After several poor performances in a row, Tottenham Hotspur supporters were wholly fed up with manager Thomas Frank and were loudly sharpening their pitchforks in preparation for Frank's return match against Brentford. If Frank could not beat his old club with a more talented Spurs side, fans surmised that he would be one large step closer towards wearing out his welcome at the club.
Well, Tottenham finally responded, turning in their best performance in ages, winning 2-0 against Brentford in what can only be described as a comprehensive display. Yet even in victory and with positivity abound, there was still a negative to take from the game on the injury front.
Spurs have been dealt the worst hand of any team in the Premier League injury wise, which was already the case last season. James Maddison is out with a torn ACL, Dejan Kulusevski and Dominic Solanke are still nowhere near injury returns, and several other key players have missed time this season.
Tottenham have to worry about Randal Kolo Muani again
And once again, as Thomas Frank told reporters, via The Spurs Express, key starting left back Destiny Udogie is out injured. Frank explained that he could not play against Brentford due to an injury he picked up against Newcastle on Tuesday night in the 2-2 draw. Frank said of Udogie, “He got a soft tissue injury, unfortunately, against Newcastle.”
On the bright side, Frank stated that Udogie will not be out for "too long". Then again, given how the season has gone, "not too long" from Frank could mean anything, given he said that Solanke was supposed to come back soon and the striker remains out of action.
Speaking of injured strikers, Randal Kolo Muani may have picked up a knock against Brentford. The Daily Mirror's Ryan Taylor reported that the French star was observed in the mixed zone with a visible limp. Per Taylor, he was also "moving gingerly" prior to being substituted from the game.
Although Kolo Muani did not get on the score sheet, the new No. 9 has been a huge boost for Xavi SImons, Richarlison, and the rest of the Tottenham attack. His first touch, passing ability, and, most importantly, work ethic have been a real positive for Spurs, and Kolo Muani's three goal contributions against PSG were a sign of the quality he can bring to the table to win games on his own.
Spurs can't afford to lose either of these players for an extended period of time. Kolo Muani is the best striker on the team, while Udogie is the only true left back Spurs have. Updates on these two will be imperative going forward.