Thomas Frank reveals Tottenham star snapped a ligament after freak hyperextension
Tottenham were forced into further defensive improvisation against Manchester City, and Thomas Frank has now offered clarity on the absences that left his options stretched to the limit.
Against Manchester City tonight, Thomas Frank named a starting XI that failed to feature a couple of familiar names.
Radu Dragusin featured for the first time in a year against the Citizens, while Archie Gray was forced into a full-back shift, something that has not been seen since last season.
Joao Palhinha was also turned into a makeshift centre-half, with Frank missing a whopping eleven first-team players.
Tottenham injury update as Thomas Frank explains Kevin Danso, Micky van de Ven and Djed Spence absences
Micky van de Ven, Kevin Danso and Djed Spence were the latest to join the injury table for Tottenham, and Thomas Frank has explained why the defenders were not available for the City game.
Speaking before the match, Thomas Frank first addressed the wider injury situation and the strain it has placed on his squad, admitting the scale of the problem while stressing the need for solutions.
He told football.london: “I think it is fair to say that we are hit pretty hard with injuries, but it is part of the game. We need to find solutions, others need to step up.”
Frank then moved on to Kevin Danso’s issue, outlining how the injury occurred and why the club are still waiting on clarity, while describing the setback as particularly unfortunate.
He explained: “Kevin Danso, having hyperextended his big toe, a ligament snapped, because he landed on the foot of an opponent, so extremely unlucky, like a random injury. He has got time with a consultant next week, so we do not know exactly the length of it.”
Finally, Frank gave brief updates on Van de Ven and Djed Spence, suggesting there is some hope the problems are not severe. He added: “It is in a big toe, so hopefully not too worrying. Djed a minor calf injury.”
What the injury crisis means for Spurs going forward
The makeshift options against City managed to secure a draw, but fans will be worried if this small crop of players can put in such a shift each week.
It was a dismal first half against the Citizens, with the lack of cohesion obvious, but credit to the players who dug in to get a point.
However, with the injury crisis only worsening and just hours left in the winter window, Spurs must now be looking to get a few players through the door.
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