DEJAN KULUSEVSKI faces several more months on the sidelines in a fresh blow to Tottenham boss Thomas Frank.
The Sweden captain, 25, had knee surgery days after missing the Europa League triumph in May.
Kulusevski was a key player for Spurs last term with ten goals and 11 assists in 50 games.
But he is not expected to return to action until the turn of the year.
Kulusevski tried to be upbeat with an Instagram clip of himself on an air bike, captioned: “Your favourite player will be back soon.”
But his setback adds to Frank’s No 10 crisis.
Playmaker James Maddison is expected to miss most of the season with an ACL injury sustained in a pre-season game against Newcastle earlier this month.
Spurs thought they had landed Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White in July, only for him to sign a new contract at the City Ground.
And their move for Crystal Palace forward Eberechi Eze was hijacked by Arsenal on Wednesday — despite agreeing terms with both the Eagles and the player.
It leaves Frank desperately looking for attacking additions before the transfer window closes.
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Spurs are keen on Monaco’s Maghnes Akliouche, 23, but face competition from German clubs.
Como’s Nico Paz, 20, is also on their radar, along with Southampton winger Tyler Dibling, 19.
Frank's men travel to Manchester City tomorrow for a daunting early season test.