Tottenham Destiny Udogie
(Credit: Imago)
Pranav Shahaney
Thu 21 August 2025 16:16, UK
Destiny Udogie was not part of the Tottenham squad for the opening game of the season against Burnley on Saturday.
Thomas Frank had to guide his Spurs side to a 3-0 victory with Djed Spence playing at left-back.
Udogie was also absent as Tottenham lost to PSG in the UEFA Super Cup due to the knee injury he picked up while warming up for a friendly against Luton in pre-season.
Tottenham ace Djed Spence
Spence is the second-choice left-back for Spurs. (Credit: Imago)
This article includes exclusive opinion from injury expert Dr Rajpal Brar, a doctor in physical therapy and a sports scientist.
Destiny Udogie unlikely to start against Manchester City
Spurs take on Manchester City next at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, 23 August, and Frank will be hoping for an injury boost ahead of that game.
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Udogie would have started for Tottenham had he been completely fit, but Dr Rajpal Brar does not expect that to happen.
While the injury expert believes that he’s progressing well from his knee setback, he’s not yet ready to be named in the playing eleven.
Season Injury Days Games missed
2025/26 Knee injury 29 days 2
2024/25 Hamstring injury 44 days 12
2024/25 Hamstring injury 2 days 2
Udogie’s recent injuries.
Dr Brar told Tottenham News: “Challenging to say if Udogie will be ready to start the next one and it’s highly unlikely, but it sounds like he is progressing well.
“This sounds like a moderate knee issue based on how long he’s been out for.
“He will need multiple bounce matches and consistent minutes to get closer to 100 per cent fitness.”
Thomas Frank Tottenham
Frank faces a stern test against Manchester City. (Credit: Imago)
Djed Spence must be as consistent as Destiny Udogie at Tottenham
Spence needs to match Udogie’s consistency to justify Tottenham’s faith in him, especially after signing a new long-term contract.
While Spence has shown promise, earning Player of the Match against Manchester United on 17 February and scoring his first Premier League goal against Ipswich days later, his performances reveal inconsistency.
Udogie, despite injuries, is lauded as one of the league’s best left-backs due to his steady impact.
Spurs’ £20million investment and recent contract extension reflect belief in Spence’s potential, but he must refine his game to complement the defence and repay the club’s trust with reliable contributions.
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