Tottenham’s Expected Lineup Against Dortmund: Wonderkid Could Get Opportunity as Thomas Frank Faces Major Selection Call
Thomas Frank has just one major decision to make regarding his starting lineup as Tottenham prepare to face Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League on Tuesday, although several young players could be given opportunities as the match unfolds.
The under-pressure Spurs manager is targeting a win against the German side to halt a run of eight defeats in their last 14 games, but he must cope without 13 unavailable players. Injured absentees include Joao Palhinha, Richarlison, Ben Davies, Mohammed Kudus, Rodrigo Bentancur, James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski. Micky van de Ven is suspended, while Conor Gallagher, Yves Bissouma and Radu Dragusin are ineligible. Mathys Tel has also been removed from the squad following Dominic Solanke’s return.
Pape Matar Sarr has been away at the Africa Cup of Nations, where Senegal won the tournament, and was discharged from hospital in Morocco on Monday after falling ill during the final, alongside other players and staff.
“We have 11 outfield players available and perhaps three who will need to push hard physically to complete 90 minutes,” Frank said. “That’s why we need support from the first minute. Everyone — especially the players — must stay together, particularly if things don’t go our way. With that backing, anything can happen. We have a good opportunity tomorrow and we’re fully committed.”
Frank’s available senior outfield players include defenders Cristian Romero, Pedro Porro, Djed Spence, Destiny Udogie and Kevin Danso; midfielders Xavi Simons, Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray; and forwards Dominic Solanke, Randal Kolo Muani and Wilson Odobert.
The only selection dilemma is whether Djed Spence or a fully fit Destiny Udogie starts at left-back, which could open the door for academy players to feature from the bench. Several youth prospects trained with the first team on Monday, including Luca Williams-Barnett, Tynan Thompson, Malachi Hardy, Callum Olusesi and Jun’ai Byfield.
Williams-Barnett, Thompson and Olusesi may be in line for their Champions League debuts, while Dane Scarlett is also expected to see game time.