Senegal international Pape Matar Sarr faces reduced minutes at Tottenham

Tottenham manager Thomas Frank has dismissed concerns over Pape Matar Sarr’s limited recent involvement, insisting the Senegal international remains firmly valued within the squad despite losing his starting place.

Sarr, who made a bright start to the campaign, has seen his playing time significantly reduced over the past month.

The 23-year-old has featured for just 33 minutes across Spurs’ last four Premier League fixtures and was once again named among the substitutes for the Champions League meeting with AS Monaco on Wednesday.

His recent absence from the starting line-up has sparked questions among supporters, but Frank insists the explanation is straightforward.

“There’s no problem with him, the Tottenham head coach stated during his Friday press conference. He probably started the first six games and I think he was a very good player for us. I think there was a little moment where we took it easy on him. But no, no, it’s just the competition, other players, you know, played well. Those are my decisions. But overall, I’m happy with Pape. I’ve said it before, he’s one of the players who impressed me the most at the start of the season, and he’s a very good player.”

Frank’s comments underline the strength of depth in Tottenham’s midfield, where João Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur have recently established themselves as first-choice options.

Their form has pushed Sarr into a rotational role, a shift in responsibility that Tottenham view as part of the natural competition required to sustain performance levels across a long season.

Sarr, who joined Spurs with high expectations after emerging as one of Senegal’s brightest young talents, had quickly endeared himself to Frank with his drive, athleticism and tactical discipline earlier in the campaign.

His manager’s remarks suggest that his current situation is not a consequence of poor form or a change in long-term plans, but rather an example of the constant selection battles within a squad targeting success on multiple fronts.

Tottenham’s upcoming schedule offers plenty of opportunities for rotation, with Frank hinting that the midfielder’s contribution remains an important asset as the team navigate both domestic and European competition.

The reassurance comes at a crucial moment for Sarr, who will be eager to reclaim a regular starting place as Spurs aim to maintain momentum in the Premier League and continue their Champions League challenge.

For now, Tottenham insist patience is key — and that Sarr is very much still part of their project.