Three Tottenham stars at risk of missing Eintracht Frankfurt clash through suspension
Tottenham Hotspur will need to be wary heading into their Europa League quarter-final showdown with Eintracht Frankfurt, as three key players are just one booking away from suspension.
Tottenham Hotspur’s main priority for the remainder of the season is undoubtedly the Europa League, with their Premier League campaign effectively a write-off.
Ange Postecoglou’s future at Spurs could hinge on him lifting the trophy, with reports suggesting that European success would significantly strengthen his position in the dugout.
The Lilywhites have made it to the last eight of the competition, and should they see off Frankfurt in their two-legged clash, the dream of a trip to Bilbao for the final will start to feel very real.
However, before they can think about that, Spurs must navigate a tricky tie against the Bundesliga outfit, with squad management becoming increasingly crucial.
While Postecoglou will be eager to field his strongest XI across both legs, he will also have to consider the looming threat of suspension for three of his key men, which could significantly impact his plans for the latter stages of the competition.
Three Tottenham players at risk of UEFA Europa League suspension
During the first leg at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on 10 April, several Spurs players will have to tread carefully.
UEFA’s disciplinary rules state that yellow cards accumulate from the league phase onwards, with players and officials facing a one-match ban after three bookings, followed by further suspensions for every additional odd-numbered caution (fifth, seventh, ninth, etc.).
Yellow cards are only wiped after the quarter-final stage, meaning Tottenham have two more games to navigate before potential suspensions are reset.
The three Spurs players currently at risk of a one-match ban are Lucas Bergvall, Yves Bissouma, and Dejan Kulusevski, each having received two yellow cards in the competition this season.
Radu Dragusin is also on two bookings in Europe, but given his season-ending injury, he is no longer part of Spurs’ European squad and, therefore, not at risk of suspension.
Spurs must keep key men available for the return leg
Naturally, Tottenham will want all hands on deck for both legs of this crucial tie. Postecoglou will be particularly keen for Bergvall and Kulusevski to get through unscathed, given their importance to Spurs’ play.
The first leg at home is a must-win, but it is the return leg in Germany where Spurs will need every available option. Facing Frankfurt away is no easy task, and having a full-strength squad could make all the difference.
Postecoglou and his staff will need to manage their squad carefully to ensure they do not head into the second leg at a disadvantage.
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