Tottenham are off to a nightmare start to the season, losing 3-0 to Brentford despite going into the game with plenty of hope after a record-breaking transfer window in terms of spending. Spurs looked a long way off where they want to be, which is competing for Europe, especially with more spending still to come.
But Roberto De Zerbi, like his predecessors, has had little luck with injuries coming into the new season, with a host of Spurs stars absent. Here we take a look at the full list of Tottenham players dealing with injuries ahead of the Carabao Cup with Charlton Athletic, and indeed when they can expect to return to aid the Spurs mission.
Xavi Simons (Knee)
Return date: February 2027
Simons is a long-term absentee after his ACL rupture last season. Spurs will not welcome him back until the new year and beyond. The Dutchman is not likely to be back in full action until late February.
Wilson Odobert (Knee)
Return date: Late November
Odobert ruptured his ACL at an earlier date, so Spurs should see him back in action at some point between late November and early December.
Mohammed Kudus (Quad)
Return date: September 5
Kudus has had a frustrating time with injury during his time at Spurs so far, but he is close to returning from his latest setback. De Zerbi has confirmed that the winger will be back soon, and it's likely he will be back for the September 5th clash with Nottingham Forest. De Zerbi said last week: "We have Kulusevski, Odobert, Xavi Simons injured. Mo Kudus is almost ready. These are big points for us, they are top players for us, and we're looking forward to watching them on the pitch."
Micky van de Ven (knock)
Return date: September 29
Van de Ven has been struggling with a knock he picked up in pre-season, but he will likely be back this weekend. De Zerbi said before last weekend's game: "Today, he was working with us, with the group, he's going very well. He suffered a problem during the pre-season in Australia, not a big problem, but not right to work."
Pedro Porro (Fitness)
Return date: September 29
Pedro Porro had a late return due to winning the World Cup with Spain, and his holidays after the tournament meant he started his pre-season much later. But he is progressing with his fitness and could return this weekend.
Pape Matar Sarr (Hamstring)
Return date: September 29
Sarr picked up a hamstring complain ahead of the Brentford game, but he could be back this weekend, depending on how his return to training goes this week. De Zerbi said before the Brentford game: "Pape Sarr, no, because he felt pain today in his hamstring, nothing important, but we don't take a risk with him, especially in this moment."
Dejan Kulusevski (Fitness)
Return date: Unknown
Kulusevski remains something of a mystery as he looks to return after more than a year out. De Zerbi says he is fit but not quite ready to play, so we can't put a date on his return. The Spurs boss said last week: "Kulusevski [is] fit and right, he's one of the best players we have in the squad... I wouldn't like to put too much pressure on him to accelerate the process of rehab, but I hope he can be available as early as possible."