Can Conor Gallagher play for Tottenham against Atletico Madrid in Champions League last-16?

Despite their struggles in the Premier League this season, Spurs have been impressive in Europe.

After winning five of their eight fixtures – only losing to holders Paris Saint-Germain – Spurs secured a respectable fourth-placed finish to avoid a knockout phase play-off tie.

Furthermore, as a result of finishing in the top four, Tottenham have secured home advantage in the second leg against Atletico.

Their potential opponents were narrowed down from four to two following the conclusion of the play-offs after Atletico overcame Club Brugge 7-4 on aggregate and Galatasaray held off a spirited comeback from Juventus to qualify.

Interestingly, Conor Gallagher left Madrid for Spurs in the January transfer window but was not able to feature in the final two league phase fixtures due to UEFA’s registration rules.

Could this complicate matters now that the knockout phase is about to get underway? The short answer is no.

The midfielder along with Mathys Tel and Radu Dragusin all now been registered, replacing injured pair Ben Davies and Rodrigo Bentancur as well as Brennan Johnson who left for Crystal Palace in January.

Therefore Gallagher is on course for a swift return to the Metropolitano Stadium with the first leg confirmed for Tuesday, March 10, 2026.