Tottenham could still have 13 players missing vs Atletico Madrid for Champions League clash

Tottenham Hotspur face a huge European challenge this week, but injuries and suspensions could leave Igor Tudor with a severely depleted squad for the Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid.

Tottenham Hotspur’s focus is now set to turn to the Champions League following their 1-1 draw with Liverpool in the Premier League last weekend.

But the task in front of Spurs in Europe on Wednesday night is massive as they aim to overcome a three-goal deficit following their 5-2 first-leg defeat against Atletico Madrid in the round of 16 of the Champions League.

Spurs must lead by at least three goals to force extra time and win by four goals to win the tie outright if they are to progress to the quarter-final of this competition.

The return leg against Atletico Madrid takes place at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, a ground where Spurs have a strong European record and where they have remained unbeaten since 2020.

Tottenham injury list before Atletico Madrid Champions League clash

Igor Tudor will have to pull off whatever remontada is required without several of his outfield players as Tottenham continue to manage an injury crisis.

As it stands, Spurs are set to be without a rather high 13 players when they take on Atletico Madrid in north London.

The usual names remain sidelined, with Dejan Kulusevski, Rodrigo Bentancur, Yves Bissouma, Ben Davies, Lucas Bergvall, Wilson Odobert and James Maddison all out.

Mohammed Kudus is edging towards a return, with one pencilled in for after the international break, but it remains to be seen if he will be back sooner rather than later.

Destiny Udogie is also sidelined for this one as it might come too soon for the Italian, whose return is pencilled in for the weekend.

Richarlison is not injured but is suspended after picking up a yellow card in the first leg at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium.

Cristian Romero and Joao Palhinha are also expected to miss out because of concussion protocols following their clash of heads late in Madrid last Tuesday.

Meanwhile, full-back Souza is not part of Spurs’ Champions League squad alongside Bissouma, who remains sidelined through injury.

Spurs could rely on youngsters against Atletico Madrid

Tottenham will, however, be hoping that Conor Gallagher is at least fit for this one, as he is nursing an illness he picked up before the Liverpool clash.

The former Atletico Madrid midfielder does represent the little bit of respite Spurs are expected to get on the injury front heading into this encounter.

We could well see a rather depleted bench that will feature several youngsters as Spurs push to turn this tie on its head. Both Callum Olusesis and James Rowswell came off the bench to help Tottenham earn the draw with Liverpool.

At the weekend, though, for the relegation six-pointer against Nottingham Forest, Tottenham could have five senior players back.

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