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Tottenham face an all-too-familiar injury crisis as Spurs face a difficult visit to Newcastle in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.
A long injury list became commonplace under Ange Postecoglou’s watch, but the departure of the hard-working Aussie was thought to help alleviate the fitness concerns. Instead, Spurs carry yet another lengthy burdensome absentee list as they steam towards the busy winter months.
It makes rotating the squad, which is usually the hallmark of a Carabao Cup early-round fixture, complicated for head coach Thomas Frank as he balances the need for rest alongside a thin group of available players and a difficult opponent.
Newcastle are in a much better situation, with only Yoanne Wissa and a few other pieces missing from an otherwise healthy roster from which Eddie Howe can figure out a rotation.
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Tottenham lineup vs. Newcastle: Projected starting XI
Kinsky (GK)
Porro, Danso, Gray, Spence
Bergvall, Sarr
Odobert, Simons, Tel
Kolo Muani
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Tottenham team news
With rest needed for Micky van de Ven given his history of muscle injuries, and Cristian Romero still suffering from a muscle concern, Archie Gray or Joao Palhinha could deputise at the back, as the latter did against Doncaster in the third round of EFL Cup action. However, there are few options to rotate the full-backs given Destiny Udogie is only just recovering from a minor knee injury that kept him out of international duty this past month.
The likes of Mathys Tel and Wilson Odobert could be rotated into the attack, while Lucas Bergvall is an option in midfield.
Richarlison came off the bench on the weekend and could be deployed, but Randal Kolo Muani has also not been heavily leaned on since joining in the summer and might be pushing for another start.
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Tottenham injury list
Below is the latest injury picture for Tottenham, including estimated return dates for those who are sidelined.
James Maddison
- Injury: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear
- Expected return date: June 2026
Maddison suffered ACL damage in a preseason game against Newcastle United in August, with his campaign over before it even started. The England international has left a creative gap in Frank’s team, but due to the length of his rehabilitation, he’s not expected to feature again this season.
Radu Dragusin
- Injury: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear
- Expected return date: November 2025
Romania international Dragusin tore his ACL in January in a Europa League clash with Elfsborg and his recovery timeline had been set at around 10-11 months. The club have confirmed his rehab is on track, and Frank stated he was back in light training at the start of September, but a full return is still at least some weeks away.
Ben Davies
- Injury: Thigh injury
- Expected return date: November 2025
Veteran defender Davies suffered a thigh muscle injury on international duty with Wales on October 13 as his 100th cap ended in defeat to Belgium. The 32-year-old immediately left the Wales camp and Frank confirmed he would be out for “a few weeks”.
Dejan Kulusevski
- Injury: Knee injury
- Expected return date: November 2025
Kulusevski’s absence has been felt by club and country with the Sweden international yet to feature this season after undergoing knee surgery in May. The call to address a persistent issue was taken before Frank’s arrival at Spurs, and all parties are cautious over his comeback date after he played a key role under Ange Postecoglou.
Dominic Solanke
- Injury: Ankle injury
- Expected return date: November 2026
Solanke needed a minor operation on an ankle injury in September, and with his overall recovery going well, Frank is confident he will be back at the start of November.
Yves Bissmoua
- Injury: Ankle ligament injury
- Expected return date: November 2026
Bissouma was another player injured on international duty with Frank confirming an ankle ligament damage suffered in training with the Mali squad. The former Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder has not played for Spurs since being omitted from the UEFA Super Cup final squad for persistent lateness, and there are suggestions he could move on in January.
Cristian Romero
- Injury: Adductor injury
- Expected return date: November 2026
Romero missed the 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa last weekend and the trip to Monaco with an adductor strain. The Argentina international was not included in the squad over the weekend and is game-to-game as Spurs trudge along.
Destiny Udogie
- Injury: Knee injury
- Expected return date: November 2026
Frank’s third Spurs star injured in the international break is Udogie, who asked to be excused from the Italy squad after complaining of knee pain. He’s slightly behind Romero in terms of recovery and will be touch-and-go moving forward.
Kota Takai
- Injury: Ankle injury
- Expected return date: November 2026
Japan international Takai s yet to make his Spurs debut following a summer move from Kawasake Frontale, and Frank is hopeful he will be ready to join in match action at the start of November.
Newcastle vs. Tottenham match details
- Date: Wednesday, October 29, 2025
- Kickoff time: 8 p.m. local / 4:00 p.m. ET / 1:00 p.m. PT / 6:00 a.m. AEDT (Oct. 30)
- Location: St. James’ Park, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne (England)
- Competition: Carabao Cup 4th round
- Referee: Chris Kavanagh
- VAR: —
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