Mykhailo Mudryk’s Ukraine return in doubt as Tottenham injury setback continues

Tottenham Hotspur winger Mykhailo Mudryk is reportedly eager to return to the Ukraine national team in November, but his ongoing ankle injury has raised serious doubts about his availability.

The 25-year-old joined Spurs on a season-long loan from Chelsea in September after becoming available for selection following a lengthy doping suspension.

However, Mudryk has made just one appearance under Roberto De Zerbi, leaving him short of match fitness ahead of Ukraine's Nations League fixtures against Northern Ireland and Georgia.

Mudryk joined Tottenham on 1 September and made his debut as a substitute during a goalless draw against Nottingham Forest.

The Ukraine international played approximately 16 minutes before an ankle injury sustained in training interrupted his comeback.

De Zerbi confirmed the injury shortly afterwards, acknowledging the difficulties involved in returning to competitive football after a prolonged absence.

The winger has remained unavailable since that appearance, and his recovery has taken longer than initially anticipated.

Speaking ahead of Tottenham's Premier League meeting with Crystal Palace, De Zerbi confirmed that Mudryk was still not ready to return.

According to Ukrainian outlet Sport.ua, citing The Standard, the winger's comeback could now be delayed until approximately 21 November.

That remains an estimated return date rather than an official medical timetable.

If the recovery takes that long, Mudryk would miss Ukraine's two remaining Nations League group matches.

Ukraine head coach Andrea Maldera has previously expressed confidence that Mudryk can become an important player for the national team again.

In September, Maldera encouraged the winger to focus on recovering fully rather than rushing his return.

The manager subsequently reiterated his belief that Mudryk would be a valuable option once fit.

However, Ukraine's next international fixtures are approaching quickly.

They travel to Northern Ireland on Saturday, 14 November, before hosting Georgia on Tuesday, 17 November.

Mudryk's continued absence from Tottenham's first team makes it increasingly difficult for him to regain sufficient match fitness before those games.

Ukrainian journalist Igor Tsygankov has expressed doubts about whether Mudryk will be ready to represent his country during the November international break.

Speaking in comments reported by Sport.ua, Tsygankov explained that the winger is determined to return but faces a race against time.

"As far as I know, he is very keen to return to the national team as soon as possible, but to do so, he needs to get back into match fitness," he explained.

The comments, translated from Ukrainian, underline the difference between Mudryk's desire to play and his readiness for competitive international football.

Tsygankov also noted that the winger needs regular playing time to regain his optimal physical condition.

With only one brief Tottenham appearance since September, Mudryk has had little opportunity to demonstrate that he is ready for the demands of international football.

Although his involvement in November has not been definitively ruled out, his continuing injury problems make a return uncertain.

Mudryk will continue his recovery at Tottenham, with his return to training and competitive action the immediate priorities.

Ukraine face Northern Ireland on 14 November before meeting Georgia three days later, leaving limited time for the winger to regain match fitness.

A reported return date around 21 November would rule him out of both fixtures, although Tottenham have not confirmed that timetable.

The next significant development will be an updated medical assessment from Spurs and Ukraine's squad announcement ahead of the November international break.