A major injury crisis has hit both Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa ahead of their standout FA Cup third-round clash this Saturday. The Premier League rivals are set to face off at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with a combined total of ten players definitively ruled out and a further four major doubts for the high-profile fixture.
Spurs' Squad Decimated by Injuries and Absences
Tottenham manager Thomas Frank is grappling with a significant selection headache. The situation worsened this week with influential winger Mohammed Kudus ruled out until after the March international break with a quad injury sustained against Sunderland.
He is joined by midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur, who suffered a hamstring issue in the midweek defeat to Bournemouth and faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines. Youngster Lucas Bergvall is also a doubt after picking up a muscle injury.
The Lilywhites' treatment room remains busy with long-term absentees James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, and Dominic Solanke still unavailable. Furthermore, the club is affected by the Africa Cup of Nations, with key midfielders Pape Matar Sarr and Yves Bissouma away on international duty.
There is a glimmer of hope regarding defender Destiny Udogie, who is nearing a return after a month out, though his fitness for Saturday remains uncertain.
Villa's Concerns as Martinez Becomes a Major Doubt
Aston Villa's preparations have been dealt a fresh blow with World Cup-winning goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez emerging as a major doubt. The Argentine was substituted at half-time during the goalless draw with Crystal Palace due to a calf issue.
Manager Unai Emery confirmed the problem, stating Martinez would be assessed, with Marco Bizot ready to deputise if needed. In more positive news, defender Pau Torres was fit enough for the bench at Selhurst Park after six games out.
Villa's absentee list is compounded by injuries to midfielders Amadou Onana and Ross Barkley, while striker Evann Guessand is representing Ivory Coast at AFCON. Defender Tyrone Mings is edging closer to fitness but his involvement this weekend is not guaranteed.
FA Cup History and Premier League Context
The two sides meet in a repeat of last season's FA Cup fourth-round tie, which Villa won 2-1 at Villa Park. They also defeated Spurs by the same scoreline in the Premier League at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium back in October.
This Saturday's match, kicking off at 17:45 GMT, offers a break from league duties for both. Villa, chasing a top-four finish, face a Spurs side struggling for form, setting the stage for a compelling cup encounter where squad depth will be severely tested.
The winners will secure a place in the FA Cup fourth round, with both managers forced to navigate significant selection challenges to keep their cup dreams alive.
