Tottenham have suffered a significant injury setback with Mykhailo Mudryk ruled out for at least six weeks, just days after making his debut for Roberto De Zerbi's side.
The Deadline Day arrival picked up an ankle injury in training following his first Spurs appearance against Nottingham Forest, interrupting his attempted return to regular football.
There is better news surrounding James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski, although Tottenham remain without several important attacking players as De Zerbi searches for his first Premier League victory of the season.
Mudryk facing up to eight weeks out
Mudryk joined Tottenham on loan on Deadline Day after being cleared to return to competitive football following his anti-doping ban.
The Ukrainian had spent almost two years without a competitive appearance before making his Spurs debut in the 0-0 draw at Nottingham Forest.
His comeback has now suffered an immediate setback.
Mudryk sustained an ankle injury in training and is expected to miss between six and eight weeks, potentially keeping him unavailable until the November 7 trip to Leeds United.
The timing is particularly frustrating for De Zerbi, who knows Mudryk well and had hoped to gradually rebuild the winger's confidence and match sharpness.
Maddison could return against Everton
James Maddison offers more encouraging news after returning to team training.
The attacking midfielder suffered a broken shoulder against Brentford on the opening weekend, having only recently returned from the ACL injury that disrupted much of his previous season.
Maddison missed the Nottingham Forest draw but could potentially return when Everton visit Tottenham this weekend.
His availability would provide a timely creative boost to a Spurs side still searching for its first Premier League win.
Kulusevski finally nearing comeback
Dejan Kulusevski is also moving closer to an eagerly awaited return after more than 500 days on the sidelines with a complicated kneecap problem.
Sweden manager Graham Potter confirmed the forward is "very close" after being impressed by his rehabilitation.
Kulusevski has returned to the training pitch, but Tottenham intend to manage his comeback carefully after such a lengthy absence.
No firm return date has yet been established.
Simons and Odobert remain long-term absentees
Xavi Simons will remain unavailable for the rest of 2026 after tearing his ACL against Wolves in April. His current target is a return in early 2027.
Wilson Odobert is further along in his own ACL rehabilitation and could potentially return before the end of the year, although Tottenham have yet to confirm a specific date.
With Mudryk now joining the injury list, De Zerbi's attacking depth will again be tested ahead of games against Everton and Liverpool.
Key Points
- Mykhailo Mudryk has suffered an ankle injury and could miss six to eight weeks.
- James Maddison is back in team training and could return against Everton on September 12.
- Dejan Kulusevski is "very close" to returning after more than 500 days out, although no date has been confirmed.
- Xavi Simons is targeting early 2027, while Wilson Odobert could potentially return late in 2026.
- Mudryk's setback further reduces De Zerbi's attacking options during Tottenham's difficult start.
What's Next?
Tottenham will hope Maddison can provide an immediate boost against Everton, although his workload is likely to require careful management following two significant injury setbacks.
Kulusevski's progress is another major positive, but Spurs cannot afford to rush him after such a prolonged absence. Mudryk, meanwhile, faces another frustrating spell on the sidelines just as he was beginning his Tottenham career.
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