Three Tottenham Hotspur stars set to return for Aston Villa clash | OneFootball

Tottenham Injuries Pile Up As Crucial Run Nears

Tottenham’s strong early-season form under Thomas Frank has been impressive, yet the growing list of injuries remains a genuine concern. The international break has arrived at a convenient moment, offering a brief window to restore fitness before a relentless spell that includes Aston Villa, Monaco, Everton, Newcastle, Chelsea, FC Copenhagen, Manchester United, Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain.

Solanke And Kolo Muani Race Against Time

Dominic Solanke has not featured since the 2-0 win at Manchester City on August 23 due to a persistent ankle issue. His brief return to training offered optimism, only for the problem to resurface and lead to minor surgery. Frank was unable to give a timeframe for Solanke’s return, insisting Tottenham would discover more after the international break.

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Randal Kolo Muani, signed on Deadline Day from PSG, has managed just one late cameo in the Champions League win over Villarreal. A dead leg has ruled him out of five straight matches, although he recently returned to light training. He is not involved with France for World Cup qualifiers against Azerbaijan and Iceland, so should be in contention to play against Aston Villa after the international break.

Potential return date: Sunday October 19, vs Aston Villa (H)

Midfield Concerns With Bissouma And Kulusevski

Yves Bissouma has been absent since May. Initially excluded from the UEFA Super Cup squad due to disciplinary reasons, he later suffered a knee issue. Frank confirmed last month that he had only just started running again and remained away from group training. His return has no clear timeline.

Dejan Kulusevski has also yet to play this season following patella surgery before the Europa League final in May. Early reports suggested he could be out until the new year, though Frank most recently said the Swede had a “good chance” of playing again before the end of 2025. “It’s not tomorrow but hopefully not too far away,” the manager said.

Potential return date: November or December

Defensive Reinforcements Still In Recovery

Kota Takai, signed from Kawasaki Frontale in June, has been recovering from a plantar fascia issue. Frank confirmed he had rejoined full training and may be available straight after the break if there are no setbacks.

Potential return date: Sunday October 19, vs Aston Villa (H)

Radu Dragusin is also edging closer. He returned to training in early September after an ACL injury suffered in January against Elfsborg. A few more sessions could put him in contention for Villa.

Potential return date: Sunday October 19, vs Aston Villa (H)

James Maddison remains the longest-term absentee after rupturing his ACL during pre-season against Newcastle in South Korea. He underwent surgery and is expected to miss most of the 2025-26 season.

Potential return date: Unknown, potentially summer 2026

Tottenham have coped well so far, but recovery speed may define their season as much as tactics or form.