As Tottenham Hotspur gear up for the 2025–26 season, the club faces a series of injury setbacks that could significantly impact their campaign. Key players James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, and Destiny Udogie are all sidelined, presenting manager Thomas Frank with formidable challenges as he strategises for the upcoming fixtures.
James Maddison: A Devastating Blow
The most severe of these injuries is to playmaker James Maddison. During a pre-season friendly against Newcastle United, Maddison suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee. This injury is particularly concerning as it affects the same knee that sidelined him at the end of the previous season. The club has confirmed that Maddison will undergo surgery, and while no official timeline has been provided, ACL injuries typically require a minimum of six months for recovery. (https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/spurs-maddison-set-miss-most-season-after-acl-injury-2025-08-07/?utm_source=openai" alt="https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/spurs-maddison-set-miss-most-season-after-acl-injury-2025-08-07/?utm_source=openai" target="_blank">reuters.com)
Dejan Kulusevski: A Prolonged Absence
Swedish international Dejan Kulusevski is also facing an extended period away from the pitch. In May, Kulusevski underwent knee surgery following an injury sustained during a Premier League match against Crystal Palace. Manager Ange Postecoglou indicated that the midfielder would be out for several months, and as of August, there is no clear timeline for his return. (https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/spurs-kulusevski-out-few-months-after-knee-surgery-postecoglou-says-2025-05-15/?utm_source=openai" alt="https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/spurs-kulusevski-out-few-months-after-knee-surgery-postecoglou-says-2025-05-15/?utm_source=openai" target="_blank">reuters.com)
Destiny Udogie: A Race Against Time
Left-back Destiny Udogie is contending with a knee injury that has kept him out of most pre-season activities. The injury occurred during the warm-up ahead of a friendly against Luton, leading to his exclusion from the subsequent pre-season tour of Asia. While the club is assessing the extent of the injury, there is hope that Udogie will recover in time for the Premier League opener against Burnley. (https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/tottenham-injury-update-solanke-udogie-kulusevski-maddison-latest-return-dates-b1242048.html?utm_source=openai" alt="https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/tottenham-injury-update-solanke-udogie-kulusevski-maddison-latest-return-dates-b1242048.html?utm_source=openai" target="_blank">standard.co.uk)
Tactical Implications and Squad Depth
These injuries pose significant tactical dilemmas for Thomas Frank. Maddison's absence deprives the team of a creative force in midfield, while Kulusevski's unavailability limits attacking options. Udogie's potential absence further complicates defensive strategies. The manager will need to explore alternative formations and possibly rely on less experienced players to fill these critical roles.
Looking Ahead: Fixtures and Challenges
Tottenham's immediate schedule includes high-stakes matches that will test the squad's resilience:
## EPL Schedule
- Burnley FC @ Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, Aug 16, 2025 at 07:00 AM PDT
- Tottenham Hotspur @ Manchester City on Saturday, Aug 23, 2025 at 04:30 AM PDT
- AFC Bournemouth @ Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, Aug 30, 2025 at 07:00 AM PDT
- Tottenham Hotspur @ West Ham United on Saturday, Sep 13, 2025 at 09:30 AM PDT
- Tottenham Hotspur @ Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday, Sep 20, 2025 at 07:00 AM PDT
The team's performance in these fixtures will be crucial in setting the tone for the season. Overcoming the current injury crisis will require strategic ingenuity and depth from the squad.
Conclusion
Tottenham Hotspur's pre-season has been marred by significant injuries to key players, presenting both challenges and opportunities. The coming weeks will reveal the team's ability to adapt and persevere in the face of adversity. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Thomas Frank navigates this turbulent period.
