Thomas Frank hopeful Dejan Kulusevski will return before the end of the year | OneFootball

Tottenham manager Thomas Frank has offered encouragement to supporters by suggesting there is a “good chance” Dejan Kulusevski (25) will return to action before the end of the year.

The Sweden international has not featured since May, when he limped off just 20 minutes into Spurs’ 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace. Kulusevski, who registered 10 goals and 11 assists across all competitions last season, has been a central figure in Tottenham’s attacking framework since arriving from Juventus.

Asked about the likelihood of an imminent return, Frank was cautiously upbeat. “There is a good chance of that,” he said, speaking to Sky Sports. “He’s a key, key player for us, a key player for me. I just want him back as quickly as possible. I know the medical guys are working very hard on that.”

While Spurs await his recovery, Frank will lead his side into Wednesday night’s Carabao Cup third-round clash against Doncaster, his first taste of domestic cup competition since succeeding Ange Postecoglou in the summer. “Team looks good [injury-wise],” Frank said. “Everyone that was available for the last game is available for this one.”

However, the Spurs boss confirmed that Randal Kolo Muani and Ben Davies will remain sidelined, while Kota Takai and Dominic Solanke, both now back in training, are still short of full match fitness.

GFN | Finn Entwistle