Tottenham's Muani survives car crash, faces Frankfurt

Tottenham manager Thomas Frank is dealing with a significant selection crisis as his team prepares to face Eintracht Frankfurt in a crucial Champions League match.

Randal Kolo Muani, a key player, was involved in a minor car accident where his Ferrari's tire blew out. While this incident caused him and teammate Wilson Odobert to miss their flight to Germany, both are expected to be available for the match. All other individuals involved in the accident were reported to be unharmed.

However, the team's availability is severely impacted by a total of 14 players being unavailable for this critical fixture, which offers automatic qualification for the Champions League knockout stage. The absences create a major challenge for Frank, especially in midfield and defense.

On a more positive note, the squad welcomes back the midfield pairing of João Palhinha and Pape Matar Sarr. Sarr, recently crowned an Africa Cup of Nations champion, provides much-needed depth alongside players like Archie Gray and Xavi Simons. This return offers a crucial boost to a midfield that struggled in a recent draw.

With a likely shift to a back four due to defensive absences, including Van de Ven, and the potential return of Djed Spence to right-back, the team will adapt its formation. Frankfurt, meanwhile, has the leakiest defense in the Bundesliga and is searching for a new manager, presenting an opportunity for Spurs to capitalize on their European form despite their own depleted resources.