
Tottenham Hotspur and Thomas Frank are hoping to have their key players back in action soon as crucial games come thick and fast
Tottenham have won just one of their last five games in all competitions, bringing an end to the honeymoon period that Thomas Frank enjoyed at the start of the season. The Lilywhites have struggled to find their rhythm in recent matches, and the congested fixture list seems to be taking a toll on a squad already stretched thin due to injuries. At present, Frank has as many as ten players unavailable for selection ahead of their next Premier League clash against Everton.
Just like last season, the North London club are facing another injury crisis at a crucial stage of the campaign. Spurs are missing several key players who have yet to feature under Frank this season. James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, and Yves Bissouma have all been side-lined with long-term injuries, keeping them out for the majority of the campaign.
Maddison and Kulusevski’s injuries, in particular, could not have come at a worse time for Tottenham. The duo were expected to be central to Frank’s system, providing creativity and flair in the final third. However, the Lilywhites are now forced to continue without two of their most inventive players for a significant portion of the season.
Having James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski available would have made Thomas Frank’s job considerably easier this season. It is evident that Tottenham lack players capable of operating in multiple roles and adding much-needed creativity in attack… qualities both Maddison and Kulusevski possess. Their presence would have instantly resolved the ongoing issues in the No. 10 position as well.
Even Frank himself admitted that the team would be stronger with the pair available. Speaking in his pre-match presser (via Football.London), Frank said,
“Every head coach, manager wants all the players fit, and we get that, then we complain about the squad being too big, and then you need to disappoint players, but anyway, I rather want that, of course.”
The Spurs boss added,
“Of course, there’s some of these, let’s say, especially Kulusevski and Maddison – proven players that are proven at this club at scoring goals and assisting and creating things. So, they would be lovely to be able to use.”
As expected, Frank would have preferred to count on the experience, creativity, and leadership of Maddison and Kulusevski this season. The absence of the duo has left a noticeable void both on and off the pitch, and the Danish tactician would undoubtedly prefer a selection dilemma over seeing his key players sidelined.
For now, Frank must focus on getting the best out of the players at his disposal. With Tottenham aiming to compete on all fronts this season, the manager must ensure his side step up in the coming fixtures and stay on course to meet their objectives. Spurs face five matches in the next fifteen days, and they will need to be at their best to rediscover their winning momentum.
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