As Spurs return from the international break, Thomas Frank has described the upcoming fixtures, Sunday’s North London Derby away at Arsenal followed by a Champions League league-phase trip to Paris Saint-Germain (26 November), as "a real test of depth and character" for a squad already reeling from injuries and a dip in form.

Frank’s side began the 2025/26 campaign with real promise after lifting the Europa League last season and taking PSG to the wire in the UEFA Super Cup. Early results were impressive, but recent Premier League defeats to Aston Villa, Newcastle and Chelsea, combined with a late equaliser conceded against Manchester United, have stalled momentum.

Tottenham remain fifth in the table and unbeaten in the Champions League league phase, yet consistency is now under intense scrutiny.

Tel’s limited role fuels January exit talk

Since arriving on loan in January 2025 and then permanently in the summer for around €35m, Mathys Tel has found opportunities scarce. The forward has played just 24 minutes across Spurs’ last four matches, squeezed out by fierce competition from Richarlison, Randal Kolo Muani, Dominic Solanke, Mohammed Kudus, Wilson Odobert and Brennan Johnson.

Italian sources claim Roma are preparing a January loan bid, and Tottenham would listen to suitable offers. Tel’s clinical finish against Manchester United earlier this month has given Frank pause for thought, however, with the manager stating he is "not ruling out a bigger role" for the teenager in the weeks ahead.

Injury crisis deepens ahead of pivotal week

The situation has been compounded by Pape Matar Sarr picking up a knock on Senegal duty. Sarr limped off during a friendly defeat to Brazil and was sent back to London rather than travelling for the 8-0 win over Kenya, with Senegal boss Pape Thiaw explaining it was precautionary.

Tottenham’s injury list remains lengthy: James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski and Radu Dragușin are long-term absentees, while Dominic Solanke, Yves Bissouma, Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray are all doubtful for the derby. Frank has admitted the depth issues are "far from ideal" as his side face one of the most demanding weeks of the season.

The next ten days, Arsenal away, then PSG, could define Tottenham’s campaign, with Thomas Frank hoping Mathys Tel and the rest of his patched-up squad can rise to the challenge.

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