Injury Cloud Looms Over Tottenham Ahead of Champions League Clash: Spence, Kudus & Bergvall Miss Training • Spurs Only

Tottenham Hotspur’s hopes of boosting their Champions League campaign encounter fresh turbulence as Djed Spence, Mohammed “Mo” Kudus, and Lucas Bergvall were all absent from training ahead of their must-win fixture against FC Copenhagen. (TBR)

What We Know: Missing From Monday’s Training

Lucas Bergvall is confirmed out by manager Thomas Frank after suffering a concussion during the recent fixture against Chelsea.
- Frank said Bergvall will miss two matches under concussion protocols, ruling him out not only of the Copenhagen fixture but also the upcoming Premier League clash with Manchester United. (Tottenham Hotspur)
- The injury happened early in the Chelsea match, when Bergvall took a blow to the face before being substituted. (Tottenham Hotspur)
Djed Spence and Mohammed Kudus both missed training due to knocks they sustained against Chelsea. (The Standard)
- While not yet officially ruled out, their fitness is very much under question. Frank described both as having “knocks” and said they could, but might not be, available. (Spurs Web)
- The media and fan reaction has been cautious—Kudus in particular is viewed as a key offensive threat, so any absence is concerning. (The Standard)

In short: Bergvall is confirmed out, and Spence & Kudus are doubts. The trio were all absent in Monday’s open training session. (Tottenham Hotspur)

The Bigger Picture: Is the Injury Curse Striking Again?

Last season, Tottenham were dogged by injury concerns. Players were rotated frequently, and key men missed stretches at critical junctures. Now, barely into the 2025–26 campaign, losing multiple contributors before a Champions League tie raises alarm bells.

Parallels with Last Season

Squad fragility exposed: When multiple first-choice or rotation players are banged up simultaneously, the depth of the squad is tested severely—a pattern Spurs have grown all too familiar with.
Momentum shifts: Just as last year, injuries have struck at pivotal moments, disrupting rhythm and forcing tactical reshuffles.
Psychological impact: The mere spectre of a mounting injury list can unsettle performances; players may subconsciously “hold off” for fear of aggravating knocks.

Even if Spence and Kudus recover in time, the fact they missed a session suggests the medical staff are being cautious—and rightly so.

Why This Matters for the Run Ahead

Here are the implications of potentially missing these three:

1. Tactical Disruption & Lack of Cohesion

Losing Bergvall removes a midfield option and forces reshuffles.
If Kudus is unavailable, Spurs lose one of their most dangerous attacking weapons; the balance of creativity and goal threat falls.
Spence’s absence weakens their width and full-back rotation.

2. Squad Depth Strain

The backup options may not match the quality or form of the starters.
Without full choice, Thomas Frank may be forced into less-than-ideal adjustments, increasing injury risk for the replacements themselves.

3. Champions League Consequences

The Copenhagen match is not just another game—it’s critical to Spurs’ European survival hopes.
Dropping points due to absences could have knock-on effects for confidence, draw difficulty, and morale.

4. Physical Toll & Cumulative Fatigue

Players forced into heavy minutes with little rest are more likely to pick up late injuries.
The medical and fitness staff must be on red alert, especially with international breaks, travel, and fixture congestion looming.

Verdict: Worrying Signs, But Not Fatal (Yet)

While Bergvall’s absence is confirmed, Spence and Kudus remain doubts rather than losses. Frank’s cautious optimism indicates the club may still get reinforcements back in time for the Copenhagen game. (Spurs Web)

However, this trio’s absence would stoke fears that Tottenham are repeating last season’s injury problems. The club must balance risk, recovery, and performance more carefully than ever.

If I were to advise Tottenham: