Tottenham Hotspur have kicked off the 2025/26 season in fine form, and Thomas Frank’s men could be about to receive a welcome boost as Premier League football resumes this weekend.
The Lilywhites are set to face Aston Villa at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and two key players are reportedly ready to make their return from injury a timely lift for a squad that has dealt with several fitness concerns since the start of the campaign.
Tottenham currently sit third in the league table following their hard-fought 2-1 win over Leeds United before the international break.
That victory showcased the team’s growing resilience and tactical discipline under Frank’s leadership. Now, with a couple of crucial names back in contention, Spurs could finally begin to look like a complete unit again.
One of the players expected to return is Randal Kolo Muani. The French forward joined Tottenham on loan from Paris Saint-Germain on deadline day in a move that caught the attention of fans and pundits alike.
Daniel Levy’s decision to bring in a striker with Champions League experience raised expectations, as many saw Muani as the missing piece to give Spurs more firepower up front.
However, Muani’s start in North London didn’t go as planned. He suffered a dead leg shortly after arriving, which restricted him to just 13 minutes of action in a Spurs shirt.
The injury came at the worst possible time, denying Thomas Frank the chance to integrate him properly into the team’s attacking system.
Now, things are finally looking up for the 26-year-old. According to reports from The Standard, Kolo Muani featured in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Watford during the international break.
He played 45 minutes and, most importantly, came through the match without any issues. With a full week of training ahead, he is expected to be part of the matchday squad against Aston Villa.
Frank may choose to ease him back into action with a second-half cameo, allowing the Frenchman to gradually build his fitness while adding a spark to Tottenham’s attack.
The other major positive for Spurs is the potential return of Kota Takai. The Japanese defender joined Tottenham from Kawasaki Frontale in January for £5 million but has yet to make his competitive debut.
He was sidelined for more than a month with a plantar fascia injury, which delayed his integration into the first team. Now fully recovered, Takai is ready to compete for his place and bring valuable depth to Tottenham’s defensive options.
Takai’s versatility makes him an asset for Frank’s side, as he can operate both at the heart of defence and on the right.
With the club facing a congested October fixture list, having a fit and flexible defender available could prove vital. His return also fits perfectly with Tottenham’s ongoing project under Frank, which has placed a strong emphasis on developing and trusting young talent.
If the 21-year-old gets minutes against Aston Villa, he will become the sixth player aged 21 or under to feature for Spurs in a competitive game this season a clear reflection of the club’s new philosophy focused on youth, energy, and long-term development.
The return of both Kolo Muani and Takai is excellent news for the North London club. It gives Thomas Frank more options and helps balance the squad across multiple competitions.
Muani’s attacking instincts and Takai’s defensive stability could both play key roles as Tottenham aim to keep up the momentum and continue challenging near the top of the Premier League table.
For Frank, who has already managed to blend discipline with attacking freedom, having these players back is a huge advantage.
The depth they add could make all the difference as Spurs prepare for a demanding stretch of fixtures. With confidence high and the squad strengthening at the right time, Tottenham look ready to continue their impressive start and perhaps even mount a serious push for silverware this season.
