Frank has issued an injury updateplaceholder image
Frank has issued an injury update | Getty Images
Tottenham boss Thomas Frank has issued an injury update ahead of this weekend’s Chelsea clash.
It was a close game at St James’ Park, but Tottenham could not find a way past Aaron Ramsdale despite a handful of good chances, and goals from Fabian Schare and Nick Woltemade decided it.
“I think it was a very even game,” Spurs boss Frank said after the game. “I think it was small margins that decided it. I think our performance was good. I think the way we played the game, especially how we built it from behind, phase one, especially phase two,
“I think we controlled the game much more. I think we had some short connections in the middle of the pitch. I think we found Lucas and Xavi in good positions. So, I think that was one of our better offensive performances for the season. You could say it was not like we created five 100% chances, but we created some really big chances.
“I think Ramsdale had some really good saves and we had six or seven very good moments where Richarlison arrived a second too late, or the final pass could have had even more cutting-edge quality to have created even more. So, overall, I'm happy with the performance. Of course, I'm super disappointed that we lost. I’m also super disappointed that we're out. We would love to progress and be in the draw tonight.”
Spurs injuries
Tottenham now turn their attention to Saturday’s clash with Chelsea, who are likely direct rivals in the European chase this season, as well as being fierce London rivals, of course.
Spurs have been dealing with a number of injuries of late, on top of the longer term ones like Radu Dragusin, James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski.
But the good news is that a couple of the players who have been dealing with smaller issues should return against Chelsea. Asked about Vicario, Frank said: “He had a small thing that had to be done. He’s ready for Chelsea.”
On Wilson Odobert, Frank added: “Odobert had a side strain, unfortunately, that kept him out for this game. Also, we need to assess him, but he could look positive for Chelsea.”
The situation surrounding Archie Gray is less clear, with Frank adding: “He would have started. He got a contact to the calf in Monaco and probably in there or whatever also picked up a calf strain.” It remains to be seen when Gray will be back.
It certainly hasn’t been on the same scale last last season, but injuries have been more frequent for Tottenham in recent weeks, and Frank admits he is a little concerned by the trend.
“Of course, I would like to have everyone fit and available, but we know injury is part of it,” he said. “It's up to me to find solutions. I think some of the ones we had is relatively, how can I say, unlucky. It's how quick we get them back, but contact injuries to Maddison, Bissouma, the knee with Destiny, can’t do too much about that.”
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