Thomas Frank, Tottenham Hotspur manager, has confirmed that Dejan Kulusevski will not be fit for the start of the Premier League season. This comes as a significant blow to Spurs fans who were eagerly anticipating his return.
Tottenham Hotspur showcased their potential under new management in a recent 2-0 victory over Reading. Goals from Will Lankshear and debutant Luka Vuskovic secured the win for Lilywhites. However, Richarlison’s absence from the matchday squad raised some eyebrows. Additionally, three senior players - Kulusevski, James Maddison and Radu Dragusin - recovering from injuries did not make it to Select Car Lease Stadium.
Frank confirmed that while Maddison is close to returning to action, Kulusevski's situation is less promising. The Swedish player has been out with a foot injury since March and had missed out on the Europa League final as well. Kulusevski was seen on crutches during trophy celebrations and continued his rehabilitation through summer break. When asked about his return timeline, Frank responded.
Thomas Frank, Tottenham Hotspur manager, said:
“I don’t like to put a timeline on it. Put it this way, he’s not ready for the first game of the season.”
Learning from past mistakes
Last season saw an unprecedented injury crisis at Tottenham with multiple muscle injuries affecting various squad members at different times throughout the year. Questions were raised about whether Spurs mishandled recovery protocols for some players such as Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven who suffered repeat injuries after being rushed back early.
Frank seems determined not to repeat these mistakes this time around by ensuring injured players are given ample time for recovery before returning them to action. This approach, while potentially frustrating for fans eager to see their favorite players back on the pitch, is crucial for the long-term health and performance of the team.
While Kulusevski's absence at the start of the season is a setback for Tottenham Hotspur, it also provides an opportunity for other players to step up and make their mark. As Frank navigates through these challenges, fans will be hoping that lessons have been learned from last season's injury crisis and that a more cautious approach will lead to a healthier squad in the long run.
