Thomas Frank is positive that Lucas Bergvall will be available for selection against Brentford on New Year’s Day.
Bergvall came off just past the hour mark during Spurs’ 1-0 win over Crystal Palace last weekend with a muscular injury, but Frank is confident he will be fit for their trip to the Gtech Community Stadium on Thursday.
"Lucas is okay. I'm quite positive he will be available,” the Dane said in his pre-match press conference.
“Of course, there's a small doubt, but it's quite possible that he will be available.”
With Bergvall to be assessed in the lead-up to the game, Joao Palhinha could come back into the team.
The Portuguese midfielder impressed off the bench as the north Londoners held on for a precious victory away at Palace.
Ahead of what is set to be a busy January transfer window, Brennan Johnson is expected to leave Spurs after the club agreed a £35million deal with Palace on Tuesday.
However, despite the 24-year-old’s future being cast into doubt, Frank remained adamant he would be available for selection against Brentford.
“He contributed to a very good and important win against Crystal Palace. He trained very well today. I expect him fully to be available and able to play against Brentford.”
Frank also confirmed that captain Cristian Romero, who missed the win over Palace, would be available again after his dismissal against Liverpool.
Romero, who will likely take the place of Kevin Danso, is the subject of an FA charge and could potentially face a further suspension after “failing to promptly leave the field of play and/or behaving in a confrontational and/or aggressive manner towards the match referee after being sent off” following his sending off.
Frank, though, said he believed a decision on Romero’s charge would not be taken until early January.
"He's ready for the game (against Brentford),” said Frank on Tuesday. “As far as I know, it's something that will be decided in early January.”
Xavi Simons was also sent off against Liverpool and will serve the second of his three-game suspension as Frank travels to take on his former club.
James Maddison, Dominic Solanke, and Dejan Kulusevski remain out, but Frank was able to offer a more positive update on Destiny Udogie, who has been out since early December with a hamstring injury.
"He is running out there on the pitch, doing individual sessions on the pitch, so progressing going forward, that's good," Frank said of the left-back.
Kota Takai and Radu Dragusin were both named in a matchday squad for the first time this season at Selhurst Park at the weekend.
The pair provide a welcome boost for Frank as Spurs prepare to play four times in the next nine days.
Predicted Tottenham XI (4-3-3): Vicario, Spence, Romero, van de Ven, Porro, Bentancur, Gray, Palhinha, Kolo Muani, Richarlison, Kudus
Injured: Solanke, Maddison, Udogie, Kulusevski
Doubt: Bergvall
Unavailable: Bissouma, Sarr (Africa Cup of Nations)
Suspended: Simons
Time and date: 8pm GMT on Thursday, January 1, 2026
Venue: Gtech Community Stadium
How to watch: Sky Sports
