Credit: Imago

Samuel Fabre

Tue 17 March 2026 17:40, UK

Mathys Tel could be dropped by Igor Tudor when Tottenham Hotspur play their Champions League round of 16 match against Atletico Madrid at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Wednesday.

After Spurs lost the first leg 5-2, they’re in need of a convincing win, although they haven’t tasted victory in all competitions since January.

However, Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Liverpool has shown fans that their side is capable of putting up a fight, which is what they’ll desperately need to see against the Spaniards.

When Tottenham face Atletico Madrid on Wednesday, Tudor won’t make too many changes to his team that aren’t enforced, but Tel could be one of four players to drop out of Spurs’ lineup.

Xavi Simons to replace Mathys Tel in four changes

After spending the second half of the 2024-25 campaign in N17 on loan from Bayern Munich, Tel joined Tottenham permanently for £30million in the summer, becoming Thomas Frank’s first signing.

However, he has failed to live up to expectations, and his latest display against Liverpool was far from impressive.

According to Sofascore, the 20-year-old didn’t take a single shot and registered a pass accuracy of 54 per cent before being taken off in the 75th minute at Anfield.

Xavi Simons made an impact when he came off the bench, and it seems only a matter of time before Tudor realises that the Dutchman is better suited to the side than Tel.

Therefore, the French winger may have to make way for Simons.

Although Spurs played in a 4-4-2 formation against Liverpool, the return of Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero may mean Tudor reverts to a three-at-the-back formation.

Therefore, Radu Dragusin should be benched for Van de Ven, while Romero would come in for Souza, meaning Pedro Porro would return to his preferred right wing-back role.

The final change would see Randal Kolo Muani come in for the suspended Richarlison, which is a huge blow for Spurs.

Has Igor Tudor found his starting midfield duo in Pape Matar Sarr and Archie Gray?

One of the big criticisms Tudor has faced is his constant tweaking of the lineup and the tactics.

However, Pape Matar Sarr and Archie Gray could start their third consecutive game if they are named alongside each other in midfield.

While Gray has been phenomenal, there have definitely been question marks over Sarr’s ability.

However, against Liverpool, Sarr completed both of his two dribbles, made 17 carries with the ball and had 67 touches in the game.

Both midfielders were physically exposed in the first leg when they faced Atletico Madrid, but if they can step up in the second leg, then they could be the midfield duo that Tudor trusts to guide Spurs towards Premier League safety for the remainder of the campaign.