New Injuries Plague Tottenham Hotspur as Thomas Frank Begins Tenure
Tottenham Hotspur's pre-season preparations have been hit by fresh injury concerns, as new head coach Thomas Frank revealed that new signing Kota Takai and Manor Solomon are both sidelined with minor issues. This announcement came during Frank's inaugural press conference on Friday, July 18, 2025, and was followed by updates after Tottenham's 2-0 victory in their first pre-season friendly against Reading on Saturday, July 19, 2025. These injuries add to existing worries surrounding key players like Dejan Kulusevski and Radu Dragusin, potentially impacting the team's performance at the start of the Premier League season.
Takai and Solomon Suffer Setbacks
Kota Takai is dealing with a minor "contact issue," while Manor Solomon has sustained a minor calf injury. Frank downplayed the severity of both injuries, stating, "Manor [Solomon], a minor calf injury unfortunately. Nothing big. Kota has a minor issue, like a contact [one], we expect him to train next week." This news is particularly disappointing for Solomon, as the timing of his injury could hinder his efforts to impress the new coach and secure his place in the squad.
Richarlison's Gradual Return and Maddison's Progress
While Richarlison has been training well, he is currently being gradually integrated into the squad and is expected to feature in next week's match. James Maddison is also making positive strides in his recovery from a knee injury sustained in May. Frank confirmed that Maddison has joined "part-training" with the team, a significant step forward in his rehabilitation.
Kulusevski and Dragusin Face Lengthier Absences
Dejan Kulusevski, who underwent knee surgery in May, is further away from a return to full fitness. Frank acknowledged that Kulusevski is unlikely to be available for Tottenham's Premier League season opener against Burnley on August 16, 2025. He stated, "Put it this way, he's not ready for the first game of the season.” Radu Dragusin, recovering from an ACL injury since February, also remains a considerable distance from returning to action.
Medical Department Restructuring
Tottenham Hotspur has undertaken a restructuring of its medical department this summer, appointing Nick Stubbings as medical lead and Tom Perryman as a strength and conditioning coach. This move signals the club's intention to address the injury problems that plagued them last season. Frank emphasized the need to "learn from last season" to improve player availability.
New Signings Debut Amidst Injury Concerns
Amidst the injury woes, new signings Mohammed Kudus (£55m) and Luka Vuskovic made their debuts in the pre-season friendly against Reading. Their presence offers a glimmer of hope for Tottenham fans, providing fresh talent to compensate for the absence of injured players.
Upcoming Fixtures and Pre-Season Tour
Tottenham is scheduled to play Luton next weekend before embarking on a pre-season tour to Hong Kong and South Korea. During the tour, they will face Arsenal and Newcastle in friendly matches, providing crucial preparation for the upcoming Premier League season.
