As Tottenham Hotspur prepare to host Newcastle United in a crucial Premier League encounter on Tuesday night, both clubs are grappling with a significant injury crisis that threatens to overshadow the on-pitch action. Following a disappointing defeat to Manchester United, where Cristian Romero's early red card proved costly, Spurs manager Thomas Frank will be desperate for a more disciplined performance and a statement victory to propel his side towards the top half of the table.
Newcastle's Mounting Absences
Newcastle United, enduring a challenging season that continued with a home loss to Brentford, are particularly hard-hit by injuries. Key defender Fabian Schar is sidelined until late spring after successful surgery, with manager Eddie Howe estimating a three-month recovery. Tino Livramento is also out until March, pending further scans, while Emil Krafth battles a knee issue with no definitive return date.
In midfield, Joelinton remains absent, and Anthony Gordon is likely to miss at least a couple of weeks due to a hamstring problem. Lewis Miley is a doubt for the match, though his injury is not considered serious. On a brighter note, Djed Spence is expected to be fit after missing the previous game.
Tottenham's Injury Woes
Tottenham's squad is similarly depleted, with Destiny Udogie a major doubt after picking up a fresh injury against Manchester United. Frank has indicated that an assessment will determine his availability, but the quick turnaround makes his participation unlikely. Cristian Romero is suspended following his red card, compounding defensive concerns.
The injury list extends further, with Kevin Danso out due to a hyper-extended toe ligament, Pedro Porro targeting a return for the Arsenal game at best, and Lucas Bergvall sidelined with an ankle issue. Ben Davies is absent until April after ankle surgery, while Rodrigo Bentancur and Mohammed Kudus are both out until after the March international break with hamstring and quad injuries, respectively.
Attack and Creativity Hit Hard
In attack, Richarlison is out with a groin problem, though there is hope for an earlier return, potentially in the north London derby. Dejan Kulusevski faces a complicated knee injury, with his recovery timeline uncertain, and James Maddison is ruled out for much, if not all, of the season with a knee issue, as confirmed by Frank in December.
This extensive list of absences highlights the physical toll of the Premier League season and could force both managers into tactical adjustments and reliance on squad depth. As the teams clash at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the outcome may hinge as much on who is missing as on who takes to the pitch.
