João Palhinha
FCBPortugal
Right
Jul 9, 1995
30
6'3"
185 lb
CM
CB
Box-to-Box
BayernTrains, set for return
Palhinha (concussion) is back in training and is an option for Sunday's match against Nottingham Forest, according to manager Igor Tudor.
Analysis: Palhinha was close to making the midweek UCL match after a concussion, and has finally found himself out of protocol, with the midfielder training and now an option. The club then adds back yet another starter to the team as they try to lower the injury list, still with numerous players missing. Palhinha has served between midfield and defense this season, likely to work back into a starting role soon after the injury, with 19 starts in 26 appearances this campaign.
Unavailable Sunday
Palhinha (concussion) is out for Sunday's game against Liverpool, according to manager Igor Tudor. "No, Romero and Palhinha out."
Analysis: Palhinha left Tuesday's game against Atletico after a head collision with Cristian Romero in the dying stages of the match, and both players will miss this trip to Anfield. Not having Palhinha shortens the team's midfield depth, as Rodrigo Bentancur (hamstring) and Yves Bissouma (undisclosed) are also out, while Conor Gallagher (illness) is uncertain to suit up Sunday. With all these absences, look for Archie Gray to be deployed in a central midfield role.
Picks up blow against Atleti
Palhinha abandoned Tuesday's UCL loss to Atletico Madrid due to a head injury he suffered in stoppage time, Alasdair Gold of Football London reports.
Analysis: Palhinha ended up feeling unwell following a head-to-head impact with teammate Cristian Romero during the Champions League round of 16 clash. The midfielder came off the bench midweek, but he's usually an important all-around contributor, so his issue would add to the problems of a side that is also missing Rodrigo Bentancur (hamstring). While Palhinha's status is still uncertain, Archie Gray was deployed in a central spot Tuesday and might continue to play that role if required in upcoming contests.
Three shots versus Fulham
Palhinha recorded three shots (zero on goal) in Sunday's 2-1 loss against Fulham.
Analysis: Palhinha tied a season high with three shots versus his former club Sunday, however he failed to put one on target. Despite his side conceding multiple goals once again, he contributed well on the defensive end as he won four tackles and intercepted two passes in his full 90 minutes of action. Still, as a veteran on this Spurs team, Palhinha will need to step up down the stretch to avoid relegation.
Starting Wednesday
Palhina (undisclosed) is in the starting XI for Wednesday's match against Frankfurt.
Analysis: Palhina was already training in full this week, making it no surprise that he is with the team Wednesday. With 17 starts in 27 appearances between UCL and league play this season, a starting role should remain for the midfielder, especially with Rodrigo Bentancur (hamstring) and Lucas Bergvall (ankle) out.
Training in full
Palhinha (undisclosed) was spotted training in full on Tuesday ahead of Wednesday's Champions League clash against Frankfurt, according to Sam Tabuteau from The Standard.
Analysis: Palhinha missed the last three games due to an undisclosed injury but the midfielder was spotted training in full on Tuesday during the last training session ahead of Wednesday's Champions League clash against Frankfurt. This is good news for the Spurs since he will add a new option to the midfield for coach Thomas Frank, although he should regain a rotational role now that Pape Sarr is back from international duty.
Not available Saturday
Palhinha (undisclosed) is ruled out for Saturday's clash against Burnley.
Analysis: Palhinha is not available for Saturday's clash against Burnley as he is still working his way back to full fitness. Despite progressing through his injury this week, he is not deemed ready after late testing. He therefore misses a third straight match and that allows newcomer Conor Gallagher to get a larger role from scratch with the Spurs.
Tight call for Burnley match
Palhinha (undisclosed) is in doubt for Saturday's match against Burnley, according to manager Thomas Frank. "Joao is progressing, could be close for Burnley, but I think it will be a tight one."
Analysis: Palhinha has been progressing through his injury this week, but is not yet fully fit, still needing to gain a bit more fitness before he is deemed an option for Saturday. This will likely lead him to some late testing ahead of the match, with that to decide if he is an option or not. He has missed their past two games, and after being a late call, he will likely only find the bench if fit.
Inactive in training, out Tuesday
Palhinha (undisclosed) was inactive in training Monday and is out for Tuesday's match against Dortmund, according to manager Thomas Frank. "No, no, no. That's why I said we only have 11 players. No, no, it's when it rains it pours, so he's not available."
Analysis: Palhinha is unavailable for the club heading into Tuesday's UCL contest, as the midfielder was dealt a training injury ahead of their match this weekend. He is still not training, as he was only viewed wearing slides and his training gear to begin the session Monday morning. Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray will be slated to start in the midfield, with the club very low on senior options heading into the contest.
Suffers knock in training
Palhinha suffered a knock in the last training session and is ruled out for Saturday's clash against West Ham United, according to Spurs Army.
Analysis: Palhinha won't be able to feature against West Ham United on Saturday since he suffered a knock during the last training session and was left out of the squad. The Portuguese was in the starting squad in three of his last four appearances but might see limited minutes moving forward due to the arrival of Conor Gallagher during the transfer window.
Scores excellent goal Wednesday
Palhinha scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal) in Wednesday's 3-2 loss versus AFC Bournemouth.
Analysis: Palhinha scored a wonderful overhead kick in the 78th minute Wednesday, a goal that appeared to be the equalizer before Antoine Semenyo won the match for Bournemouth late. It marked Palhinha's third goal in the Premier League this season and it marked his first shot on target since Nov. 8. He also won nine duels, blocked two shots and won one tackle as he played the full 90 minutes for the first time since Nov. 23.
Assists in Sunday's loss
Palhinha assisted once to go with one cross (zero accurate) and one chance created in Sunday's 4-1 loss versus Arsenal.
Analysis: Palhinha and the Spurs' defense had a very rough outing Sunday, but Palhinha salvaged something positive with an assist on Richarlison's long range strike. It was the only chance he created in the match. He was very active on the defensive end as he won 11 duels, made three clearances and won six tackles, but he and the defense conceded four goals to their arch rivals.
Goal and assist Tuesday
Palhinha scored one goal and assisted once from one shot and one chance created in Tuesday's 4-0 win versus FC Copenhagen.
Analysis: Palhinha did not start Tuesday's match, but that didn't stop him from impacting the match greatly. He assisted Micky van de Ven's wonder goal in the 64th minute, then scored a goal of his own three minutes later off a Cristian Romero assist. They marked his first two goal contributions in the Champions League this season, to go along with his three Premier League goal contributions thus far. He has only started one of four UCL matches so far this season, likely to keep his legs fresh for the Premier League schedule. However once more important UCL matches start popping up, he will likely find his way back into the starting XI.
Assists in Sunday's loss
Palhinha assisted once to go with two shots (one on goal) and one chance created in Sunday's 2-1 defeat against Aston Villa.
Analysis: Palhinha set up the opening goal of Sunday's match as his headed pass assisted Rodrigo Bentancur's goal in the 5th minute. It marked his first assist since joining Spurs and his third goal contribution of the young season. He played very well on the defensive end too as he won 11 duels, intercepted two passes, made one clearance and won six tackles in his full 90 minutes of action.
Scores late equalizer
Palhinha scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal) and one chance created in Saturday's 1-1 draw versus Wolverhampton. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 94th minute.
Analysis: Palhinha scored the equalizing goal Saturday, an outside-the-box strike in the 94th minute assisted by Pape Matar Sarr. It marked his second goal of the season and he also created his first chance of the young campaign. On the defensive end he won three tackles, intercepted one pass, made two clearances and won nine duels in his full 90 minutes of action.
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