Dominic Solanke, Randal Kolo Muani and Dejan Kulusevski Tottenham injury return timelines
Tottenham Hotspur’s impressive start to the season has come under increasing strain as Thomas Frank continues to juggle a mounting injury crisis. Despite a growing list of absentees, Spurs have lost just once this campaign — a remarkable testament to Frank’s swift tactical adaptation and the team’s collective determination.
Their latest 2-1 victory away to Leeds United once again highlighted that fighting spirit, with the team grinding out three points under challenging circumstances. That win was particularly notable given that several key first-team stars — including Dominic Solanke, Dejan Kulusevski, Kota Takai, James Maddison, Yves Bissouma, Randal Kolo Muani, and Radu Dragusin — were all unavailable for selection. Frank was forced to shuffle his lineup yet again, relying on squad depth and adaptability to continue Tottenham’s strong early-season form.
Tottenham await key players’ return after the international break
With the international break now underway, The Standard has provided an encouraging update regarding Tottenham’s lengthy injury list, suggesting that as many as four players could be in contention to return once domestic action resumes.
Dominic Solanke, one of Tottenham’s standout performers since joining in the summer, has been sidelined with a persistent ankle issue that has troubled him for months. His last appearance came in the 2-0 victory over Manchester City on August 23. Despite a brief spell back in light training, discomfort persisted, ultimately requiring minor surgery. While Thomas Frank has refrained from setting a firm return date, he confirmed that further assessment will take place during the break, leaving the striker’s availability beyond October uncertain.
Up front, Randal Kolo Muani’s absence has also been felt. The Frenchman, on loan from Paris Saint-Germain, has featured just once for Spurs this season — a brief cameo in the Champions League victory over Villarreal. He’s been struggling with a stubborn dead leg that has sidelined him for five consecutive matches. Encouragingly, Kolo Muani resumed light training prior to the Leeds fixture and, having not been called up by France for international duty, is expected to regain full fitness in time to face Aston Villa on Sunday, October 19.
In midfield, Yves Bissouma remains a long-term absentee. The Malian international has not played since May, having first missed matches due to disciplinary issues and later due to a lingering knee problem. Frank confirmed last month that Bissouma had only just started outdoor running and had yet to rejoin full team training, meaning his return is still some way off.
Another key absentee is Dejan Kulusevski, who underwent patella surgery just before Tottenham’s Europa League final in May. The Swedish playmaker has been sorely missed for his creativity and energy in attack. However, Frank recently provided a positive update, revealing that Kulusevski has made “excellent progress” in rehabilitation and has a strong chance of returning before the end of 2025. If his recovery continues smoothly, fans could see him back in the squad by late November or early December.
Meanwhile, summer signing Kota Takai — who joined from Kawasaki Frontale — has yet to make his debut for Spurs due to a plantar fascia injury. The young defender has now returned to full training and is edging closer to first-team action. Should he continue to build fitness over the break, he could finally feature for Tottenham later this month.
Radu Dragusin, another defender who has endured a frustrating spell on the sidelines, has also resumed full training following a lengthy recovery from an ACL injury. Frank is optimistic that the Romanian could make the squad after the international break, providing much-needed depth at the back.
Unfortunately, James Maddison’s situation remains the most concerning. The playmaker suffered a devastating ACL rupture during pre-season against Newcastle United and is not expected to return until the summer of 2026. His absence has forced Frank to find creative solutions in midfield, relying on tactical flexibility and contributions from younger players to fill the void.
Frank hoping for reinforcements as Tottenham aim to sustain form
As the international break unfolds, Thomas Frank and his medical staff will be hoping for positive updates across the board. The manager remains optimistic that several of his sidelined stars could return in the coming weeks, which would provide a crucial boost to Tottenham’s squad depth and attacking options.
Tottenham’s resilience so far has been admirable, but as the season enters a critical phase — with European fixtures and a congested winter schedule looming — the return of key players like Solanke, Kolo Muani, and Kulusevski could prove decisive.
If Frank can welcome back even a few of his key men after the international break, Spurs will be well-positioned to maintain their momentum and continue their impressive pursuit of a top-four finish.