AliousTottenham still have the second leg of their Champions League tie against Atlético Madrid to navigate, but manager Igor Tudor could soon receive a significant boost ahead of next weekend’s crucial Premier League clash with Nottingham Forest.
According to a report by Evening Standard, as many as five players could return in time for the relegation six-pointer after missing Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Liverpool FC. The potential returnees include Destiny Udogie, Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, João Palhinha and Conor Gallagher.
Romero and Palhinha were absent at Anfield after suffering a head-to-head collision late in the first leg of Spurs’ Champions League tie against Atlético at the Wanda Metropolitano. Both players were ruled out under concussion protocols but could be available for the Forest match — and possibly even the return leg.
Gallagher is also nearing a comeback after missing the Liverpool encounter due to illness. If he recovers in time, the midfielder could feature in the squad for the Atlético match, although he is expected to be fully fit by the weekend.
Left-back Udogie has not played since February because of a hamstring injury, but Tudor recently indicated he should “for sure” be ready for the Forest fixture. His return would be a major lift for Tottenham, who have relied on makeshift options such as Pedro Porro, Djed Spence and Archie Gray in the full-back positions during the injury crisis.
Meanwhile, Van de Ven’s comeback is more straightforward. The Dutch defender missed the Liverpool game through suspension after receiving a denial-of-a-goal-scoring-opportunity red card against Crystal Palace FC. Having now served that ban, he is expected to return immediately for both the Atlético clash and the meeting with Forest.
Elsewhere, several players remain sidelined with less certain timelines. Yves Bissouma missed the Liverpool draw with a knock, while Lucas Bergvall, Rodrigo Bentancur and Mohammed Kudus are all targeting April returns after the upcoming international break. The situation is less clear for Dejan Kulusevski, while both Wilson Odobert and James Maddison are not expected to play again until next season.
Veteran defender Ben Davies, whose contract expires this summer, is hopeful of regaining fitness in time to represent Wales national football team at the upcoming World Cup.
Despite the lengthy injury list, the potential return of five senior players would be a major boost for Tottenham. Spurs were missing as many as 13 first-team players against Liverpool, and even a handful returning could prove vital as they battle for crucial points in the closing stages of the Premier League season.
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