Tottenham Hotspur faces mounting defensive challenges after Destiny Udogie exited early during the recent loss to Manchester United. The team now holds just one victory in its last nine Premier League matches, exacerbating concerns with yet another key defender sidelined.
Matchday Setbacks and Positives
Udogie, fresh from a hamstring recovery, played 55 minutes at Old Trafford before requiring treatment and substitution. Meanwhile, Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero returned to the starting lineup, while Dominic Solanke maintained his fitness streak. Romero now faces a four-match suspension following a red card.
These absences complicate preparations for the upcoming Newcastle clash and the critical north London derby against Arsenal.
Destiny Udogie
After three starts in four games from late January to early February, Udogie sustained a new injury against Manchester United. He left the pitch after less than an hour. Thomas Frank indicated assessments would occur this week. “We will assess him tomorrow,” Frank stated post-match. “I’ll see you in two days or less, and then we’ll know more.” An update is expected before facing Newcastle.
Potential return: Unknown
Djed Spence
Spence sat out the Manchester City match with a minor calf issue and missed Manchester United as well. “Djed Spence is getting closer,” Frank noted last week. “[The United game] will be touch and go, but there’s a good chance.” Post-match comments suggest no immediate returns for Newcastle, possibly aligning with the derby.
Potential return: February 10 vs Newcastle (H)
Pedro Porro
Porro departed after 45 minutes in the Burnley draw last month due to a hamstring injury, initially managed as workload but confirmed as a four-week absence. “Pedro hasn’t traveled [to Eintracht Frankfurt on January 28]; he’s picked up a hamstring injury, so he’ll be out for four weeks,” Frank explained.
Potential return: February 22 vs Arsenal (H)
Kevin Danso
Danso hyperextended his toe in a tackle during the Champions League win over Eintracht Frankfurt, causing ligament damage. “Very unlucky,” Frank described. “Every time he’s called upon, he’s delivered. We’ll know more this week on the timeline.”
Potential return: Unknown
Richarlison
Richarlison suffered a hamstring injury during the FA Cup exit to Aston Villa in January, sidelining him for up to seven weeks. “Richy got a hamstring injury that will keep him out for up to seven weeks,” Frank confirmed.
Potential return: Early March
Lucas Bergvall
Bergvall incurred a high ankle sprain against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League, with a recovery of up to three months potentially missing 14 matches.
Potential return: April
Rodrigo Bentancur
Bentancur underwent successful hamstring surgery in January after being a regular starter. He remains out until late in the season.
Potential return: April
Mohammed Kudus
The summer signing sustained a serious quad tendon injury in the January 4 draw with Sunderland. “Mohammed has a bigger one to the tendon in the quad,” Frank said. “We expect him back after the March international break.”
Potential return: April 11 vs Sunderland (A)
Ben Davies
Davies broke his ankle 20 minutes into the West Ham defeat and underwent surgery. No firm timeline has been set, with only four appearances this season.
Potential return: Unknown
Dejan Kulusevski
Kulusevski continues recovery from a complicated knee injury post last-season patella surgery. He received an injection 10 days ago. “If there’s one person who can accelerate that, it’s Dejan,” Frank said. “The key is removing knee pain. We’ll know in 3-4 weeks.” He misses Champions League knockouts.
Potential return: Unknown
James Maddison
Maddison ruptured his ACL in a pre-season friendly against Newcastle and had surgery. A return remains distant.
Potential return: Summer 2026
