maddison, Dominic Solanke and Dejan Kulusevski all remain unavailable.
There was a boost to squad depth with Kota Takai and Radu Drăgușin both named in a matchday squad for the first time this season against Palace.
Predicted Tottenham XI vs Brentford
Predicted formation: 4-3-3
XI:
Guglielmo Vicario;
Djed Spence, Romero, Micky van de Ven, Pedro Porro;
Rodrigo Bentancur, Archie Gray, Palhinha;
Randal Kolo Muani, Richarlison, Mohammed Kudus
Injured: Solanke, Maddison, Udogie, Kulusevski
Doubt: Bergvall
Unavailable (AFCON): Yves Bissouma, Pape Matar Sarr
Suspended: Simons
Match details
- Date: Thursday, 1 January 2026
- Kick-off: 8:00pm GMT
- Venue: Gtech Community Stadium
- How to watch: Sky Sports
What’s at stake?
With four games in nine days and injuries still limiting rotation, Frank’s selection will be crucial. A second straight win would offer Spurs a much-needed platform heading into a demanding January schedule.
Should Frank risk Bergvall from the start, or stick with Palhinha after his Palace impact?
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