Spurs Face Kudus Fitness Dilemma Ahead of United Visit
Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank has delivered a concerning update on key attacker Mohammed Kudus ahead of Saturday's Premier League encounter with Manchester United at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The Ghana international remains a major doubt for the crucial fixture after missing Wednesday's Champions League victory over Copenhagen.
Kudus has been instrumental for Spurs this season, starting all ten league matches and contributing five goals and assists combined. His potential absence represents a significant blow to Frank's attacking options against an in-form United side.
Frank's Cautious Approach
Speaking at Friday's pre-match press conference, the Spurs boss adopted a cautious tone regarding his star winger's availability. 'Kudus is touch and go for tomorrow. Yeah, we'll see,' Frank told reporters, indicating that a late fitness test will determine whether the 24-year-old can feature.
The injury was sustained during last weekend's disappointing defeat to London rivals Chelsea, forcing Kudus to sit out the midweek European fixture. With United visiting north London on Saturday, Frank faces a delicate balancing act between rushing back his key man and risking further damage.
Defensive Boost for Tottenham
While Kudus's situation causes concern, Frank delivered more positive news regarding defensive duo Cristian Romero and Destiny Udogie. Both players started against Copenhagen following their respective injury layoffs and have responded well to their midweek outing, confirming their availability for selection against United.
Their return provides a timely boost to a Spurs defence that will need to be at its best to contain United's attacking threats. Romero's presence in particular could prove crucial in organising the back line.
Solanke's Imminent Return
There was also encouraging news regarding striker Dominic Solanke, who has been sidelined for much of the campaign with an ankle problem that required surgery. Frank revealed that the English forward is targeting a return after the upcoming international break.
'The international break is the big decider there, two weeks to push him with the big steps,' Frank explained. 'He's going forward. After the international break is what we're aiming for. It's important to get it right so he's out there and can help the team. We need him back.'
Solanke's eventual return will provide Frank with additional firepower as Spurs look to maintain their push for European qualification.
Bouncing Back from Chelsea Defeat
Saturday's match offers Tottenham an immediate opportunity to rectify last weekend's poor performance against Chelsea. Currently possessing the fourth-worst home record in the Premier League, Frank's men will be desperate to improve their form in front of their own supporters.
Despite recent setbacks, the Danish manager remains confident his squad can deliver against Erik ten Hag's side. 'I always believe when going into every game that we will put a good performance out there and do well,' he added.
Frank pointed to generally positive performances this season, with only the Bournemouth and Chelsea home matches falling below expectations. 'I'm very confident because I think I see the right layers, the right attitude in the players, the ability to want to improve,' he stated.
With Kudus's participation hanging in the balance, Tottenham will need other attacking players to step up if they're to overcome a Manchester United side that has found form in recent weeks.
