Tottenham Hotspur faces mounting defensive challenges after Destiny Udogie suffered an injury during the 55th minute of the recent Premier League defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford. The result marks Spurs’ sole victory in their last nine league matches, exacerbating concerns amid ongoing fitness issues.
Positive developments included returns to the starting lineup for Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero, alongside Dominic Solanke’s continued availability. However, Romero now faces a four-match suspension following a red card.
These setbacks arrive ahead of key fixtures, including Tuesday’s home clash with Newcastle United and the upcoming north London derby against Arsenal.
Player Injury Updates and Expected Return Dates
Destiny Udogie
Destiny Udogie had just resumed action after a prior hamstring problem, featuring in three starts over four games from late January to early February. He exited early against Manchester United and headed straight to the tunnel. The exact injury remains unclear.
Manager Thomas Frank stated post-match: “We will assess him tomorrow. So, of course, I will probably see you guys in two days’ time or less, and then we’ll know more. We’ll assess him tomorrow.” Further details are anticipated before the Newcastle encounter.
Potential return: Unknown
Djed Spence
Djed Spence sat out the Manchester City match due to a minor calf injury and failed to recover in time for Manchester United. This compounds the full-back shortage following Pedro Porro’s absence.
Thomas Frank noted last week: “Djed Spence is getting closer. [The United match] will be a little bit touch and go, but there is a good chance that he will be ready.” Post-match comments indicate no immediate returns for Newcastle, potentially paving the way for a derby comeback.
Potential return: February 10 vs Newcastle (H)
Pedro Porro
Pedro Porro sustained a hamstring injury during the draw with Burnley last month, departing after 45 minutes. Initial workload management gave way to confirmation of a four-week absence.
Thomas Frank explained: “Pedro hasn’t travelled [to face Eintracht Frankfurt on January 28], unfortunately he’s picked up a hamstring injury, so he’ll be out for four weeks.”
Potential return: February 22 vs Arsenal (H)
Kevin Danso
Kevin Danso incurred ligament damage from hyperextending his toe in a Champions League victory over Eintracht Frankfurt in January. Thomas Frank described it as “very unlucky,” praising Danso’s contributions this season: “I think every single time he’s been called upon this season, he’s delivered for the team. It is fantastic to work with him in every aspect. We’ll probably know a little bit more this week in terms of how long. Hopefully, it will not be too long.”
Potential return: Unknown
Richarlison
Richarlison sustained a hamstring injury during the FA Cup exit to Aston Villa in January, ruling him out for up to seven weeks. Thomas Frank confirmed: “Richy unfortunately got a hamstring injury that will keep him out for up to seven weeks.”
Potential return: March
Lucas Bergvall
Lucas Bergvall’s latest high ankle sprain occurred in the Champions League win over Borussia Dortmund, with a recovery timeline of up to three months potentially sidelining him for 14 matches.
Potential return: April
Rodrigo Bentancur
Rodrigo Bentancur required surgery for a hamstring injury in January, which proved successful. Previously a key player, he now faces time out until late in the season.
Potential return: April
Mohammed Kudus
New signing Mohammed Kudus suffered a serious thigh tendon injury in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland on January 4. Thomas Frank outlined: “Mohammed, unfortunately, is a bigger one to the tendon in the quad. That is one where we expect him back after the March international break.”
Potential return: April 11 vs Sunderland (A)
Ben Davies
Ben Davies broke his ankle early in the loss to West Ham, requiring surgery and a stretcher exit after 20 minutes. With only four appearances this season, his timeline remains uncertain.
Potential return: Unknown
Dejan Kulusevski
Dejan Kulusevski continues recovery from a complicated knee injury, including patella surgery last season and a recent injection. Thomas Frank noted: “If there is one person who can accelerate that [recovery], it is Dejan. The most important thing is to remove the pain in the knee. He had an injection to help that ten days ago. We will know in 3-4 weeks if that has settled. And when it has settled, hopefully, he will be on the grass and from there, we will see what is happening.” Exclusion from Champions League knockout squads signals no imminent return.
Potential return: Unknown
James Maddison
James Maddison ruptured his ACL in a pre-season friendly against Newcastle and underwent surgery. A return this season appears unlikely.
Potential return: Summer 2026
