Frank's injury woes continue as Tottenham gear up for crucial Champions League match
Thomas Frank's preparations for the Champions League clash against Eintracht Frankfurt on Wednesday evening have been disrupted by injuries to Pedro Porro and Micky van de Ven, as well as a car accident involving Randal Kolo Muani and Wilson Odobert.
The Tottenham manager confirmed that Kolo Muani and Odobert were unharmed after social media photos showed them standing by a damaged black Ferrari. The car, belonging to Kolo Muani, had a tire blowout on the motorway, and Odobert, following in a separate vehicle, stopped to assist. The players were en route from the Spurs training ground to Stansted airport for the team's flight to Frankfurt. Frank revealed that neither had boarded the flight and had to take a different flight to Frankfurt later that night.
This setback comes as a blow to Frank, who is under intense pressure following the Premier League draw at Burnley on Saturday, where he faced jeers from the Spurs supporters. Adding to his woes, Porro is out for four weeks with a hamstring injury, while Van de Ven's issue, though unspecified, is not as severe as last season's hamstring problem. Frank anticipates Van de Ven's return for the league match against Manchester City on Sunday.
Despite the injuries, Frank has some positive news with João Palhinha back from injury and Pape Sarr available after illness. However, the squad is severely depleted, with only 11 available outfield players.
Frank addressed the situation, stating that Kolo Muani and Wilson Odobert are fine and delayed due to the minor accident. He expressed confidence that both will be available for the upcoming match. Pedro Porro, unfortunately, has a hamstring injury and will be out for four weeks, while Micky van de Ven's minor issue may make him available for the weekend.
Spurs' domestic form has been poor, winning just two of their last 14 league matches and sitting in 14th place. However, the Champions League has provided a glimmer of hope, with Spurs currently in fifth place. A win against Frankfurt, who have been in turmoil after firing their manager, Dino Toppmöller, could secure a direct spot in the last 16.
Frank emphasized the importance of a win, stating that it would secure a top-eight finish in the world's best club tournament. He also highlighted the need to build on recent results and performances moving forward.
The parallels between this season and last are striking. Last season, Ange Postecoglou, under pressure due to poor league form, faced a similar situation with Spurs in 15th place in the table. The team's win against Eintracht in the Europa League quarter-final, with a Dominic Solanke penalty, averted potential sack and led to their eventual victory in the competition.
This season, Frankfurt, who finished third in the Bundesliga last season, have struggled. The pressure on Toppmöller has intensified, leading to his interim replacement by Dennis Schmitt, the under-21s manager. Schmitt's team has lost their first two games, conceding three goals in each match, and cannot qualify for the knockout round.
As Tottenham prepares for the crucial match, Frank's focus is on the bigger picture, emphasizing the need to keep doing the right thing despite the challenges.
