Tottenham head into another crucial week searching for stability and a fresh start after a run of disappointing results. Their upcoming trip to St James’ Park to face Newcastle United could not come at a more delicate moment, with both clubs sitting on the same points despite experiencing very different fortunes in recent matches.
Spurs have suffered consecutive defeats in London derbies against Arsenal and Fulham, with their latest loss triggering loud frustration from supporters who booed the team both at half time and after the final whistle.
Meanwhile, Newcastle are arriving with renewed confidence after beating Manchester City and destroying Everton 4–1, giving them momentum at a time when Tottenham appear to be losing theirs.
Thomas Frank is under growing pressure to steady the team, rediscover their rhythm, and guide them through a demanding festive period. A small silver lining for Spurs is the availability of captain Cristian Romero, who returns after suspension and will immediately strengthen their defensive line.
But the reality is that several key players remain sidelined, and their absences continue to shape the team’s performances. As the fixtures come thick and fast, Tottenham know that any further setbacks could complicate their season even more.
The team desperately needs bodies back, and supporters are anxiously tracking the recovery of several players who were expected to play major roles this campaign.
Dominic Solanke remains one of the biggest question marks. The striker has yet to find traction under Frank after an ankle injury in pre-season halted his progress. He managed only brief appearances against Paris Saint-Germain, Burnley and Manchester City before suffering another serious setback that forced him to undergo surgery.
Frank admitted before the last international break that he had no clear idea whether Solanke would feature before the end of the year, and the player himself has avoided offering a timeline.
He revealed that the injury was far worse than initially believed and said he had hoped to make a quick return but was ultimately left with no choice but to go under the knife. For now, his comeback date remains completely uncertain.
Radu Dragusin, however, offers a more positive outlook. The Romanian defender is edging closer to a full recovery from his ACL injury and recently took an important step by featuring in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Leyton Orient, where he played his first minutes in ten months.
Dragusin said the runout felt good and that he now feels he is finally building momentum again after a long and difficult rehabilitation. Although he did not make the squad for the matches against Arsenal, PSG or Fulham, there is growing optimism that he could be involved this week or at least return to the squad for the upcoming home clash with Brentford.
His return would give Frank another much-needed option as he tries to rebuild a shaky defence.
Dejan Kulusevski is another player edging closer to a return after months out with a patella injury that required surgery following last season’s Europa League final. The Swedish winger is back training on grass, and Frank has expressed confidence that there is a strong chance he will play again before the end of the year.
His creativity and physicality have been sorely missed this season, and his return would offer Tottenham an attacking spark that has often been absent during their recent struggles.
Kota Takai remains a more mysterious case. The young defender has yet to appear for Tottenham since his move from Kawasaki Frontale, and although Frank recently suggested he would “be training soon,” he has not made any matchday squad in recent weeks.
His recovery and adaptation timeline remains unclear, leaving fans wondering when they might finally see him in action.
Yves Bissouma’s situation has also added further complications for Tottenham. The midfielder has not played a single minute this season after missing the UEFA Super Cup due to disciplinary issues, only to suffer an additional problem that saw him stretchered off within minutes of returning to action for Mali during international duty.
He has since undergone surgery for ankle ligament damage, and his return date remains unknown. His absence has left a major gap in midfield, where Spurs are struggling for control and consistency.
James Maddison, tragically, will be out for an even longer period. The playmaker underwent surgery after tearing his ACL in a pre-season meeting with Newcastle, ruling him out for the majority of this season.
Tottenham do not expect him back until the summer of 2026, a devastating blow for a player meant to be one of the team’s central creative forces.
As Tottenham prepare for their clash with Newcastle, the club knows the road ahead will only become tougher with the congested winter schedule.
The return of Romero provides some relief, but the broader injury picture remains uncertain. Spurs need bodies back, form restored, and belief rebuilt. The hope is that key players will return soon enough to help steady the season before it slips further out of reach.
