Spurs Starting XI vs Borussia Dortmund: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup

Spurs pressure point before Dortmund visit

There is little room for comfort at Tottenham Hotspur right now, and tonight’s Champions League meeting with Borussia Dortmund arrives at a moment of internal strain. A stoppage time defeat to West Ham has sharpened scrutiny on head coach Thomas Frank, who remains in charge but is operating amid ongoing discussions about direction and stability.

Photo IMAGO

Those talks, involving chief executive Vinai Venkatesham, sporting director Johan Lange and Nick Beucher from the ownership group, underline the seriousness of the moment. Yet the immediate challenge is far more practical. Spurs must navigate this fixture with an extraordinary lack of options.

Injury crisis shaping Spurs plans

Frank admitted he has just 11 senior outfield players available. Ben Davies is set for surgery on a broken ankle sustained against West Ham, adding to a lengthy injury list that already includes James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, Mohammed Kudus, Rodrigo Bentancur and Richarlison.

Photo IMAGO

There is marginally better news elsewhere. Xavi Simons is fit and will play through pain after a heavy tackle from Jarrod Bowen, while Archie Gray trained and is also available. Joao Palhinha, however, remains sidelined after picking up a knock in training.

Photo IMAGO

Suspension and eligibility further thin the ranks. Micky van de Ven is banned after accumulating three yellow cards in six Champions League matches. New signing Conor Gallagher is ineligible, along with Radu Dragusin and Yves Bissouma.

Photo IMAGO

Selection calls under scrutiny

Frank’s most debated call has already been made. Mathys Tel has been omitted from the Champions League squad in favour of Dominic Solanke. Tel originally replaced Solanke during the striker’s recovery, but with Solanke fit again Frank described the switch as a “tough decision”. Tel has since been linked with a move away this month.

Photo IMAGO

There are also concerns around Pape Matar Sarr, who is unavailable after falling ill following Senegal’s Africa Cup of Nations triumph. He was rushed to hospital after the final, and it remains unclear whether he will join celebrations in Dakar.

Photo IMAGO

Predicted Spurs lineup and details

With so many absences, Spurs selection feels more like damage limitation than rotation.

Tottenham predicted XI: Vicario, Porro, Danso, Romero, Spence, Gray, Bergvall, Xavi, Odobert, Solanke, Kolo Muani

Injured: Maddison, Kulusevski, Davies, Bentancur, Kudus, Palhinha, RicharlisonIneligible: Dragusin, Gallagher, Bissouma, TelSuspended: Van de VenUnavailable: Sarr (AFCON illness)

Kick off: 8pm GMT, Tuesday January 20, 2026Venue: Tottenham Hotspur StadiumTV: TNT Sports