Tottenham training sees two Thomas Frank favourites sidelined while injured team-mate makes comeback
Tottenham can secure a top-eight Champions League finish if they defeat Eintracht Frankfurt in Germany on Wednesday.
Ahead of the final group-stage match, Spurs received mixed news. Joao Palhinha, who missed Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Burnley, trained on Tuesday at Hotspur Way, offering a boost to under-pressure boss Thomas Frank. However, Conor Gallagher and Yves Bissouma remain ineligible for the Champions League.
Centre-back Micky van de Ven, who scored in last weekend’s draw at Turf Moor, was absent from training, raising doubts over his availability. Pedro Porro was also missing. Frank is expected to provide clarity on Van de Ven’s status in a press conference in Frankfurt. The Dutch defender had missed last week’s 2-0 win over Borussia Dortmund due to suspension.
Gallagher and Mathys Tel trained, with Dominic Solanke also taking part following his return from injury.
Tottenham previously beat Eintracht 1-0 away in last season’s Europa League quarter-finals, with Van de Ven playing a key role. Frankfurt, struggling this season and 33rd out of 36 in Champions League standings, recently sacked Dino Toppmoller and are temporarily managed by U21 coach Dennis Schmitt. They lost 3-1 at home to Hoffenheim on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Frank faces pressure at Spurs after fan unrest at Turf Moor. The club’s European form contrasts sharply with their Premier League struggles, where they sit 14th.
