Tottenham pair Xavi Simons and Cristian Romero are facing suspensions after being sent off in the 2-1 loss to Liverpool.
Simons saw his Saturday evening come to an end as early as the 33rd minute when he caught fellow Dutchman Virgil van Dijk's Achilles with a reckless studs-up challenge.
Referee John Brooks initially brandished a yellow card to Simons but upon a VAR review, it was upgraded to red and the attacking midfielder was given his marching orders.
As per the Premier League match centre, the reason for the red card was for serious foul play.
A statement reads: "After VAR review, the referee overturned the original decision of yellow card to Simons and issued a red card for serious foul play.
"Referee announcement: “After review, the Tottenham No.7, with studs, catches the Liverpool player [No.4] on the calf high - it's an act of serious foul play. My final decision is red card.”
The red card was punished by Liverpool within ten minutes of the start of the second half as Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike scored to leave Spurs with an even bigger mountain to climb.
Substitute Richarlison did give Tottenham hope of securing an unlikely point when he reduced the deficit within minutes of being introduced.
However, any chance of an equaliser were dashed when Romero was shown a second yellow card for kicking out at Ibrahima Konate after being fouled by the Liverpool defender.
It is now back-to-back defeats for Tottenham after seemingly turning the corner under Frank with successive wins over Brighton and Slavia Prague at the beginning of the month.
As for Simons and Romero, they will be left to reflect on their rash decision making as both players have now played for the final time in 2025.
How many games will Xavi Simons and Cristian Romero miss?
Due to Simons being sent off for serious foul play, a minimum three-match ban is his punishment.
Therefore the Dutchman will be unavailable for selection in Tottenham's next fixture which is a London derby away at Crystal Palace after Christmas as well as games against Brentford and Sunderland in the new year.
Romero, meanwhile, must serve a one-game ban as a result of being sent-off for two bookable offences.
This means he will be back for the home game in the Premier League against the Bees on New Year's Day.
