A cloud of uncertainty hangs over Tottenham's Champions League aspirations, with key players absent from training just before a crucial match!
As Tottenham Hotspur prepares for their pivotal Champions League group stage finale against Eintracht Frankfurt in Germany, the team has received a mixed bag of news. While the squad trained at Hotspur Way on Tuesday morning, the availability of several players for the Wednesday evening fixture has raised eyebrows.
Good news first: Joao Palhinha, who was a notable absentee from Saturday's 2-2 Premier League draw at Burnley, was seen back on the training pitch. This is a welcome sight for manager Thomas Frank, especially considering that Conor Gallagher and Yves Bissouma are ineligible for the Champions League competition. Palhinha's return is a boost, as he had been sidelined since sustaining a knock during the FA Cup defeat to Aston Villa earlier this month.
But here's where it gets concerning... Centre-back Micky van de Ven was notably absent from training. This absence has sparked fears that he might miss the crucial encounter, particularly after he scored the opening goal in the recent match against Burnley. Adding to the worry, Pedro Porro was also not spotted, having been substituted at halftime during the Burnley game. The club has yet to officially confirm the reasons behind the Dutchman's absence, but manager Thomas Frank is expected to provide clarity during his press conference in Frankfurt later today.
It's worth noting that Van de Ven had previously missed the 2-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund due to suspension, having accumulated three yellow cards in the Champions League. While he trained leading up to the Dortmund match, there's now a genuine possibility he might not feature or even travel to Germany for the Frankfurt game.
And this is the part most people miss... While Van de Ven's absence is a concern, Gallagher was indeed present in training. Also participating was Mathys Tel, who was recently removed from the Champions League squad following Dominic Solanke's return to fitness. Solanke himself was on the training ground, having started his second consecutive game against Burnley.
Tottenham has the opportunity to secure a top-eight finish in the Champions League with a victory over a struggling Eintracht Frankfurt side. Last season, Tottenham defeated Frankfurt 1-0 away from home in the Europa League quarter-finals, with Van de Ven playing a significant role in that win. Frankfurt, however, is currently in a dire position in the Champions League standings, languishing in 33rd place out of a possible 36, and recently parted ways with their manager, Dino Toppmoller. They are reportedly close to appointing a new manager, with U21 coach Dennis Schmitt currently acting as interim boss. Their recent form hasn't been stellar, as they suffered a 3-1 home defeat to Hoffenheim on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Thomas Frank is reportedly under pressure, with fan discontent evident during the Burnley match, where chants for his dismissal were heard. Much like the previous season, Tottenham's European performances have been a stark contrast to their domestic form in the Premier League, where they currently find themselves precariously in 14th place.
Now, over to you: Does Micky van de Ven's potential absence significantly impact Tottenham's chances against Eintracht Frankfurt? And is it fair to compare their European success to their struggles in the Premier League? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
