Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank faces a critical period following the international break as he assesses his squad's fitness ahead of two massive fixtures against Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain.
The Spurs boss will be hoping to welcome back several key players after a frustrating 2-2 draw with Manchester United at the weekend, though new injury concerns have emerged to complicate his selection plans.
Latest Tottenham Injury Updates
Randal Kolo Muani represents the most recent addition to Tottenham's treatment room after being substituted at half-time during the Manchester United match. Initially thought to be tactical, manager Thomas Frank later confirmed the French striker had suffered a lower jaw injury.
While Frank described the issue as 'nothing big', the problem has proven serious enough for Muani to withdraw from international duty with France. Medical consultations between Tottenham and French national team staff confirmed the player's unavailability for the upcoming break.
Potential return date: Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur, Sunday November 23
Key Players Nearing Returns
Mohammed Kudus has missed Tottenham's last two matches against Copenhagen and Manchester United with what Frank describes as a 'knock'. The £55 million summer signing from West Ham has been a creative force for Spurs this season, and his absence was particularly noticeable during the first half against United.
Frank remains optimistic about the winger's recovery, stating he's 'very confident' Kudus will be available for the north London derby against Arsenal.
Potential return date: Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur, Sunday November 23
Lucas Bergvall continues to follow concussion protocols after being substituted early in the 1-0 defeat to Chelsea. The midfielder was unhappy with the decision at the time, but medical staff correctly identified he couldn't continue.
Frank praised his medical team's handling of the situation, and Bergvall should complete his mandatory recovery period in time for the Arsenal match.
Potential return date: Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur, Sunday November 23
Defensive and Long-term Absences
Radu Dragusin has taken a significant step in his recovery from an ACL injury suffered in January by returning to full team training. The 23-year-old defender hasn't featured this season but is now building towards match fitness.
Frank explained the careful approach needed: 'Because an ACL is such a big injury, because you're out for nine months so you need to build strength in the knee and so on.'
Potential return date: Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur, Sunday November 23
Ben Davies has been dealing with a hamstring problem picked up on international duty with Wales in October. The veteran defender has been deemed fit enough to join up with his national team again, suggesting his absence from Spurs squads is more about selection than fitness concerns.
Potential return date: Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur, Sunday November 23
Dominic Solanke continues his recovery from an ankle injury that has kept him sidelined since August 23. Frank has been cautious not to rush the striker back, but hinted at a potential return before the end of 2025.
The manager revealed the international break would be crucial in determining Solanke's progress: 'The international break will be the big deciding factor because we have two weeks there to push in the next steps.'
Potential return date: late November / early December
Additional Squad Concerns
Kota Takai, the £5 million summer signing from Kawasaki Frontale, has yet to feature for Tottenham due to a quad problem. The 21-year-old is expected to return to training 'soon' according to club updates.
Potential return date: late November / early December
Archie Gray faces an extended period on the sidelines after suffering a calf injury in training ahead of the Carabao Cup match against Newcastle United. The versatile youngster was set to start that match according to Frank, but is now expected to miss approximately eight weeks in total.
Potential return date: Crystal Palace v Tottenham Hotspur, Sunday December 28
The injury situation remains more uncertain for several other first-team players. Yves Bissouma required surgery on a ligament injury after initially being sidelined for disciplinary reasons, while Dejan Kulusevski continues his recovery from summer patella surgery and hasn't returned to outdoor training.
Most concerning is James Maddison's ACL injury suffered in pre-season. The midfielder has targeted a return before the season concludes but acknowledges the need for caution: 'I'm 28, I'm going to be 29 when I return, I'm in my prime. These are my peak years ahead of me. I need to come back and I need to stay fit.'
With crucial matches against Arsenal and PSG looming after the international break, Frank will be desperately hoping his key players can recover in time to bolster Tottenham's challenge on multiple fronts.
