Frank Admits Spurs Facing Nervy Moment as Kulusevski Injury Clouds Newcastle Clash

Tottenham Hotspur head coach Thomas Frank has acknowledged growing concern around his squad’s fitness and league position as Spurs prepare to face Newcastle United, with fresh doubts over Dejan Kulusevski adding to an already difficult run.

Speaking ahead of the midweek Premier League fixture, Frank confirmed that Kulusevski remains a worry after picking up an issue that will rule him out of immediate contention. While the club is still assessing the full impact, the timing could hardly be worse for a Tottenham side struggling for momentum and consistency. Kulusevski has been one of the more reliable attacking options this season, and his potential absence further reduces Frank’s flexibility in key areas of the pitch.

Tottenham’s problems extend beyond injuries. Their recent defeat at Manchester United ended a brief unbeaten spell and underlined deeper issues that have plagued the team for much of the campaign. Playing with ten men for over an hour after Cristian Romero’s dismissal, Spurs once again paid the price for lapses in discipline and concentration. Romero will now serve a four match suspension, removing a senior figure from the defence at a time when leadership is in short supply.

The league table paints an uncomfortable picture. Tottenham sit only a handful of points above the relegation zone and have managed just two wins in their last sixteen league matches. While Frank rejected the idea that the club should panic, he accepted that the situation demands urgency and focus. He stressed that performances must improve quickly if Spurs are to pull clear of danger and avoid being dragged deeper into a survival fight.

Injury concerns continue to mount. Destiny Udogie has been ruled out for several weeks with a hamstring problem, further thinning options at full back. Kevin Danso is also unavailable, leaving Frank with limited defensive choices ahead of a demanding run of fixtures. The manager admitted that managing workloads and protecting players will be a challenge, but insisted excuses cannot become a habit.

Frank was also asked about comments from former Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino, who suggested that winning a secondary European trophy should not be enough for a club of Tottenham’s stature. Frank responded diplomatically, saying the immediate priority is restoring confidence and stability rather than debating long term ambitions. He emphasised that Tottenham must first take care of their league position before looking further ahead.

The visit of Newcastle represents both a threat and an opportunity. Eddie Howe’s side arrive with their own ambitions, but Frank believes a strong home performance could help reset the mood around the club. He called on players and supporters alike to stay united, warning that negativity could worsen an already fragile situation.

As Spurs prepare for another crucial night, the message from the head coach was clear. Injuries and suspensions have hurt, but responsibility ultimately lies with the group to respond. Whether Tottenham can rise to the challenge or slide further into trouble may be decided in the coming weeks.