Tottenham Hotspur Set for Major Boost Ahead of Bournemoutb Clash | OneFootball

Tottenham Hotspur Injury Update: Thomas Frank Managing Key Absences

Thomas Frank has made a dream start to life at Tottenham Hotspur, overseeing back-to-back Premier League victories against Burnley and Manchester City. A 3-0 win at Turf Moor was followed by a disciplined 2-0 triumph over the champions, results that have immediately set a positive tone. Yet behind the scenes, Spurs are already wrestling with a lengthy injury list that could shape the early months of the season.

Destiny Udogie Edging Closer

The outlook for Destiny Udogie is improving. The left-back has been back in full training after missing the club’s pre-season tour with a knee injury sustained during the warm-up for a friendly against Luton. Thomas Frank explained before the City match: “Destiny is better. He’s trained with the team twice, full training sessions, and also other trainings. He is just too short [of fitness] to be involved for City. We want him to train [on Saturday] and have another good week next week as well, but he’s in a good place. Looks very positive about him.”

Photo: IMAGO

Bournemouth at home on 30 August has been pencilled in as a potential return date, a welcome boost given Udogie’s importance in transition and his growing influence down the left flank.

Yves Bissouma Setback

Yves Bissouma has endured a frustrating start to the campaign. Left out of the UEFA Super Cup for disciplinary reasons, the midfielder then suffered an untimely injury in training on the eve of the Premier League opener. Frank confirmed after the Burnley game: “Unfortunately he got injured in training yesterday so very unfortunate. An injury we look into how much it is.”

There is no current timeline for his return, leaving a gap in midfield rotation that Spurs will need to manage carefully in the weeks ahead.

Dejan Kulusevski Facing Long Absence

The biggest blow for Tottenham Hotspur remains Dejan Kulusevski. The Swedish international underwent knee surgery in May and has not featured since. Earlier reports suggested he could be sidelined until 2026. Frank was clear when addressing his situation before the City match: “No Kulusevski, he’s out. That’s a longer one, I don’t want to put a timeframe on it.”

His absence robs Spurs of creativity and drive in the final third, particularly as fixtures pile up later in the season.

Other Injuries Impacting Squad Depth

James Maddison is another high-profile casualty after rupturing his ACL in pre-season against Newcastle. The midfielder is expected to miss most of the campaign, with a return only likely in April 2026. A club statement confirmed he will undergo long-term rehabilitation, with full support from Tottenham Hotspur’s medical team.

Radu Dragusin is recovering from his own ACL injury suffered in January. The Romanian defender has been vocal about his determination, stating: “I had to learn how to walk again. I was on crutches, my knee was really stiff from the surgery. It was a long process but, once I got back to normal walking, it became a positive journey. But honestly, I just want to be back on the pitch training with the boys again.” Late 2025 is viewed as a realistic target.

Elsewhere, new signing Kota Takai is waiting on a plantar fascia injury assessment, Manor Solomon has returned to training but may depart on loan, and Bryan Gil continues his recovery from knee ligament surgery.

Frank’s Early Challenge

Two straight league victories have given Thomas Frank the perfect start, but injuries are an unavoidable narrative. His ability to integrate returning players like Udogie and Bissouma, while finding solutions without Kulusevski and Maddison, will be central to Tottenham Hotspur’s progress this season. The early signs are promising, yet the injury update serves as a reminder of the squad management required at the highest level.