Injury concerns and key returns for Premier League teams ahead of Champions League last-16

Several Premier League clubs are preparing for crucial fixtures in the UEFA Champions League round of 16, with injuries, squad rotations, and managerial pressure shaping the build-up to the decisive European ties.

Tottenham Hotspur head into their first-leg clash against Atletico Madrid with mixed news on the injury front. 

Defender Djed Spence returned to training after missing four weeks with a calf problem, giving manager Igor Tudor more options at left-back ahead of the trip to Spain.

Radu Dragusin also took part in training following his absence in Tottenham’s recent defeat to Crystal Palace.

Spurs captain Cristian Romero and defender Micky van de Ven were both involved in the session and are available for selection.

Romero has not played since being sent off during a 2-0 loss to Manchester United on February 7, meaning a start against Atletico would mark his first appearance under Tudor.

Tottenham return to the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium for the first time since losing the 2019 UEFA Champions League Final.

However, the club’s recent struggles have increased pressure on Tudor.

Since taking over as interim coach on February 14, he has overseen three defeats, including a damaging 3-1 loss at home to Crystal Palace that intensified doubts about his future.

In contrast, Atletico appear in strong form under Diego Simeone, currently sitting third in La Liga and reaching the Copa del Rey final.

With a deeper squad and momentum on their side, many observers expect a difficult night for Tottenham.

Meanwhile, Liverpool travel to Turkey to face Galatasaray, but goalkeeper Alisson Becker will miss the match after feeling minor discomfort during training.

The Brazilian was left out of the travelling squad as a precaution.

Midfielder Alexis Mac Allister trained ahead of the trip after receiving treatment for a knee issue during Liverpool’s 3-1 FA Cup victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers, while winger Federico Chiesa was absent from the squad.

The trip to Türk Telekom Arena could also mark a historic moment for Mohamed Salah.

The Egyptian forward is level with Jamie Carragher on 80 Champions League appearances for Liverpool and could become the club’s record appearance holder in the competition.

Salah is also one goal away from becoming the first African player to score 50 goals in the European Cup or Champions League.

Manchester City are also preparing for a major European clash against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.

Striker Erling Haaland is expected to return after missing City’s FA Cup victory over Newcastle United.

Manager Pep Guardiola opted to rest the Norwegian as he recovered from a knock, allowing him to rebuild his match fitness and pace.

Guardiola also rotated several key players during the cup win, including Rodri, Bernardo Silva, and Ruben Dias, keeping them fresh for the European showdown.

However, defender Rico Lewis remains doubtful with an ankle problem.

City’s manager hopes midfielder Mateo Kovacic and defender Josko Gvardiol will return later in the season after long injury spells.

Elsewhere, Newcastle United face what manager Eddie Howe described as the biggest match in the club’s history when they take on FC Barcelona in their Champions League round-of-16 tie.

Despite their FA Cup defeat to Manchester City, Howe believes the team must quickly refocus on Europe.

Newcastle could receive a boost with defender Tino Livramento returning to training after injury, while midfielder Jacob Ramsey is available again after serving a suspension.

The Magpies will rely heavily on forward Anthony Gordon, who has been one of the tournament’s top scorers with 10 goals so far.

With several English clubs entering decisive Champions League battles against Europe’s elite, the coming week could prove pivotal for the Premier League’s hopes of success on the continent.