New UEFA rule could allow Thomas Frank to replace Randal Kolo Muani in their Champions League squad after the striker suffered an injury
Tottenham’s on-loan striker Randal Kolo Muani suffered an injury in their clash against Manchester United last weekend. The Frenchman heavily collided with Harry Maguire in the first half, but he continued playing. He was taken off by Thomas Frank at half-time for Wilson Odobert.
It was initially assumed that the substitution was tactical. However, fresh reports from France state that Kolo Muani has sustained a jaw injury and could be sidelined for a lengthy period. Kolo Muani has reportedly sustained a fracture in his jaw, but does not require surgery. With several key attackers, including Dominic Solanke, Dejan Kulusevski, and James Maddison, already sidelined with injuries, Muani’s setback has dealt a massive blow to Thomas Frank’s side.
However, it could be possible for Tottenham to replace Kolo Muani in their Champions League squad, as the new rules allow teams to replace an outfield player in their squad if they have suffered an injury that would rule them out for at least a 60-day period.
If Kolo Muani needs a period of 60 days to recover, Tottenham can replace him in their UCL squad. The rule applied earlier this season, when Liverpool replaced Giovani Leone for Federico Chiesa.
The rules also state that if the injured player recovers before the 60-day period ends, they will remain ineligible until that period expires. Afterward, the player can be reintroduced to the squad with a 24-hour notice before the next match.
Tottenham can choose to replace Kolo Muani in their Champions League squad for now, and he can still be reintroduced in January to feature against Borussia Dortmund and Eintracht Frankfurt.
Who can replace Randal Kolo Muani in the Champions League squad?
Spurs are currently short of options in attack. According to The Standard, Mathys Tel would be the natural replacement for Kolo Muani, as Tel was initially left out of the squad by Thomas Frank. There is no outright replacement for Kolo Muani, considering all the other forwards are currently sidelined with injuries.
The Lilywhites signed Kolo Muani on a season-long loan from PSG on transfer deadline day this summer. The French striker struggled initially to find his form in English football. However, he was just starting to settle in and show promise before suffering an injury. Kolo Muani, known for his pace, aerial ability, and versatility in attack, has been seen as an important addition to Tottenham’s revamped frontline but has yet to fully hit his stride due to setbacks this season.
