Tottenham Hotspur’s growing injury list continues to test Thomas Frank, but there are finally signs that the club’s fitness crisis may be easing. The 1–0 derby defeat to Chelsea at the weekend was frustrating, yet the returns of Cristian Romero, Destiny Udogie, and goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario offered some much-needed positives.
With two games remaining before the November international break — and a north London derby looming straight after — here’s the latest on every Spurs injury and expected return date.
Lucas Bergvall
Teenager Lucas Bergvall was handed a start against Chelsea but lasted less than ten minutes after taking a ball to the face. Despite pleading with the medical staff to continue, the midfielder was forced off under concussion protocols, replaced by Xavi Simons.
Frank praised the club’s handling of the situation:
“There was a concussion. He couldn’t stay on and I think the medical team did a good job in that instance.” — Thomas Frank
Per Premier League concussion rules, Bergvall must undergo a mandatory 12-day recovery period before resuming contact training.
Potential return date: November 23 vs Arsenal (A)
Archie Gray
Archie Gray missed the Chelsea clash with a calf injury sustained in training before the Newcastle trip. The youngster has struggled for minutes since Frank’s arrival, and this latest setback could sideline him for at least four weeks.
Potential return date: December
Dominic Solanke
Dominic Solanke has yet to make his first start for Spurs under Frank following an ankle problem that required minor surgery. The forward initially picked up the injury in pre-season and has endured several setbacks during recovery.
Frank said before the Chelsea game:
“Very aware that we want him back. Hopefully touch wood have him back and no setbacks. We’re doing it the right way. He’ll not be available before the international break — that’s the status now.” — Thomas Frank
Potential return date: Late November / Early December
Radu Dragusin
After nearly ten months out with a serious ACL injury suffered in the Europa League last January, Radu Dragusin is finally closing in on a comeback. Frank confirmed that the Romanian defender is back in full training and nearing match fitness.
“He’s fully integrated into training now. With an ACL, you need to rebuild strength and get some big-area work into him. But he’s definitely getting closer to being involved.” — Thomas Frank
Potential return date: November 23 vs Arsenal (A)
Kota Takai
Summer signing Kota Takai has yet to feature for Tottenham since joining from Kawasaki Frontale, but the young Japanese defender is finally nearing a return from a quad injury.
Frank said:
“Quad. He is about to be training soon.” — Thomas Frank
Potential return date: November / December
Ben Davies
Veteran defender Ben Davies has only featured on international duty this season — and even that ended prematurely. The Welshman sustained a hamstring injury during Wales’ 4–2 defeat to Belgium last month.
Frank confirmed his recovery will take “around four or five weeks.”
Potential return date: Late November
Yves Bissouma
Midfielder Yves Bissouma’s difficult year continues. After being excluded from the UEFA Super Cup squad for disciplinary reasons, he then suffered a ligament injury to his ankle while playing for Mali during the October international break.
“Biss, unfortunately, had a situation with the national team… he got a ligament injury to his ankle that will keep him out for weeks.” — Thomas Frank
He has since undergone surgery and begun rehabilitation.
Potential return date: Unknown
Dejan Kulusevski
Dejan Kulusevski remains sidelined after patella surgery following the Europa League final. While Frank is confident the Swede will return before the end of the year, he remains in the gym phase of recovery.
“Still not on the grass. Working very hard to get him fit as quick as possible.” — Thomas Frank
Potential return date: December
James Maddison
There’s still uncertainty around James Maddison’s long-term future this season. The playmaker suffered a devastating ACL injury in pre-season, underwent surgery, and is not expected to return before next summer.
Potential return date: Summer 2026
Our View: Spurs Finally Turning a Corner on Fitness
In our view, Thomas Frank’s cautious approach is beginning to pay off. With Dragusin and Bergvall likely to return straight after the international break and Solanke nearing full fitness, Tottenham’s squad depth will look far stronger entering December.
The Dane’s challenge now is to reintegrate these players gradually while maintaining rhythm in results. Spurs’ home form remains a concern, but having their full defensive line back — including Romero, Udogie, and soon Dragusin — could provide the platform for a stronger second half of the campaign.
Key Insights
- Concussion setback: Bergvall ruled out until after the break.
- Dragusin back: Centre-back close to full fitness after 10 months out.
- Solanke recovery: Could feature by early December.
- Bissouma blow: Ankle surgery means long-term absence.
- Maddison wait: ACL recovery stretches into next summer.
What’s Next
Spurs face Copenhagen in the Champions League and Manchester United before the November international break, with the north London derby at Arsenal marking their return on 23 November. Frank is expected to use the downtime to reintegrate returning players into full match rhythm.
👉 Tottenham fans — which returning player do you think will make the biggest impact after the break: Dragusin’s defence, Solanke’s goals, or Bergvall’s energy?
1 Comment (last comment by Adem)
First read message
By Adem 3 Nov 2025 07:56
Lucas sidelined until NLD?!
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