Tottenham Hotspur are continuing to juggle fitness and suspension issues as they prepare for Sunday’s London derby away to Crystal Palace, with Thomas Frank still short of several key first-team players despite one notable boost.
Spurs head to Selhurst Park looking to avoid a third straight Premier League defeat after losing at home to Liverpool with nine men. That match also confirmed further absences, with captain Cristian Romero and Xavi Simons both suspended following red cards.
There was, however, a positive sign as Radu Drăgușin returned to the matchday squad after injury, while several others are edging closer to comebacks.
Here is the latest Tottenham injury update, including return-date expectations.
Dominic Solanke – progressing after ankle surgery
Dominic Solanke has not featured since August after suffering a serious ankle problem and later undergoing surgery in October.
Concerns had grown over the length of his rehabilitation, but recent comments from Frank suggest optimism is increasing.
“I’m looking forward to naming him in the squad,” Frank said on Friday.
“He is progressing forward.”
Solanke also fuelled hope among supporters by posting a cryptic Instagram photo featuring hourglass emojis, hinting a return may not be far away.
Potential return date: January 2026
Destiny Udogie – ruled out until January
Destiny Udogie will remain unavailable through the festive period after picking up a hamstring injury.
Frank initially suggested the problem would not sideline Udogie for long, but later confirmed a longer absence.
“Destiny picked up a hamstring injury at the end of the Newcastle game,” Frank explained.
“He’s out until January, unfortunately.”
The injury limits rotation options at full-back during a congested run of fixtures.
Potential return date: January 2026
Dejan Kulusevski – early 2026 target
Dejan Kulusevski has been sidelined since the end of last season with a patella injury.
The playmaker returned to grass during the November international break and Frank has previously stated there is a “good chance” he could return in 2025. However, with just one game left in the calendar year, a January comeback now looks more realistic.
Potential return date: January 2026
Kota Takai – fitness improving, timing unclear
Kota Takai is still waiting to make his competitive Tottenham debut after arriving from Kawasaki Frontale in the summer.
Frank previously revealed the defender would “be training soon”, and Takai has since featured for the club’s under-21 side, playing 45 minutes in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Dagenham & Redbridge.
However, he has yet to be named in a senior matchday squad.
Potential return date: Unknown
James Maddison – long-term ACL recovery
James Maddison remains Tottenham’s longest-term absentee after tearing his ACL in a pre-season friendly against Newcastle.
The midfielder underwent surgery and has admitted he is still early in a lengthy rehabilitation process.
“I’m doing really well for the stage that I’m at,” Maddison said on Sky Sports.
“It’s obviously a long injury… more than anything it’s about staying in the right mindset.”
Potential return date: Summer 2026
Key insights
- Dominic Solanke is progressing well after ankle surgery
- Destiny Udogie will miss the festive period with a hamstring injury
- Dejan Kulusevski is targeting a January return
- Radu Drăgușin has returned to the matchday squad
- James Maddison faces a long road back from ACL surgery
What’s next for Tottenham?
Tottenham travel to face Crystal Palace on Sunday as they look to halt a mini-slump and regain momentum. With suspensions compounding injury problems, Frank will again rely heavily on squad depth — while hoping January brings reinforcements back onto the pitch.
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