The 20-year-old forward picked up a groin problem during Spurs' 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest last weekend, where he was substituted early. Assistant manager Bruno Saltor, who had been standing in for Tudor, admitted after the match that the situation needed further checks. "We will assess him," Saltor said. "We need to see how he recovers before making any decisions."

Tel travelled to join the France Under-21 camp and attempted to prove his fitness. Reports indicated he trained on Monday and Tuesday, even taking part in light drills and jogging sessions alongside teammates. However, after further assessment, the decision was made to withdraw him from the squad. Lens forward Rayan Fofana has been called up as his replacement.

Sources close to the situation suggested Tel had "done everything he could" to be available, but ultimately fell short of full fitness. He will now return to Tottenham for further medical checks, with the club hopeful he can recover in time for their next Premier League fixture against Sunderland on 12 April.

Tel has been one of the few bright sparks in a difficult campaign, contributing three goals and one assist in 31 appearances this season, and starting each of Spurs' last three league matches.

His absence adds to an already lengthy injury list. First-choice goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario is set to undergo hernia surgery, while Yves Bissouma remains sidelined with a muscle issue. Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison and Wilson Odobert are all expected to miss the rest of the season.

There is some hope of returns next month, with Mohammed Kudus, Rodrigo Bentancur and Ben Davies progressing in their recoveries. Still, the mounting injuries continue to disrupt Spurs' rhythm during a crucial stage of the season.

With uncertainty also surrounding Tudor's future, Tottenham face a testing period both on and off the pitch as they prepare for their trip to the Stadium of Light.

Nedbank Cup Round of 32 draw