Tudor confirms Brazilian in Spurs lineup for first leg
Tottenham are expected to make several important changes for tonight’s Champions League last-16 first leg against Atletico Madrid, with Igor Tudor already confirming that Richarlison will start.
The Brazilian has not started a match under the interim manager since returning from a hamstring problem, although he did score from the bench in the recent 2-1 defeat to Fulham. Speaking before the game, Tudor made his plan clear by confirming that Richarlison would be in the starting lineup for the trip to Spain.
The Spurs boss has also received a boost in defence. Djed Spence and Radu Dragusin are both available again after missing the loss to Crystal Palace, and both have travelled with the squad to Madrid. Their return comes at an important time, as Tudor has had limited options at the back in recent matches.
Defensive returns and selection calls add intrigue
Another player expected to feature is Conor Gallagher, who is set for a reunion with his former club not long after completing his £35 million move to Tottenham in January. He was left out of the starting side against Palace, but is now in line to return.
Tudor has also had to deal with issues involving key defenders Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven. Romero missed the first three games of Tudor’s spell because of suspension, while Van de Ven was sent off in the Palace defeat. Having the first-choice central defensive pairing closer to full availability is a major lift for Spurs as they try to stay solid away from home.
There is also attention on Xavi Simons after Tudor dropped him for the Palace match along with Gallagher. The coach later made strong comments about commitment in the squad, saying that only those fully on board should remain. If Simons is again left out of the starting team, it could send a strong message about where he currently stands.
Champions League squad changes before the knockout stage
Ahead of the knockout rounds, Tottenham made three alterations to their Champions League squad. Mathys Tel, Conor Gallagher and Radu Dragusin were added, while Souza and Yves Bissouma were left out.
With Richarlison now confirmed as a starter and defensive reinforcements returning, Spurs head into a crucial European night hoping to stay in the tie before the second leg.
