Injury boost: Spence returns to training as Tottenham prepare forAtletico clash

Tottenham Hotspur received a timely boost ahead of their UEFA Champions League round of 16 first-leg clash against Atletico Madrid after defender Djed Spence returned to training on Monday, Sport360NG reports.

Spence took part in the club’s open training session following a four-week absence caused by a calf injury, providing relief for Tottenham interim manager Igor Tudor, who has been dealing with limited options at left-back ahead of the trip to Spain.

Romanian defender Radu Dragusin also joined the session after missing Tottenham’s recent defeat to Crystal Palace.

Captain Cristian Romero and centre-back partner Micky van de Ven were both present at the training ground in Enfield and are expected to be available for Tuesday’s encounter. However, both defenders are returning after red cards in their most recent appearances for the club.

Romero has not featured for Spurs since being sent off during the 2-0 defeat to Manchester United on February 7. Should he be selected, Tuesday’s match would mark his first appearance under Tudor.

Tottenham will return to the Wanda Metropolitano for the first time since their loss in the 2019 UEFA Champions League final. Tudor is scheduled to address the media later on Monday evening as preparations continue for the crucial fixture.

Pressure has mounted on Tudor following Spurs’ 3-1 home defeat to Crystal Palace last Thursday, a result that was worsened after Van de Ven received a first-half red card. The collapse intensified speculation surrounding the Croatian coach’s future.

Appointed as interim head coach on February 14, Tudor has overseen three matches so far, all ending in defeat, while also publicly criticising a squad already struggling for confidence.