Timo Werner's tenure at Tottenham Hotspur has taken another significant downturn, as the former German international has been left out of the squad for the Europa League knockout rounds.
This decision, revealed by the club on Friday, follows his struggles to secure regular playing time since joining Tottenham on loan from RB Leipzig earlier this year. Werner's exclusion is largely due to the recent signing of French forward Mathys Tel from Bayern Munich, who has already made his mark with the Spurs.
Werner, now 28, joined Tottenham on loan back in January 2024 but has yet to find his rhythm with the Premier League outfit. He has had limited opportunities, playing mostly off the bench, and his overall tally this season stands at just one goal across 26 competitive outings.
The solitary goal came during a League Cup match against Manchester City, contributing to Tottenham's mixed results this campaign. With mathys Tel now added to the ranks, Werner's prospects appear even bleaker, particularly as he is currently sidelined with a thigh injury.
While Werner's early days at Tottenham started with anticipation, his performance has been less than stellar. Since his arrival, he has logged just 937 minutes on the pitch, struggling to establish himself as more than just backup to the main attacking options.
"It’s been tough for me here," Werner said, reflecting on his time since the loan deal began. He added, "I want to make my mark, but the injury has really set me back. I hope to get back on the pitch soon and help my team.”
Despite his history as one of the leading strikers during his time at RB Leipzig and even the German national team, his stint with Tottenham has been riddled with challenges. He managed to play sparingly due to his injury, which he sustained at the beginning of January 2025. The current situation raises concerns, especially with the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon, as he continues to miss out on key playing time.
Mathys Tel, the young striker making his way from Bayern Munich, is viewed as the future for Tottenham, with the club having secured him on loan with a purchase option rumored to be around €60 million. Tel’s inclusion not only marks the hope of new vitality for the club’s attacking options but also signals Werner's diminishing role.
Tottenham’s management, led by coach Ange Postecoglou, aims to bolster the squad to climb the Premier League standings and make progress in European competitions. Currently positioned mid-table, the Spurs are seeking any tactical advantage they can secure from fresh talent.
Tel made his debut during the midweek League Cup semi-final against Liverpool, where Spurs suffered a 4-0 defeat. Nevertheless, Postecoglou remains optimistic about Tel’s future contributions and how he fits within the overall team dynamics.
Regarding their Europa League plans, Tottenham is already awaiting their next opponent following their advancement to the knockout phase by finishing fourth at the group stage.
Unfortunately for Werner, the competition for spots has intensified, especially with the recent addition of Tel and the growing prominence of Tottenham’s other attackers. The uncertainty surrounding his future at the club and the looming shadow of the World Cup means Werner has much to prove to reclaim his place among the elite strikers.
When reflecting on his career, it’s important to note Werner’s previous successes, having once been the public’s favorite for the German national team, with 57 caps and 24 goals to his name. Yet, his transition from Leipzig to Chelsea and now Tottenham has not quite gone as planned. Fans and analysts alike hope he can return to form, but such hopes seem distant with the current state of his game.
With his last international appearance dating back to March 2023, it is unclear if Werner will don the German jersey again. The upcoming World Cup seems to be veering out of reach, as he will likely find it difficult to secure selection without significant improvement at the club level. Only time will tell if this setback will become the turning point for Timo Werner, or if it will mark the end of his peak performance days. Tottenham, meanwhile, is banking on their new arrivals to lead the team through the remainder of the season, leaving Werner to contemplate his future.