Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank has confirmed a fresh injury concern for defender Destiny Udogie, casting a shadow over the team's preparations for a pivotal run of Premier League fixtures.
Injury Blow Ahead of Busy Schedule
The setback was revealed following Spurs' convincing 2-0 victory over Brentford on Saturday. Frank, who got the better of his former club, disclosed that Udogie sustained a soft tissue injury during the recent match against Newcastle United.
When pressed on the expected duration of the full-back's absence, the manager offered a cautiously optimistic timeline, stating: “Not too long, not too long.” This latest issue adds to a frustrating season for the Italian, who has already missed eight games earlier this campaign due to a knee problem.
Spurs' Congested League Position
The timing of the injury is far from ideal for Tottenham. Despite their win, the club remains ninth in the Premier League table, yet finds itself in a tightly packed top half. They are currently just three points behind Chelsea in the coveted fourth Champions League spot.
After a midweek Champions League encounter with Slavia Praha, Spurs face a demanding domestic sequence against Nottingham Forest, Liverpool, and Crystal Palace. The latter two opponents are positioned close to Tottenham in the league, making the results critical for their aspirations.
Silver Lining in Defensive Options
Fortunately for Frank, the squad possesses cover for the left-back position. Djed Spence is considered a more than competent alternative, and his performances in recent weeks have been strong enough to suggest Udogie's starting berth was not guaranteed regardless.
Reflecting on the much-needed win against Brentford, which saw goals from Richarlison and a spectacular solo effort from Xavi Simons, Frank believed his team finally “clicked”. He praised a “complete performance” where the side looked a threat going forward while maintaining a solid defensive shape to secure a clean sheet.
