Thomas Frank hasn’t done himself any favours since taking the Tottenham job, but the Dane certainly hasn’t been helped by an array of key fitness setbacks.
Spurs’ squad depth was always going to be put to the test as they aimed to compete on multiple fronts this season. A return to the Champions League lessened the potential for midweek squad rotation, as Ange Postecoglou was able to do at times in the Europa League, and Frank is feeling the effects of a summer window where not enough holes were filled.
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Few understandably have sympathy for the incumbent on the touchline, with Spurs’ football drab and cowardly no matter who takes to the field. The Lilywhites sit 14th in the Premier League table after their miserable run continued with just a point at Burnley, but we’ve had much more ‘joy’ in Europe and are a win away from securing our spot in the round of 16.
The already-eliminated and defensively woeful Eintracht Frankfurt are our final opponents of the league phase, and supporters, since we impressed at home to Borussia Dortmund last week, have been mapping out how Frank’s side could mess this one up.
Van de Ven and Porro miss Tottenham training before Frankfurt trip
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Tottenham won’t be aided by the likely unavailability of defenders Pedro Porro and Micky van de Ven. According to various sources, including George Sessions, neither player was involved in the open training session on Tuesday-typically a sign that they won’t play the following day.
Frank was without Van de Ven for the 2-0 win over Dortmund due to a suspension, but Porro, who’s had a disappointing season so far, was excellent last Tuesday. He subsequently picked up a knock in Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Turf Moor, being replaced by Destiny Udogie before half-time. Worse yet, it looks like Porro will miss four weeks with this injury.
No Spurs outfielder has racked up more minutes in all competitions than Porro (2,782) and Van de Ven (2,689) this season, so their absences will see an unfamiliar defensive line adopted in Germany on Wednesday night.
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Cristian Romero will once again captain the side amid a spike in goalscoring form, and Kevin Danso will retain his place alongside the Argentine. Djed Spence is the most likely candidate to start at right-back, while Destiny Udogie will operate on the opposite flank.
Frank may also have Joo Palhinha to call upon, while Antonn Kinsky and Randal Kolo Muani have trained as usual despite being linked with moves away.
This article was originally published on www.hotspurhq.com as Tottenham receive double defensive injury blow ahead of decisive fixture.
