Tottenham injury update: Romero, Udogie and Bissouma latest after Villa defeat

Tottenham suffered another setback in their Premier League campaign after losing 2–1 at home to Aston Villa — and the defeat wasn’t the only concern for Thomas Frank. Two first-team regulars were ruled out with fresh injuries, further stretching a squad already depleted by long-term absences.

Cristian Romero and Destiny Udogie both missed the Villa clash through injury, joining Yves Bissouma, Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison on a growing injury list. With crucial fixtures on the horizon, including a European tie against Monaco, Frank’s defensive options are now worryingly thin.

Romero was initially named in the starting lineup against Villa before withdrawing during the warm-up with an adductor issue. The Argentine defender has been one of Spurs’ most reliable performers this season, so his absence was an untimely blow.

Speaking after the game, Frank sought to calm fears: “Minor adductor injury. He felt a little bit the past few days. We expected him to be fine but he wasn’t. I don’t think it’s too big.” While no exact timeline has been provided, the manager admitted he was “unsure” if Romero would be fit to face Monaco midweek.

Potential return date: Late October

Destiny Udogie’s omission from the squad also raised eyebrows, particularly after he missed Italy’s international fixtures. Frank revealed that the left-back had picked up a minor knee issue following his return from national duty.

“Came back from international duties and had minor irritation on the knee. Nothing major,” the Spurs boss explained. Udogie’s progress will be monitored over the coming days, with hopes he could return before the start of November.

Potential return date: Late October / Early November

Midfielder Yves Bissouma’s return to fitness has taken another unfortunate turn. After missing the start of the campaign due to disciplinary reasons and injury, he featured briefly for Mali during the international break — only to be stretchered off moments after coming on.

“Biss, unfortunately, had a situation with the national team,” said Frank. “He got a ligament injury to his ankle that will keep him out for weeks.” It’s another frustrating blow for a player Spurs hoped to reintegrate this month.

Potential return date: Unknown

Striker Dominic Solanke is continuing his recovery from ankle surgery performed in September. Though he has yet to return to full training, Frank offered an encouraging update last week: “It’s positive — he’s progressing now. But he’s still training on his own. We’ll take it day-by-day.”

Given his gradual rehabilitation schedule, a return later in the season — possibly by year’s end — remains realistic if there are no setbacks.

Potential return date: Late 2025

Dejan Kulusevski has been sidelined since undergoing knee surgery after the Europa League final. The Swedish winger is now in the final phase of his rehabilitation, with Frank confirming optimism over a late-year return.

“There’s a good chance of Kulu playing before the year is out,” said the Spurs boss. “Hopefully not too far away.”

Potential return date: December 2025

Romanian defender Radu Drăgușin has resumed light training as he continues to recover from an ACL injury suffered earlier this year. Spurs’ medical team is easing him back into sessions, but Frank hinted that the centre-back could be available for selection “in a few weeks.”

Potential return date: Late October 2025

Star midfielder James Maddison remains a long-term absentee after undergoing ACL surgery during pre-season. Frank has already ruled him out for the remainder of the campaign, with the England international targeting a summer 2026 return.

Potential return date: Summer 2026

The growing list of injuries leaves Tottenham’s defensive depth under significant pressure. With Romero and Udogie sidelined, Kevin Danso and Pedro Porro could form an emergency back line, while Oliver Skipp and Micky van de Ven may be called upon to fill in if required.

Frank has emphasised the need for rotation as Spurs prepare for a congested run of fixtures that includes European and domestic cup commitments. “We have to adapt,” he said. “The players who are available will give everything, but we hope to recover a few soon.”

Spurs’ medical staff have implemented new recovery protocols this season to help limit soft-tissue setbacks. GPS load tracking, active recovery sessions, and reduced intensity on non-matchdays have been key features of Frank’s approach since his appointment.

However, the squad’s high-intensity style — a hallmark of Frank’s pressing system — has left players more susceptible to minor muscle injuries early in the campaign. Club insiders say Spurs are confident that once the current batch of players returns, the squad will settle into a more sustainable rhythm ahead of the winter period.

In my view, Tottenham’s depth issues are now Frank’s biggest challenge. Romero’s leadership and Udogie’s dynamism on the left flank have been crucial, and their absences will test the team’s defensive balance.

FootballPlace analyst John William adds: “Romero’s injury is a concern, but if Udogie and Drăgușin return soon, Spurs can stabilise. The key will be managing minutes — especially for players like Van de Ven and Porro, who have played nearly every match.”

Tottenham face Monaco in midweek European action before returning to league duty next weekend. With injuries piling up, Frank will rely on squad players and academy options to plug gaps temporarily.

If Romero and Udogie can return before November, Spurs will regain much-needed stability in defence just as the fixtures intensify. Until then, adaptability and tactical flexibility will be vital.

👉 Can Thomas Frank guide Spurs through their mounting injury crisis and keep their European hopes on track?