Tottenham have been handed a welcome double boost on the injury front as Radu Dragusin and Kota Takai both made important steps forward in their recovery. After weeks of rehabilitation, the two defenders finally returned to the pitch on Tuesday, giving Spurs hope of strengthening their backline at a time when defensive stability is desperately needed.
Both players were involved in a behind-closed-doors friendly for Wayne Burnett’s Under-21 side at Hotspur Way. The match was arranged against Dagenham and Redbridge, and it served as a safe and controlled way for Dragusin and Takai to rebuild their match sharpness without the pressure of a competitive fixture.
Takai took part in the first half, completing 45 minutes, while Dragusin played 65 minutes as part of his gradual return. It was the second time Dragusin has featured for the U21s after also getting minutes against Leyton Orient last month.
For Takai, these minutes are especially important because injuries have denied him any chance of making a first-team debut since joining from Kawasaki Frontale in the summer.
The young defender signed for £5 million after impressing in the J1 League, but plantar fasciitis followed by a thigh problem prevented him from beginning his Premier League journey. Spurs have remained patient with him, and this latest step finally gives him a clear path toward competing for senior minutes.
Dragusin’s situation has been even more difficult. He has not appeared for Tottenham’s first team since suffering a major anterior cruciate ligament injury during a Europa League match against Elfsborg in January.
The recovery from ACL surgery is long and mentally challenging, but Dragusin has worked tirelessly to rebuild his strength. His return to structured match action is a huge moment for both the player and the club, especially with Tottenham facing a long and demanding run of fixtures.
Neither player will be involved in Tottenham’s Premier League match away at Newcastle on Tuesday night, but their return is perfectly timed as Spurs prepare for a packed schedule that includes meetings with Brentford, Slavia Prague, Nottingham Forest, Liverpool and Crystal Palace before the end of the year.
Thomas Frank is still dealing with several absences in his squad, and any additional defensive support will be crucial as Tottenham try to stabilise their season.
The pressure on Spurs’ defence has been heavy in recent weeks, with the team conceding 13 goals in their last four matches across all competitions. That run has sparked criticism from supporters and placed further scrutiny on Frank’s leadership during a period of disappointing results.
Captain Cristian Romero is set to return from suspension against Newcastle, but the squad remains stretched, and having Dragusin and Takai close to full fitness will give the manager more options at a time when depth is essential.
The injury list remains worrying. Dominic Solanke, Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison and Yves Bissouma are still unavailable, leaving Frank to manage key matches without some of his most influential players.
Even so, there is a cautious optimism inside the club as two long-term absentees move towards their return.
Frank spoke positively about Dragusin and Takai last week, expressing satisfaction with the defenders’ progress. He explained that Dragusin has been fully integrated back into training for a couple of weeks and that seeing him complete his first 45-minute outing in nine months was a milestone everyone had been waiting for.
The coaching staff have been impressed with his determination and fitness levels, and they believe he is edging closer to being match-ready.
For Tottenham, these developments bring hope at a time when the team badly needs stability. With injuries piling up and results slipping, having two defenders back in contention can change the rhythm of the squad and provide much-needed competition.
Dragusin’s experience and physicality, alongside Takai’s pace and potential, could prove valuable as Spurs fight to regain form in the Premier League and beyond.
Their journey back to the first team is not finished yet, but the biggest steps have finally been taken.
