(Credit: Imago)
(Credit: Imago)
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Potential Mathys Tel silver lining at Tottenham as major Champions League rule change revealed

Alex Charlton
Alex Charlton

Alex is a lifelong Sunderland supporter who's been reporting on Mackem News since April 2025. Indeed, he started working for Breaking Media in April and has since graduated from St Mary's University as a NCTJ Gold Standard-accredited journalist, having completed his Master's degree in Sports Journalism. Alex previously worked for Football League World and has featured on the Roker Report, providing his opinion on all things Sunderland. While getting to the games is tricky, given his job, one of the highlights of his life was watching (and crying) as the Black Cats defeated Sheffield United at Wembley Stadium last season.

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Tottenham will soon return to Champions League action after a two-year absence from the competition.

Mathys Tel was left out of Tottenham's Champions League squad for the competition, as well as Yves Bissouma and a group of injured players.

There have been doubts over whether Spurs should have signed Tel, but he will be itching to prove those people wrong.

While the Frenchman will be gutted to have been left out by the Dane, there is now a surprise route back for him.

Tottenham star Mathys Tel stands with his mouth open during a warmup.
The 20-year-old joined permanently this summer (Credit: Imago)

UEFA makes Champions League rule change

Tottenham may be underdogs to win the Champions League, but they have been handed a favourable opening run of games.

The North London club kick off against Villarreal on 16 September, with a trip to PSG the standout fixture.

As expected, Frank had to leave out some of his big-name players for the competition, with a maximum of 25 players selected.

  • Tel
  • Bissouma
  • Dejan Kulusevski (injured)
  • James Maddison (injured)
  • Radu Dragusin (injured)
  • Kota Takai (injured)

Now, UEFA has announced that clubs will be allowed to include a 'temporary' replacement if one of their outfield players suffers a 'long-term injury or illness'.

This is particularly good news for Spurs, who suffered an abnormal number of injuries last season under Ange Postecoglou.

Indeed, it is also significant news for Tel, who was a surprise omission despite completing a £30million move this summer.

Read more: Mathys Tel to regain Thomas Frank trust at Tottenham amid recent developments

Tottenham forward Mathys Tel in action during a game for France.
It is now up to the winger to impress his manager (Credit: Imago)

What must Mathys Tel do to get Tottenham chance?

There is no question that the France under-21 international is up against it to get a chance in Frank's side.

As a left-sided winger, he is up against the in-form Brennan Johnson, while Wilson Odobert is also in direct competition.

The 20-year-old has featured twice as a substitute in the Premier League, coming off the bench against Burnley and Bournemouth.

However, he did show his worth during the international break by bagging a brace against Serbia under-21s.

In adversity, Tel has shown professionalism and can be called upon by his manager if required.

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Mathys Tel
UEFA Champions League
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