Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi has been handed another 'positive' injury update alongside the looming return of midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur.
Cristian Romero out for the rest of the season but Bentancur returns
Spurs were handed the very unwelcome news that captain Cristian Romero is set to miss the rest of the season after his injury against Sunderland last weekend.
The Argentine, who De Zerbi was tipping to be a key player alongside Mohammed Kudus, now ironically joins the Ghanaian on Spurs' mile-long treatment table as both players see out the campaign unavailable.
Romero was shoved into Antonin Kinsky by Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey during their 1-0 defeat at the Stadium of Light, with both men requiring treatment.
The Czech shot-stopper was able to continue with a bandage around his head, but the same unfortunately couldn't be said for Romero, who is now forced to watch Tottenham's struggles from the sidelines.
De Zerbi faces another crucial test when his former club, Brighton, visit the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this weekend as Spurs sit two points adrift of 17th-placed West Ham in the relegation zone.
In a much-needed boost for the Lilywhites and their new manager, it has now been revealed that Bentancur has returned to training and may well be available to play a role against Fabian Hurzeler's side.
In further good news for Spurs, there has been an encouraging update on another injured star from Sky Sports this week.
James Maddison returns to Tottenham training with Rodrigo Bentancur
As per the broadcast giant, playmaker James Maddison, who has been sidelined since Spurs' pre-season tour of Asia last summer, has also returned to training as part of his long-winded recovery from an ACL injury.
The Englishman has been a sore miss for the north Londoners, and their lack of creativity in his absence has been a key theme of their on-field nightmare across 2025/2026.
However, while it is good news for his recovery that he's come back on to the training pitch, it still might be a little while before we see him play an actual game.
"I can also see James Maddison back in training, he's been out since that ACL injury he sustained in pre-season," said Sky Sports, via one of their correspondents at Hotspur Way.
"It has been stressed to me, this is part of his gradual reintegration into the squad, so do not expect to see him in a matchday squad any time soon.
"But of course, it is positive news in terms of his recovery."
Interestingly, ex-interim boss Igor Tudor said he was hopeful of seeing Maddison back in action before the end of the season, so it could still be one to watch from a Spurs perspective.
The 29-year-old bagged 12 goals and 11 assists in all competitions during Ange Postecoglou's final season in charge, which included strikes against the likes of Man City, Man United and Liverpool.
Maddison is a big-game, key creator at the heartbeat of Spurs' midfield, so having him back again as soon as possible would be an almighty boost for De Zerbi.