Tottenham Hotspur Injury Picture Ahead of Crucial Winter Run
Tottenham Hotspur move into a decisive stretch of the season with Thomas Frank juggling key absences that continue to shape his squad. As Spurs prepare for Newcastle at St James’ Park, the broader fitness landscape tells a story of frustration, delayed progress and cautious optimism. With the Premier League table tightening, the manager’s ability to reintegrate sidelined players like Dominic Solanke and Dejan Kulusevski could define their momentum heading into the new year.
Solanke’s Struggle for Rhythm
Dominic Solanke arrived in north London looking like a forward built for Frank’s structured, possession driven system, only to see his start curtailed by an ankle injury in pre-season. His early cameo outings against Paris Saint Germain, Burnley and Manchester City hinted at a useful fit but the setback that followed has proven far more serious than first believed.
Solanke admitted the emotional and physical toll of the layoff, explaining, “It’s been very difficult,” and adding, “At first, I didn’t think I would be out for too long but we didn’t really understand the extent of the injury. I was trying to get back as quickly as I could but it didn’t happen, so I had to have surgery.” Frank had already acknowledged before the international break that he did not know whether the striker would be available again before the end of the year. With no firm comeback date, Spurs are forced into a continued reliance on makeshift attacking plans.
Kulusevski Nearing a Return
Dejan Kulusevski has been one of the most significant long term absences, particularly given his influence in stretching play and linking midfield to attack. After suffering a patella injury and undergoing surgery following last season’s Europa League final, he has finally stepped back onto the grass during the international break. Frank has been cautiously upbeat, saying there is a “good chance” the winger could feature before the turn of the year.
The timing matters. Spurs have lacked penetration and fluency in wide areas and the Swede’s return would provide the dynamism that has been missing. With late December looking realistic, his reintegration could help unlock more control in games that have recently slipped away from them.
Defensive Reinforcements on the Horizon
Radu Dragusin’s slow and patient rehabilitation from an ACL injury has begun to show promising signs. After taking minutes in the recent Orient fixture, he said, “It felt good, first minutes in 10 months out, finally minutes in the legs and I just have to build on this.” Although he was absent from the squads against Arsenal, Paris Saint Germain and Fulham, there is growing confidence he will make the matchday group soon, possibly for the Brentford fixture on December 6.
Kota Takai remains further behind. The young defender has yet to debut since joining from Kawasaki Frontale, with Frank noting before the Chelsea match that he would “be training soon.” That optimism has not yet translated into selection.
Midfield Concerns Continue
Yves Bissouma’s ankle ligament damage required surgery and leaves Tottenham Hotspur light in midfield balance at a time when Frank would prefer stability. With James Maddison also sidelined following ACL surgery sustained against Newcastle in pre-season, Spurs must navigate one of the toughest phases of the campaign without two central influencers. Maddison’s expected timeline stretches into summer 2026, placing greater responsibility on the remaining creative core.