Tottenham boss Thomas Frank has provided some positive injury news ahead of his side’s Premier League clash with Brentford on Saturday.
It’s been a tough run for Spurs, who welcome manager Thomas Frank’s former club Brentford to N17 this weekend.
Winless in five Premier League matches, Spurs have slipped to 11th in the table.
They will be hoping to return to winning ways after a miserable recent run.
But numerous injuries have decimated their squad, and forced Frank into naming some makeshift lineups.
Pressure is mounting on Frank, with the latest Tottenham manager odds indicating his job may be under threat.
The return of some key faces will be a massive boost, and it appears as if that may come sooner than expected.
Tottenham Boosted By Positive Injury News
Two members of Tottenham’s long injury list, Radu Dragusin and Kota Takai seem to be closing in on returns.
Romanian defender Dragusin has been out for almost a year after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in January.
Japanese international Takai, meanwhile, has not yet made a senior appearance for the club.
Plantar fasciitis and a thigh injury have kept him sidelined since his £5m transfer in the summer.
But both played for Spurs’ under-21s on Tuesday, in a behind-closed-doors friendly against National League South side Dagenham and Redbridge.
Dragusin also played for the under-21s against Leyton Orient recently, saying “it felt really good.”
But while those two are close to a return, a number of others remain out.
Dejan Kulusevski and Dominic Solanke are not yet fit, though both may return before the new year.
There is also no return date set for Yves Bissouma, while James Maddison is out for the campaign with an ACL injury suffered in pre-season.
Speaking ahead of the Brentford clash, Frank confirmed no further injuries had been sustained this week.
“Everyone that was available for Newcastle should be ready for Brentford,” he said.
But asked is there was an update on Solanke and Kulusevski, he was unable to give any more positive news.
Frank added: “No. When they are ready to be close to joining the squad, then I will provide an update.”
Tottenham’s December Fixtures Will Test Squad Depth
Incomings from the transfer window may also be needed to save Spurs’ season.
Reports suggest Tottenham are monitoring James Trafford as the out-of-favour Manchester City keeper looks for a move.
But emptying out the treatment room will be one of Tottenham’s top priorities this month.
As always, December is an incredibly busy month for Premier League teams.
And by virtue of winning the Europa League last season, Spurs’ calendar includes European football.
They have already played one game in December, with Tuesday’s 2-2 draw at Newcastle.
Next up is Brentford at the weekend, before hosting Slavia Prague next Tuesday.
That is followed by trips to Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace, either side of a massive game against Liverpool at home.
They then play Brentford, Sunderland and Bournemouth in quick succession to start the new year.
Tottenham’s Festive Fixtures:
- Tue 2 Dec – Newcastle (A) – D 2-2
- Sat 6 Dec – Brentford (H)
- Tue 9 Dec – Slavia Prague (H)
- Sun 14 Dec – Nottingham Forest (A)
- Sat 20 Dec – Liverpool (H)
- Sun 28 Dec – Crystal Palace (A)
- Thu 1 Jan – Brentford (A)
- Sun 4 Jan – Sunderland (H)
- Wed 7 Jan – Bournemouth (A)
