Tottenham Hotspur host League One side Doncaster Rovers in the Carabao Cup third round at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Wednesday evening.
This is a tie that on paper makes Spurs overwhelming favourites, yet it still demands full focus to avoid a humiliating early exit from the Carabao Cup competition. The north Londoners reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals last time out, but Liverpool came in their way. Thomas Frank will be eager to go one better this time and win the League Cup, which will be the club’s first triumph in the competition since 2008.
The Danish tactician has enjoyed a strong start to life in north London after leaving Brentford in June. Spurs currently sit third in the Premier League table whilst they also won on their return to the Champions League with a 1-0 victory over Villarreal last week. A spirited 2-2 draw with Brighton & Hove Albion at the weekend saw them drop points for only the second time this season, but four wins from six in all competitions is a brilliant return.
Thomas Frank gives Tottenham team news ahead of Doncaster Rovers cup clash
After their Premier League duties at the Amex Stadium, attention now firmly turns to the cup clash against Doncaster Rovers. Given the injury situation and games coming thick and fast, Thomas Frank must rotate his squad and manage key players well.
James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski and Radu Dragusin all remain sidelined for Spurs. Frank held his pre-match press conference on Tuesday and confirmed that deadline day signing Randal Kolo and veteran defender Ben Davies have picked up minor injuries, ruling them out of the cup tie. However, he gave positive update on Dominic Solanke and Kota Takai, who have both resumed training and could be involved in midweek.
“Everyone available last time is available again. Kolo Muani and Ben Davies they’ve got minor injuries but this game has just come too soon. Dominic [Solanke] and [Kota] Takai are progressing, they were training with the team today,” Frank was quoted by Football London.
Rotation very much on the cards
Kolo Muani missed the Brighton game with a dead leg and will not be available again for Tottenham. Frank was hopeful of the Frenchman recovering in time to face Doncaster but it has not happened.
Davies, too, has been ruled out with a minor issue, although good news for the fans is that they could see summer signing Kota Takai in competitive action for the first time since he moved from Kawasaki Frontale in July. The Japanese prospect has trained, and if he is passed fit, he could get some minutes off the bench, along with Solanke, who has been out for the last few games with an ankle issue.
Frank is expected to rotate his squad heavily but pick a team strong enough that can overcome Doncaster in the Carabao Cup third round. We could see a couple of academy talents get opportunities to impress as well in midweek.