Tottenham Hotspur have received a huge boost amid their ongoing Premier League survival battle, as both James Maddison and Rodrigo Bentancur have returned to first-team training.
The two midfielders were spotted training at Hotspur Way on Wednesday, although Maddison is still some time away from being available and is not expected to feature in Saturday’s meeting with Brighton.
The 29-year-old sustained an ACL injury in August, missing the entire season to date as a result, and is racing against time to make an appearance before the end of the campaign.
Meanwhile, Bentancur has been sidelined since January after suffering a serious hamstring injury in Tottenham’s 3-2 away defeat to Bournemouth.
James Maddison Returns to Tottenham Training
According to Sky Sports News, Maddison is not expected to be available for manager Roberto De Zerbi’s selection in Tottenham’s meeting with Brighton on Saturday, despite making a return to first-team training.
“He’s been out since that ACL injury he sustained in pre-season, but it has been stressed to me that this is a part of his gradual re-integration into the squad.
“Do not expect to see him in the matchday squad anytime soon, I’m afraid, Spurs fans, but of course, it is positive news in terms of his recovery.”
Sitting 18th in the Premier League table, Tottenham are two points from safety and will have to see out their difficult campaign without captain Cristian Romero.
The Argentine international has been ruled out until the end of the season with a knee injury suffered in Sunday’s 1-0 loss to Sunderland and is in a race against time to be fit for the World Cup.
Tottenham also remain without Mohammed Kudus ahead of the meeting with Brighton, with the forward suffering a setback in his recovery from a quad injury and possibly requiring surgery.
Guglielmo Vicario could make a return on Saturday after undergoing hernia surgery over the international break, while Wilson Odobert, Ben Davies and Dejan Kulusevski remain long-term absentees.
Tottenham ‘Pushing’ for Romero Replacement
Speaking on GIVEMESPORT’s Market Madness podcast on Wednesday, journalist Fabrizio Romano revealed that Romero may have already played his last game for Spurs.
The 27-year-old defender is believed to be heading towards the exit door following a difficult campaign in north London, with European clubs closely monitoring him ahead of the summer.
Tottenham could welcome Bournemouth defender Marcos Senesi as a replacement, with reports in Argentina suggesting they are among the sides ‘pushing’ to sign the 28-year-old.
Senesi could leave the Cherries on a free transfer at the end of his contract in June after spending four years at the club.