Tottenham Hotspur Revamp Europa League Squad Ahead of Knockout Stages
Tottenham Hotspur have made significant changes to their UEFA Europa League squad ahead of the competition’s knockout stages. Reports indicate that three players have been removed from the squad as the North London side looks to realign its priorities following a difficult week.
On Thursday night, Spurs traveled to Anfield for the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final clash against Premier League leaders Liverpool. Despite entering the match with a 1-0 advantage from the first leg, Tottenham delivered a lackluster performance, succumbing to a dominant display from the hosts.
Under the lights at Anfield, Liverpool dismantled Spurs with a commanding 4-0 victory. Goals from Cody Gakpo, Mohamed Salah, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Virgil van Dijk ensured a resounding win for Jurgen Klopp’s men. The result secured Liverpool’s place in the Carabao Cup final, where they will face Newcastle United at Wembley on March 16.
Less than 24 hours after their crushing defeat, Tottenham reportedly made adjustments to their Europa League squad, dropping three players. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the players omitted include Timo Werner, Fraser Forster, and defender Radu Dragusin. Replacements in the squad include January signings Mathys Tel and Kevin Danso, as well as Djed Spence, who was unavailable during the competition’s league phase.
Injury and Selection Changes
Dragusin’s exclusion comes as no surprise, as the defender is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines following an anterior cruciate ligament injury sustained against Elfsborg last week. Meanwhile, Timo Werner and goalkeeper Fraser Forster have reportedly fallen down the pecking order under manager Ange Postecoglou.
The addition of Tel and Danso offers Spurs fresh options as they enter the knockout rounds. Both players were brought in during the January transfer window to bolster the squad. Djed Spence’s return is also a notable boost after his absence in the earlier stages of the competition.
However, not all new signings were included. Antonin Kinsky, another recent addition, was left out of the squad, with first-choice goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario expected to be fit and ready for the upcoming fixtures.
UEFA Regulations and Knockout Opponents
Per UEFA regulations, clubs are permitted to make up to three changes to their Europa League squads between the league phase and the knockout rounds. Tottenham’s decisions reflect their focus on a strong performance in the latter stages of the competition.
As they advance to the round of 16, Spurs are set to face one of Real Sociedad, Galatasaray, AZ Alkmaar, or Midtjylland. The draw will determine their opponent in what promises to be a crucial step toward securing European silverware.
Busy Schedule for Spurs
The adjustments to the Europa League squad come amid a packed schedule for Tottenham. Ange Postecoglou’s side is back in action this Sunday, taking on Unai Emery’s Aston Villa in the FA Cup. The team will be eager to put their recent defeat behind them and refocus on their domestic and European campaigns.
The upcoming weeks will be pivotal for Tottenham as they balance multiple competitions while seeking to build momentum under Postecoglou’s leadership.
Tottenham axe three players from Europa League squad less than 24 hours after Liverpool humiliation
