Tottenham Hotspur have updated their Champions League squad for the knockout stages, registering three new players: Mathys Tel, Radu Dragusin and January signing Conor Gallagher. They replace Ben Davies, Rodrigo Bentancur and Brennan Johnson.
Replacements for Injuries and Departure
Ben Davies suffered a broken ankle in the 2-1 defeat to West Ham last month, while Rodrigo Bentancur picked up a hamstring injury against Bournemouth. Both are facing potentially season-ending absences. Brennan Johnson left the club in January for £35million to Crystal Palace.
Mathys Tel was brought in earlier this season as cover during Dominic Solanke’s injury but was removed when Solanke returned. Radu Dragusin missed the start of the campaign recovering from an ACL injury. His inclusion is timely after Cristian Romero went off ill at half-time in the 2-2 draw with Manchester City, and Micky van de Ven missed that match with a knock.
Kevin Danso also snapped a ligament in his toe during the Champions League win at Frankfurt and missed the City game. This forced Thomas Frank to field midfielder Joao Palhinha at right centre-back, with Romero central and Dragusin left. When Romero withdrew, Palhinha partnered Dragusin in a back four.
Injury Crisis Forces Changes
Frank has been dealing with a growing injury list. Both right-backs Pedro Porro and Djed Spence are sidelined, leading to Archie Gray shifting to right wing-back last weekend. The Dane had only 11 senior players available for City’s visit.
The additions provide defensive reinforcement and midfield options ahead of key fixtures. Tottenham hope to welcome back several players for their trip to Manchester United on Saturday. The squad changes aim to help Spurs maintain momentum in the Champions League and Premier League.
