Tottenham Hotspur may replace on-loan striker Randal Kolo Muani in their Champions League squad following a fractured jaw sustained in a recent match. The injury occurred during a 2-2 draw with Manchester United, where Kolo Muani collided with Harry Maguire. A new UEFA rule allows such changes for long-term injuries, potentially easing Spurs' forward options.
Randal Kolo Muani, Tottenham's on-loan striker, suffered a fractured jaw in the early stages of Saturday's 2-2 Premier League draw against Manchester United. He continued playing until halftime before being substituted and subsequently withdrawing from the France national team squad. French reports confirm the injury but state no surgery is required, though initial concerns of a two-month absence have eased without a definitive return timeline provided.
The incident has opened a pathway under updated UEFA regulations for the 2024-25 Champions League. Clubs can now replace one outfield player if the injury is expected to last at least 60 days from occurrence, supported by medical evidence submitted to UEFA. The governing body may request further examinations. This rule was utilized by Liverpool earlier this season, adding Federico Chiesa after Giovanni Leoni's injury.
Tottenham must decide on a replacement before matchday six on December 9, when they host Slavia Prague. If implemented, the original player remains ineligible for 60 days even if recovering sooner, but can rejoin afterward with 24 hours' notice, potentially allowing Kolo Muani's return for January fixtures against Borussia Dortmund and Eintracht Frankfurt.
Mathys Tel emerges as the prime candidate for inclusion, having been omitted from the initial squad list. He would bolster Spurs' attacking depth, especially with Dominic Solanke unavailable. Alternatives include defender Radu Dragusin, nearing a return post-international break, or winger Dejan Kulusevski, though he is not expected back until December. Tottenham currently has 11 players sidelined, heightening the need for squad flexibility.