Tottenham have been handed a fresh injury concern after Micky van de Ven missed training ahead of their Champions League clash with Eintracht Frankfurt. The defender did not train with the squad on Tuesday, with manager Thomas Frank expected to provide an update at his pre-match press conference in Germany.
Any fitness issue for Van de Ven would be a significant worry for Spurs, who need to beat Frankfurt on Wednesday to secure a top-eight finish in the Champions League league phase and automatic qualification to the knockout stage. Pedro Porro was also absent from training, having been substituted at half-time in Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Burnley, with the club managing his workload.
In more positive news, Joao Palhinha is expected to be available against Frankfurt after missing the last three games with a knock. The midfielder was close to making the squad for the Burnley draw and is set to travel with the squad to Germany. Cristian Romero trained on Tuesday after being substituted as a precaution at the weekend, while Pape Matar Sarr also returned to training following his late return from the Africa Cup of Nations.
Spurs are already without long-term absentees James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, Rodrigo Bentancur, Mohammed Kudus, Lucas Bergvall, Ben Davies and Richarlison. Additionally, Yves Bissouma, Conor Gallagher, Radu Dragusin and Mathys Tel are ineligible and will remain at Hotspur Way.
The clash with Frankfurt is crucial for Tottenham as they aim to finish in the top eight, with a daunting run of fixtures against Manchester City, Manchester United, Newcastle and Arsenal looming in February.
