adminGOODNEWS- Igor Tudor announces major Tottenham boost as he welcomes three injured players back for Must-win Fulham clash
Injuries heavily disrupted Tottenham’s progress last season, and the problem has persisted into the current campaign. Former manager Thomas Frank was often forced to work with a severely weakened squad, at times missing so many senior players that an entire starting XI could almost be formed from those sidelined.
As a result, consistency was impossible, team chemistry suffered, and performances on the pitch declined.
Now interim head coach Igor Tudor has taken charge during a turbulent period.
The Croatian stepped into a squad already stretched by injuries, with several key players unavailable and limited immediate solutions. His first match in charge ended in a difficult 4–1 defeat to fierce rivals Arsenal F.C. in the North London Derby, underlining both the scale of the challenge ahead and the fragility of the current team.
With Tottenham Hotspur F.C. sitting only four points above the Premier League relegation zone, the pressure is mounting. The once-unthinkable possibility of relegation to the EFL Championship is now a genuine concern if results do not improve quickly. A crucial away fixture against Fulham F.C. at Craven Cottage is approaching, and Tudor will be hoping for any positive boost ahead of the match.
Injury Boost on the Horizon
There are some encouraging signs on the injury front. While a number of long-term absentees remain far from returning, a few players with shorter-term injuries are nearing full fitness. When asked whether anyone could return for the upcoming weekend fixture, Tudor responded with cautious optimism: “Yeah, probably two of them, we hope.”
One of those expected back is Pedro Porro. The full-back has been out since suffering a hamstring injury during the 2–2 draw against Burnley F.C. at Turf Moor in late January. Before that injury, Porro had been a consistent presence, playing in every Premier League match and starting all Champions League fixtures. His attacking drive and defensive stability have been badly missed.
There had been slight hope he might return for the North London Derby, but that proved too soon. Now, however, he appears likely to make his comeback against Fulham, which would be a timely boost for a defense that has recently looked vulnerable.
Kevin Danso could also return. The defender has been an important rotation option this season, frequently filling in when either Cristian Romero or Micky van de Ven were unavailable. However, Danso has also been sidelined since the Burnley match after picking up a toe injury.
His absence became even more problematic after Romero’s suspension following a red card against Manchester United F.C.. Danso’s return would help stabilize the back line and allow players to move back into their natural positions. For example, João Palhinha had to fill in as part of a back three during the defeat to Arsenal, highlighting the squad’s lack of depth.
Players Close to Returning
Looking slightly further ahead, there is cautious optimism regarding Destiny Udogie. It has been three weeks since Frank initially suggested the defender could be out for “four to five weeks” due to a hamstring injury. While the Fulham match might arrive too soon, a return for the upcoming clash against Liverpool F.C. on March 15 could be possible if his recovery continues as planned.
Lucas Bergvall is also progressing after undergoing ankle surgery. Although he is still weeks away from a return, reports from Sweden suggest his rehabilitation is progressing well. A comeback following the March international break currently looks the most likely scenario.
That same period could also see Mohammed Kudus return, as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury.
Long-Term Absences Still a Problem
Unfortunately, not all the news is positive for Spurs. Several key players remain long-term absentees, including Ben Davies, Rodrigo Bentancur, James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, and Wilson Odobert. Many of them may not return before the end of the season.
For a team already struggling near the relegation zone, losing such influential players has severely weakened both leadership and creativity on the pitch. The coming weeks will test Tudor’s tactical adaptability and the determination of the available squad.
With a demanding run of fixtures approaching and little margin for error, Tottenham’s hopes of avoiding relegation may depend on how quickly injured players return — and whether those coming back can immediately deliver the performances needed to steady the club during a difficult period.
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