Tottenham have received positive updates on two key players amid their difficult run of form. Pedro Porro's injury is not as serious as initially feared, while Dejan Kulusevski's long-awaited return is drawing closer.
Pedro Porro Injury Update
Pedro Porro was forced off in the first half against Aston Villa after returning to the starting lineup following a "small muscular problem". The Spaniard had been given additional time off after his country's World Cup triumph in North America over the summer, meaning he has only started three games for the club since his return.
"I said after the World Cup, I said the management of Pedro should be different," De Zerbi said afterwards. "Because after the World Cup, [there are] many games. I don't know what the problem is. It's a hamstring, I think. Hopefully, it's not a big problem."
The Athletic report that Spurs expect Porro to be sidelined for around a month with a hamstring injury, meaning he will miss the trip to Manchester United and, most likely, the visit of Coventry after the international break. Facing Chelsea is the aim.
Dejan Kulusevski Close to Return
Dejan Kulusevski has now been sidelined for more than 500 days with a serious kneecap injury, but a return could be imminent. The midfield star recently returned to training with his team-mates, though a return to Sweden duty was put on hold.
International manager Graham Potter said last week: "He is taking it step by step. First he has to be involved with Tottenham, and they are the ones who ultimately decide. They see him every day and can best make the decision. When he is not involved there it is difficult for us to take him out - even if we want to."
The Sun report that there is genuine hope that Kulusevski will be named in a Spurs matchday squad soon after the international break. The player reportedly believes he could even join the trip to Old Trafford on October 10, though it remains to be seen for Spurs' medical team decide.
Mudryk and Other Absentees
Loan star Mykhailo Mudryk completed his return from a doping ban when he featured for his loan club against Nottingham Forest, making his first competitive appearance since November 2024. The Chelsea forward, who will spend the season at Spurs, then suffered an ankle injury in training which annoyed De Zerbi, who called the issue "stupid". He is thought to be out for around six to eight weeks, signalling a return in either October or November.
Xavi Simons remains on the treatment table following his ACL injury at Wolves last season. The Dutchman suffered what is commonly known as 'the worst injury in football' at Molineux last term, and he is still expected to be out until well into 2027. Young winger Wilson Odobert suffered the same fate in February this year, doing the damage against Newcastle. He was expected to sit out for nine months or so, pointing towards a potential return in December or the New Year.
