Micky van de Ven injury absence raises Tottenham concern ahead of Frankfurt clash

Van de Ven did not take part in the session with the rest of the squad, increasing concern ahead of Wednesday night's game in Germany. Head coach Thomas Frank is expected to clarify the centre-back's condition when he speaks to the media later on Tuesday.

Any injury to Van de Ven would be a significant setback for Spurs at a critical stage of the season. Tottenham need a win against Frankfurt to secure a top-eight finish in the Champions League league phase, which would guarantee automatic qualification for the knockout rounds. The timing is far from ideal, with a demanding run of domestic fixtures looming in February against Manchester City, Manchester United, Newcastle and Arsenal.

There was further concern at training as Pedro Porro was also absent. The right-back was withdrawn at half-time during Saturday's 2-2 draw with Burnley, but Frank explained afterwards that the decision was precautionary.

Porro has started Tottenham's last 14 matches in all competitions, and the club have been carefully managing his workload.

There was more positive news elsewhere. Joao Palhinha trained and is expected to be available after missing the last three games with a knock picked up in training. Cristian Romero also returned to training after being substituted late on at Burnley, with Frank confirming the defender had been suffering from cramp rather than injury.

Pape Matar Sarr also trained after returning from the Africa Cup of Nations.

Tottenham remain without several long-term absentees, including James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, Rodrigo Bentancur, Mohammed Kudus, Lucas Bergvall, Ben Davies and Richarlison, as Frank weighs up his options ahead of a defining European night. 

READ MORE: Cardoso outlines youth management, competition and expectations at Sundowns