Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Lucas Bergvall is the latest addition to the Premier League club’s injury list, with under-pressure coach Thomas Frank suggesting his side are cursed.
Swede Bergvall damaged his ankle during Tuesday’s 2-0 Champions League home win over Borussia Dortmund – a result that somewhat tested Frank.
Spurs face second-bottom Burnley in the Premier League on Saturday hoping to replicate that positive performance, but will be without the likes of Rodrigo Bentancur, Richarlison, Mohammed Kudus, Ben Davies and now Bergvall.
Joao Palhinha is also doubtful, while striker Dominic Solanke is not yet 100% fit despite scoring against Dortmund in his first start since the final day of last season.
«Unfortunately, Lucas suffered an ankle injury. He always has a lot of bad luck with injuries. It seems like a bigger injury,» Frank told reporters. ‘He will be examined in the coming days so we will know more about the time frame.
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“Palhinha is making progress, could be close to Burnley but will be tight.”
Frank, whose side have dropped to 14th in the table after two wins in their last 13 Premier League games, said Tottenham’s injury record this season is one of the worst he has ever come across.
“It must be close to my third year in the Premier League with Brentford, I also had a terrible year with a huge impact,” said the Dane. “Some of it is similar to what is happening here, it seems like we are cursed or something like that, but injuries are part of football.
“The next thing we can look at is how we can accelerate the return to play.”
MORE POSITIVE ATMOSPHERE
Things turned toxic after last week’s defeat at home to West Ham United, when the Spurs fans turned on Frank at the final whistle.
However, there was a more positive atmosphere on Tuesday and Frank again said he felt supported by the club’s CEO Vinai Venkatesham and other senior figures.
“The support (from the club) has been exceptional all season,” said the Dane. «I know there are a few questions about me, but it’s not about me. It’s about me, the staff, the players, the club and that has to be aligned and that direction and alignment is very clear, from ownership to the board.»
However, there was a more positive atmosphere on Tuesday and Frank again said he felt supported by the club’s CEO Vinai Venkatesham and other senior figures. | Photo credit: Reuters
However, there was a more positive atmosphere on Tuesday and Frank again said he felt supported by the club’s CEO Vinai Venkatesham and other senior figures. | Photo credit: Reuters
“Everyone is on the same page and a lot of things are moving in the right direction.”
Central defender Micky van de Ven will be available against Burnley after a suspension for the match against Dortmund.
The Dutchman has been linked with a move away from the London club, but Frank said he is part of Tottenham’s future.
«He seems happy. Very happy after the match we won,» he said. “He is a fantastic player and a fantastic ambassador for this club. He has had perhaps his best season for the club. He is growing as a leader and a big player for the future.”
“Micky is a Tottenham player for us, now and in the future.”
Published on January 22, 2026
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