Thomas Frank makes big decision on Cristian Romero and Spence: Tottenham v Copenhagen predicted XIs
Tottenham Hotspur head into their upcoming European clash against FC Copenhagen with several key players unavailable, as injuries continue to limit Thomas Frank’s squad options. The North London side are already dealing with a lengthy absentee list, and their situation has been made even more complicated by fresh concerns following last weekend’s defeat to Chelsea.
One of the biggest setbacks for Spurs is the absence of Lucas Bergvall, who remains sidelined due to concussion protocols. The young midfielder was forced off early in the first half against Chelsea after taking a ball to the face, and medical staff have since ruled him out of the Copenhagen fixture. Manager Thomas Frank confirmed in his pre-match press conference that Bergvall will play no part, stressing the importance of prioritizing player welfare.
> “Lucas [Bergvall] suffered a concussion, which was quite clear from the footage,” Frank explained. “We have to give credit to the medical staff because these situations are always delicate. The players’ health comes first, and they handled it perfectly. Lucas will not be involved against Copenhagen.”
Meanwhile, Djed Spence and Mohammed Kudus are both in a race against time to prove their fitness after sustaining minor knocks. Frank expressed cautious optimism that the pair could be available for selection, stating:
> “Djed [Spence] and Mo [Kudus] both picked up slight knocks, but the signs are positive. They should be available tomorrow if everything goes well.”
There is, however, some good news for Spurs supporters. Cristian Romero and Destiny Udogie have returned from injury and were both introduced from the bench in the recent Chelsea match. Their inclusion in the starting XI against Copenhagen is now being strongly considered as they look to regain full match sharpness.
Unfortunately, Spurs are still without several long-term absentees, including Archie Gray, who continues his recovery from a calf problem. Other key names such as Radu Dragusin, James Maddison, Yves Bissouma, Dejan Kulusevski, and Dominic Solanke have also been unavailable for extended periods, leaving Frank with limited depth across multiple positions. Mathys Tel is also unavailable for selection as he remains ineligible for the European competition.
Tottenham’s Predicted Line-up vs. Copenhagen
Starting XI: Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Spence; Palhinha, Bentancur; Kudus, Simons, Odobert; Richarlison.
Substitutes: Kinsky (GK), Austin (GK), Danso (DEF), Udogie (DEF), Hardy (DEF), Byfield (DEF), Sarr (MID), Olusesi (MID), Johnson (FWD), Kolo Muani (FWD), Scarlett (FWD), Williams-Barnett (FWD)
Copenhagen Team News
As for FC Copenhagen, manager Jacob Neestrup will also have to cope with a number of absentees ahead of the trip to London. The Danish club confirmed that 20 players boarded the flight, but several important names did not make the journey.
Among those missing are Magnus Mattsson, Rodrigo Huescas, Oliver Højer, Thomas Delaney, and Birger Meling, all of whom remain sidelined through injury. Their absence could force Neestrup into some tactical adjustments, particularly in midfield where experience will be lacking.
There is still hope, however, that Marcos López could feature. The full-back, who was withdrawn during last weekend’s Superliga victory over FC Fredericia, is reportedly close to full fitness and could be included on the bench if he passes a late fitness test. Gabriel Pereira, who has been battling illness, is also expected to be named among the substitutes.
Speaking ahead of the match, Neestrup made it clear that he will not take any unnecessary risks with his team selection:
“I need to rotate the squad. We won’t play anyone we’re uncertain about,” he said. “There’s no point in risking players who aren’t fully fit. We’ll put out a team that’s strong enough to compete and give us the best possible chance of a result.”
Copenhagen’s Predicted Line-up vs. Tottenham
Starting XI: Kotarski; Suzuki, Hatzidiakos, Garananga, Zague; Elyounoussi, Lerager, Silva, Achouri; Moukoko, Claesson.
Substitutes: Runarsson (GK), Buur (GK), Pereira (DEF), Lopez (DEF), Madsen (MID), Clem (MID), Larsson (FWD), Cornelius (FWD), Dadason (FWD).
Both sides head into the encounter looking to build momentum — Tottenham aiming to return to winning ways after a frustrating defeat, and Copenhagen hoping to make an impression on English soil despite their injury woes. With both managers expected to make tactical tweaks, the match promises to be a test of squad depth and resilience as they battle for crucial European points.