£30m signing among Spurs stars missing from Champions League squad

Thomas Frank faces a major test after being forced into difficult Champions League squad decisions that leave big-money signings and senior stars on the sidelines.

Tottenham’s return to the Champions League after .. has come with many complications. With injuries stacking up and UEFA’s squad restrictions limiting his options, Frank has had to make tough calls before the club's campaign in Europe.

The result is a squad list that leaves out a £30m arrival, three long-term absentees, and a midfielder seemingly heading for the exit door.

These decisions highlight the fine margins facing Tottenham as they compete on multiple fronts, also shedding light on Frank’s priorities.

Why Mathys Tel and other key players will miss out

The headline absence is Mathys Tel, Tottenham’s £30m signing from Bayern Munich on a contract until 2031. Despite his promise and price tag, the 19-year-old striker has not been registered.

UEFA rules allow only 17 foreign-trained players in a 25-man squad, and the deadline-day arrival of Randal Kolo Muani meant someone had to give way. Tel was the unfortunate casualty.

Frank has also left out three key players through injury. Dejan Kulusevski continues his recovery from knee surgery and is not expected back until the winter.

Radu Dragusin, who suffered an ACL rupture in January, is also months away. James Maddison will miss the entire group stage after his own ACL surgery this summer.

Midfielder Yves Bissouma is another notable absentee, signalling he has fallen out of favour. With Turkish clubs circling, his exclusion points to a player who is no longer central to Tottenham’s plans.

The real impact on Tottenham's European campaign

These omissions don’t just weaken Tottenham on paper; they reshape the identity of a rebuilding team heading into Europe.

Losing Maddison, Kulusevski, and Dragusin robs Frank of three players who would normally walk into the starting XI. Creativity and defensive stability is gone before the campaign even starts.

Leaving out £30m Mathys Tel sends a message that reputation and transfer fees count for little under Frank. It’s pragmatic, but it also risks stalling the momentum of one of Europe’s brightest young forwards.

Supporters will rightly question why the future of their attack is sitting at home while others get the nod.

Ultimately, Tottenham go into Europe with one hand tied behind their back and the squad feels light. Reinforcements may arrive for the knockout rounds, but there’s no guarantee Spurs will get there, and Frank has already gambled on readiness over reputation.