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Thomas Frank highlights why Tottenham star missed out on Doncaster game

Originally posted on To The Lane And Back
By Rohan Sengupta | Last updated Sep 25, 2025 12:12 PM ET

Tottenham boss Thomas Frank reveals why Pape Matar Sarr was absent vs Doncaster Rovers in the Carabao Cup

Tottenham Hotspur cruised to a 3-0 win over Doncaster Rovers in the Carabao Cup third round on Wednesday night.

Spurs were up for the task from the outset and quickly dispelled any hopes of a cup upset in the early stages of the contest. Joao Palhinha, who has impressed in his short stay at N17 and wants to stay at the club beyond his loan spell from Bayern Munich, gave the hosts the lead in the 14th minute with an acrobatic overhead kick.

Just three minutes later, an own goal from Jay McGrath doubled Tottenham’s advantage. Goalkeeper Ian Lawlor kept Doncaster Rovers in the game with some fantastic saves in the first half. Eventually, the Lilywhites sealed the deal with a calm finish following a breakaway in stoppage time.

Thomas Frank reveals why Pape Matar Sarr missed the Doncaster Rovers tie

Thomas Frank revealed in his pre-match presser that both Randal Kolo Muani and Ben Davies will not be available for the midweek cup tie, having picked up minor knocks which also ruled them out of the 2-2 draw at Brighton last weekend. Dominic Solanke and Kota Takai were understandably absent from the Doncaster Rovers game after they only returned to training on Monday.

However, fans could not find any reason why Pape Matar Sarr was missing from the squad that faced Doncaster, until Frank made the reason public. Speaking after the game, the Danish tactician revealed that the central midfielder was ruled out due to a “minor” thigh strain.

“Pape Matar Sarr just a minor precaution. A minor, how can you say, a little stretch to the thigh so we didn’t want to take any risks today. There is a good chance that he could be ready for Saturday,” Frank was quoted by Football London.

Tottenham must not rush Sarr back vs Wolves

Sarr has been a regular fixture in Frank’s side since the start of the season, already bagging a goal and an assist in six appearances thus far. The Senegalese has operated in an advanced No.10 role under the new boss and done well. The 23-year-old’s energy, work rate and pressing make him such a crucial member of the Tottenham squad.

A minor thigh strain kept Sarr out of the Doncaster tie, and while Frank believes he could return against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday, the club’s medical team must take utmost care and not rush him back to action. In Joao Palhinha, Archie Gray, Rodrigo Bentancur and Lucas Bergvall, our gaffer does have options in the middle of the park, thus if needed, the African talent must not risked in the Premier League game against basement club Wolves.

This article first appeared on To The Lane And Back and was syndicated with permission.

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