Live coverage: Every word Thomas Frank speaks to the media

Tottenham Team News: Udogie Nearing Return, Bissouma Ruled Out, Kulusevski Facing Longer Absence

 

Tottenham Hotspur head coach Thomas has provided a detailed update on the fitness of several key players, the club’s transfer market activity, and his tactical outlook ahead of this weekend’s clash with Manchester City.

 

Injury and Availability Updates

 

Thomas confirmed that left-back Destiny Udogie is making encouraging progress after his recent spell on the sidelines. The Italian full-back has rejoined full training and completed two full sessions with the squad this week. However, the manager admitted it was “too soon” for him to feature against City.

 

“Destiny is better, he’s been back in full training twice this week and he looks in a good place. We’ll keep him in tomorrow’s session and ideally he’ll get another strong week of work under his belt. He’s very positive and we are happy with where he’s at,” Thomas explained.

 

Meanwhile, midfielder Yves Bissouma has been ruled out of the trip, with Thomas confirming the Malian international will not play any part. More concerning for Spurs, Dejan Kulusevski has suffered an issue that will see him absent for a longer period.

 

“Biss will miss this game as well. Dejan is out and that’s going to be a longer one. I don’t want to put a timeline on it, but it’s not a short-term situation,” Thomas said, leaving fans anxious about the Swedish winger’s recovery.

 

Romero’s New Deal a Boost for Spurs

 

The manager also praised the commitment shown by Cristian Romero, who recently signed a new deal with the club. Thomas called it a “fantastic signal” from both the Argentine defender and Tottenham.

 

“I am very pleased. I think it was a fantastic signal from Cristian and from the Club. He believes in the project and the journey we’re just beginning. Of course, new signings are exciting, but keeping important players is just as vital. Cristian staying is massive for us.”

 

Transfer Market Activity

 

With the summer transfer window rapidly approaching its deadline, Spurs remain active in the market. Thomas confirmed that work is ongoing to strengthen the squad, but emphasised that the club will only pursue players who truly want to represent Tottenham.

 

“We are in the market and we’ll look to strengthen the team. I see 23 players training hard right now, preparing for Manchester City, but I’m confident we’ll bring at least one more in before the window shuts. Two in, two out—it might be a similar balance by the end. Every club wants signings done early, but it’s rarely that straightforward. I’m positive and I believe something will happen,” Thomas said.

 

He also pushed back against speculation linking Spurs with a wide range of names:

 

“There are always rumours, and often there’s nothing in them. What I want to make very clear is this—if a player doesn’t want to join Tottenham, to wear this badge, then we don’t want them. The club is working hard behind the scenes to identify players who can genuinely improve our squad.”

 

Facing Manchester City

 

Looking ahead to Saturday’s blockbuster fixture at the Etihad, Thomas stressed the importance of bravery and aggression against one of the world’s elite teams.

 

“I don’t think there’s a fixed system or approach you can take against City—you need to be adaptable, but also brave. Controlling the first and second phases of play is crucial. They’ve been one of the best teams in the world over the last four or five years and they’ll want to respond after their last result. For us, bravery and aggression are the key words. To go there, get a result, and build on it would be massive.”

 

Thomas added that while principles remain consistent, each match requires unique tactical adjustments:

 

“I treat every game differently. Tomorrow we’ll decide what tweaks are needed, but the principles of how we want to play remain the same.”

 

Richarlison’s Role

 

The manager was also full of praise for Richarlison, who is currently leading the line for Spurs.

 

“Right now, he’s my number nine. He’s scored two fantastic goals and had two excellent performances. He’s Brazil’s number nine, he’s a very good player, and I’m very happy with him. Richy wants to stay, I want to keep him. There have been no talks about anything else.”

 

 

This update provides a comprehensive look at Tottenham’s squad health, transfer priorities, and mindset heading into a crucial Premier League test against Manchester City.