Radu Dragusin 'ready to go' for Tottenham after long road back from injury | OneFootball

Centre-back set for extended run in Spurs team after Cristian Romero ban

The last time that happened was the first game of Spurs’ Europa League triumph, which ended in a comfortable 3-0 win over Qarabag on a night Dragusin was sent off after eight minutes.

Dragusin has spent the last year out with a serious knee injury but Cristian Romero’s red card and Kevin Danso’s toe injury means he is set for a prolonged run back in the side.

Thrust together following Romero’s dismissal at Old Trafford at the weekend, Dragusin and Van de Ven worked well with each other despite the 2-0 defeat.

Dragusin has made four substitute appearances since returning from his knee injury in December

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Spurs dug in and, while they never truly looked like getting anything out of the game after going behind, they remained resolute in the face of mounting United pressure, with Dragusin and Van de Ven marshalling a disciplined defensive performance.

There is, however, only so much credit you can give Spurs for their resilience in a game that had escaped them before half-time.

Dragusin and Van de Ven faced up to United’s frontline, attacking crosses, engaging the ball and covering in behind when necessary, but they could face an altogether different challenge tonight.

It feels like a must-win game against a struggling Newcastle side and, in front of their own fans, Spurs have to get on the front foot and play.

That confidence starts from the back, but Frank says he has no issues about Dragusin playing multiple games in such a short space of time as he works his way back to full fitness.

Dragusin was linked with a January move but he has been given a Spurs lifeline

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“I think he has done great to come back, he has looked good the two games he has played, and he looks strong, and I like that,” Frank said in his pre-match press conference.

Dragusin has made just four appearances this season since returning from injury at the end of December, and the 23-year-old was widely expected to leave the club in January.

But injuries and suspensions have handed the Romanian another chance as Spurs go in search of their first Premier League win of 2026 as they bid to pull clear of relegation danger.

“I think as a defender, he is very good,” said Frank.

“He is alert. His movement, the way he anticipates the different situations, the way he tries to do the principles, I really like that, and he is really competitive in every aspect.

“He is fine, he is strong, and he is ready to go again.”