Spurs boss Frank confirms Bergvall injury blow but has positive update on other stars

Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank has confirmed that Lucas Bergvall’s injury ‘could be a longer one’.

The Sweden international was forced off in the second half during Spurs’ Champions League win against Borussia Dortmund. The 19-year-old has struggled with injuries in the past and is now set for another spell on the sidelines.

“Unfortunately Lucas picked up an ankle injury,” confirmed Frank. “So we keep being very unlucky with injuries. It looks like it could be a longer one.

“He’s been assessed these two days, so timeframe I will know more about in the next couple of days.

“It’s an ankle injury and a longer one, and the timeframe I’ll come back to when we know more in the next couple of days.”

However, there was a positive update on the fitness of another of Spurs’ midfielders. Joao Palhinha has missed the last two matches, but might return this weekend.

Tottenham’s manager revealed: “Joao Palhinha is progressing. Could be close for Burnley, but that could be a tight one.”

There was also good news on a Spurs trio who have been struggling with injuries throughout this season. Frank confirmed: “Dominic Solanke, Destiny (Udogie), Xavi (Simons), all three got well through the game against Dortmund.

“After extra recovery for various reasons, all three should be available for Burnley on Sunday.”

Solanke made his first start of the season against Dortmund in midweek. The striker marked his long-awaited return with an important goal.

Frank continued: “I think we saw a Solanke that was at 70% or whatever, it’s difficult to be 100%. 

“I think we saw a lot of good things for him. He scored a goal exactly where he should be with a nice little triple contact, but the big positive is that he was where he should be in the box.”