Tottenham star spotted training with national team despite club blocking call-up
Tottenham Hotspur centre-back Radu Drăgușin has been spotted back in action — at least in the gym — as he continues to edge closer to a full recovery from the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury that has sidelined him since January. The 23-year-old was pictured training alongside his Romania national team colleagues this week, even though Spurs’ medical department advised that it was still too early for him to resume full international duties.
Drăgușin, who suffered the devastating knee injury earlier this year, has been steadily progressing through the final stages of his rehabilitation program and is expected to rejoin full training with Tottenham in the coming weeks. While Romania boss Mircea Lucescu had hoped to include him in the national squad for their October fixtures — a friendly against Moldova and a World Cup qualifier against Austria — the Premier League club reportedly urged caution, insisting the defender should not be rushed back after such a serious layoff.
According to reports from Romania, Spurs were adamant that Drăgușin’s long-term recovery should remain the priority. Despite this, the former Genoa and Juventus defender has still travelled to join his international teammates at their Mogoșoaia training base, where he took part in light gym sessions and morale-boosting activities with the squad.
Romania’s official Instagram account, @Echipanationala, shared photos of Drăgușin working out alongside his teammates, accompanied by the caption:
> “The Dragon is back! Nearly returning from the long-term injury he suffered, Radu Drăgușin came to Mogoșoaia to encourage his colleagues and for a workout in the gym. #GeneratiaDeSuflet.”
The post has been met with an outpouring of support from fans, many of whom are eagerly anticipating the defender’s return to competitive action. Drăgușin last featured for Romania in November 2024, playing 68 minutes in a 4-1 victory over Cyprus. If his rehabilitation continues without complications, he could make his comeback as early as next month — a boost both for Tottenham and the Romanian national team ahead of a crucial international schedule.
Speaking during his time back home, Drăgușin opened up about his recovery process and his decision to stay patient despite feeling ready to play again. He revealed that while he was keen to represent his country, he understood Tottenham’s caution and agreed it was the best approach for his long-term future.
> “Mircea Lucescu wanted me back in the team, of course. I wanted to be with my teammates again and to play for Romania,” Drăgușin said. “But I also understood that waiting a few more weeks, maybe a month, will help me in the long run. Tottenham are taking every measure to make sure I come back stronger than before. I truly believe I’ll return in better shape and in a better position to continue my career.”
The Romanian defender went on to speak about the severity of an ACL injury and the importance of following medical advice closely:
> “ACL injuries are among the worst in football — you need more time to recover than most people think. You can’t question the work of Tottenham’s medical staff, the physiotherapists, or the surgeon who operated on me. They’re among the best, and their experience gives me great confidence.”
Drăgușin’s resilience and professionalism throughout his rehabilitation have been widely praised within Tottenham’s camp. His imminent return is expected to bolster Thomas Frank’s defensive options, with Spurs eager to reintegrate him carefully into first-team action after months of meticulous recovery.
For now, while Drăgușin remains on the sidelines, his presence around the Romanian squad serves as a powerful reminder of his determination and leadership — qualities that Tottenham will be eager to welcome back when he finally steps onto the pitch again.