Tottenham centre-back Radu Dragusin has been spotted back in training with his Romanian teammates, but this time only in the gym as he continues his recovery from a serious knee injury.
The 23-year-old defender suffered a ruptured ACL earlier in the year, and while his rehabilitation is progressing well, Tottenham have advised that it’s still too early for him to resume full international duties.
Romania manager Mircea Lucescu had hoped to include Dragusin in his squad for their latest international camp, with fixtures against Moldova and Austria.
However, Spurs made it clear that the player should not be rushed back after such a long and demanding recovery. The club’s medical staff want to make sure every step is handled carefully to avoid any possible setbacks.
Dragusin has been out of action since late January, but much of his rehabilitation has now been completed. His hard work behind the scenes is finally paying off, and Tottenham expect him to rejoin full team training within the coming weeks.
Despite not being available to play, the young defender has joined up with his national teammates in Mogosoaia to lift spirits and take part in light gym sessions.
The Romanian national team’s official Instagram account shared photos of Dragusin smiling and working out alongside his teammates, with the caption: “The Dragon is back! Nearly returning from the long-term injury he suffered, Radu Dragusin came to Mogosoaia to encourage his colleagues and for a workout in the gym.
#GeneratiaDeSuflet.” His presence alone seemed to bring an emotional boost to the squad, showing just how valued he is among his peers.
The last time Dragusin represented Romania was back in November, when he played 68 minutes in a 4–1 victory over Cyprus.
If all goes well with his recovery, he could be available for selection as early as next month. The young centre-back has always been proud to wear his national colours, and his desire to return remains as strong as ever.
During his stay in Romania, Dragusin spoke candidly about his rehabilitation and why he agreed with Tottenham’s decision to delay his return to international football.
“Mircea Lucescu wanted me back in the team, of course,” he said. “I wanted to be with my teammates and play for Romania again. But I also understood that waiting a few more weeks or even a month would help me more in the long run.”
He added that while he already feels physically ready, patience is the key to ensuring he comes back stronger and more stable for the future. “Tottenham are taking all measures to help me return better than before,” he explained.
“I can promise that when I’m back, I’ll be in better shape than I was before the injury. ACL injuries are among the worst in football and take longer to heal than people think.
But I trust the medical team, the physiotherapists, and especially the surgeon who performed my operation. They have the best experience and knowledge possible.”
Dragusin’s words reflect both maturity and gratitude two qualities that have defined his journey since arriving at Tottenham.
Recovering from a long-term injury is one of the toughest challenges any player can face, but his positive attitude and trust in the process have kept him moving forward.
Spurs fans will be encouraged by his progress, especially given how impressive he looked before his setback.
As he edges closer to full fitness, Tottenham supporters will be eager to see him back at the heart of their defence, ready to bring his strength, composure, and determination back to the Premier League.
For now, patience remains the priority, but everything suggests that Radu Dragusin’s comeback is just around the corner and he’s determined to make it a triumphant one.
