Tottenham Hotspur’s difficult season took a turn for the worse as head coach Thomas Frank admitted defender Destiny Udogie will spend significant periods on the sidelines.
Speaking ahead of Tuesday’s Premier League game against Newcastle United, Frank revealed the Italian left-back has suffered a hamstring injury and will be out of action for at least a month.
Destiny Udogie out for 4-5 weeks
The injury occurred during Tottenham’s disappointing 2-0 defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford last Saturday.
Udogi pulled up early in the second half, but limped off the pitch in the 55th minute and was replaced by January signing Souza.
Frank initially hoped his withdrawal was precautionary, but subsequent tests confirmed a hamstring strain.
Frank told reporters (via Football London): “Unfortunately, Destiny has a hamstring injury. He will be out for the next four or five weeks.”
It’s a recurring frustration for the 23-year-old, who only recently returned from a similar muscle issue and has struggled with fitness throughout the 2025/26 season.
How many games will Udogi miss for Tottenham?
A four- to five-week recovery schedule would put Udogi back in mid-March.
This means he is certain to miss important Premier League matches against Newcastle United, Arsenal, Fulham and Crystal Palace.
Perhaps more devastatingly, the ‘outstanding’ defender is now a serious doubt for Tottenham’s Champions League round of 16 first leg, scheduled for March 10/11.
Fellow star Dejan Kulusevski is also out for an extended period of time, with Frank admitting he “doesn’t know” whether the Swede will play again this season, leaving Spurs’ fitness severely diminished.
Tottenham’s problems worsen as relegation looms
The loss of Udogi comes at a time when Tottenham are having a nightmare domestic run.
After the loss to United, Spurs are now winless in seven games in the Premier League and remain in 15th place, just six points above the relegation zone.
Despite the club’s success in Europe, the Danish player’s job is in jeopardy as the league’s form has been described as “hopeless” by Frank.
With captain Cristian Romero suspended for four games and a growing injury list that includes Kevin Danso and James Maddison, the north London side face a serious battle to maintain their top-flight status.
