Tottenham Hotspur confronts a severe defensive crisis ahead of their Premier League showdown with Liverpool on Sunday afternoon. The match follows a midweek UEFA Champions League encounter with Atletico Madrid, which has expanded Spurs’ injury list significantly. Interim manager Igor Tudor faces mounting pressure with a depleted squad, potentially missing up to 11 players at Anfield, particularly in defense.
Concussion Concerns from Atletico Madrid Clash
Cristian Romero and Joao Palhinha sustained head injuries late in the game against Atletico Madrid. Palhinha exited immediately, while Romero attempted to continue before collapsing and leaving the pitch, reducing Spurs to nine men briefly. Suspected concussions trigger strict return-to-play protocols enforced by the FA and Premier League.
Players must wait at least six days before competing, progressing through these steps every 24 hours or longer: no physical activity, light aerobic exercise, sport-specific exercise, non-contact drills, full-contact training, and finally return to play after medical clearance.
Other Defensive Doubts
Kevin Danso, recently recovered from a toe injury, appeared to suffer an ankle issue during the Atletico match. He limped noticeably before seemingly running it off, but medical evaluations this week will determine his availability against Liverpool.
Full List of Absent Players
Several key squad members remain sidelined:
- Lucas Bergvall and Mohammed Kudus: Not expected back until after the March international break.
- Destiny Udogie: Possible return after five weeks, aligning with the initial four-to-five-week prognosis.
- Dejan Kulusevski: Timeline unclear; Tudor expected to provide updates in Friday’s press conference.
- Ben Davies, Rodrigo Bentancur, James Maddison, and Wilson Odobert: Long-term injuries persist.
- Micky van de Ven: Suspended following a red card against Crystal Palace.
Tottenham’s squad operates at minimal strength, challenging Tudor to field a competitive lineup against Liverpool.
