Tottenham Hotspur's season has been dealt a series of devastating blows with a mounting injury crisis that now threatens to derail their campaign. The situation has significantly worsened with the news that key forward Mohammed Kudus will be sidelined for several months.
Key Players Ruled Out for the Long Term
Scans have confirmed that Mohammed Kudus suffered a serious thigh injury during the match against Sunderland last Sunday. The medical assessment indicates he is not expected to return to action until after the international break in March, effectively ruling him out until April. This is a major setback for manager Ange Postecoglou, who has relied on the attacker's creativity and goal threat.
The bad news does not stop there. Midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur has sustained a significant hamstring injury. Postecoglou has admitted this setback is "a bigger one" than the club's medical staff had initially feared, suggesting another prolonged absence for the Uruguayan.
Adding to the woes, young talent Lucas Bergvall picked up a thigh muscle issue during the recent fixture at Bournemouth. His condition is currently being assessed, but it places further strain on an already depleted midfield.
Complicated Recoveries and Setbacks
Perhaps the most concerning situation involves Dejan Kulusevski. The Swedish international damaged a kneecap back in May and was originally targeting a December comeback. However, pain during his recovery training has forced a change in approach. He has recently undergone a course of injections in an attempt to manage the discomfort.
"The most important thing is to remove the pain in the knee," Postecoglou stated. "He got an injection to help that ten days ago, and we will know in three to four weeks if it has settled. When it's settled, hopefully he will be back on the grass." The manager acknowledged the complexity of the injury but praised Kulusevski's professionalism and mentality as factors that could accelerate his return.
Immediate Consequences and Squad Strain
This cascade of injuries, particularly in forward areas, creates a severe headache for Postecoglou ahead of tomorrow's crucial FA Cup fifth-round tie at home against Aston Villa. The manager's options are severely limited.
The list of unavailable players is extensive and worrying. James Maddison continues his recovery from a cruciate knee ligament injury and is unlikely to feature much before the season concludes. While Dominic Solanke and Destiny Udogie are making better progress, they are not yet ready for a first-team return.
Furthermore, the club is feeling the impact of mid-season tournaments. Key midfielders Pape Matar Sarr and Yves Bissouma are away on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations, stripping the squad of further vital experience.
This unprecedented injury crisis has led some to question the club's recent decision-making. The £35 million sale of winger Brennan Johnson to Crystal Palace last week now appears particularly ill-timed, leaving the squad dangerously short of attacking cover. This is believed to be one of the frustrations alluded to by defender Cristian Romero in a recent social media post.
With the season reaching a critical phase in both the FA Cup and the Premier League, Tottenham must find a way to navigate this period with a patched-up side, testing the depth of their squad and the tactical ingenuity of their manager like never before.
