Spurs Injuries: Updates Ahead of Sydney Pre-season Finale
Written by Noah J.N. https://x.com/NoahJN_SD?s=20
Tottenham Hotspur have completed two of their three matches on tour this summer and will wrap things up with a Sydney Super Cup Final against fellow Premier League side Chelsea. The Lilywhites arrived in New Zealand just over a week ago and began the trip with a 2-0 win over A-League champions Auckland FC. A few days later, Tottenham beat four-time A-League winners Sydney FC on penalties, with encouraging cameos from both senior stars and academy prospects. After a demanding week of training, reconditioning, and two friendlies, there have been growing concerns over the squad’s health and the fitness of some key players heading into the new season.
Head coach Roberto De Zerbi gave fans an update on Tuesday regarding midfielder James Maddison, who has been ruled out of the Sydney Super Cup Final. “James has a small problem, I don’t want to take any risks, especially in this part of the season and especially for James because he suffered a long injury last season. He’s an important player for us.” Maddison is expected to return to full participation in the coming week or so, but fans have grown tired of seeing his name linked with injury setbacks.
Another key part of Tottenham’s midfield also featured in injury talk this past week. New £85m signing Mateus Fernandes was at the centre of speculation, with some even fearing the 20-year-old had torn his ACL. Those rumours were false, and De Zerbi has confirmed Fernandes is fine. Speaking to football.london, he said Fernandes is “just fatigued” and that Spurs decided “not to take any risk” with his calf issue. The midfielder has already looked exciting in a Spurs shirt, and more from him once the squad returns to London will be very welcome.
Tottenham’s right winger Mohammed Kudus is also working his way back from a lengthy quadriceps injury that has kept him out since January, missing 23 matches in the process. Spurs fans were given a reassuring update from the manager around a week ago when he said, “I think when we come back to London [Kudus] will be available to start working with us.” One of the most entertaining and talented players in the attack, Tottenham will need a fit Kudus if they are to meet the high expectations set for the new season.
Other key players such as Dejan Kulusevski, Wilson Odobert, and Xavi Simons have not yet returned to full training. Odobert and Simons are not expected back until well into the season, while rumours online suggest Kulusevski could be fully fit for the first time since May 2025, although there has been no official confirmation from the club.
Odobert is expected back from his torn ACL around late November to Christmas, while Simons is not expected to return until February as he continues recovering from the same injury sustained in April. A fully healthy squad could achieve big things this season, and Spurs fans will be hoping injury issues do not define the campaign the way they did last year.
