Thomas Frank's Tottenham welcome back injured stars ahead of Aston Villa clash

The north Londoners went into the international break on a high after a 2-1 win away to Leeds, bouncing back from frustrating draws against Bodo/Glimt and Wolves. 

Despite sitting third in the table, Spurs have been hampered by injuries to a number of first-team players across both attack and defence.

Thomas Frank has admitted that the injury situation is improving, with several stars edging closer to a return.

Dejan Kulusevski

The Swedish winger has been missed since undergoing knee surgery before the Europa League final in May.

Frank recently provided an optimistic update, saying Kulusevski had a "good chance" of returning before the end of the year.

Potential return: Late 2025

Kota Takai

The young Japanese defender, a summer signing from Kawasaki Frontale, has yet to make his debut due to a foot injury.

Frank confirmed earlier this month that Takai had returned to full training and was improving "day by day."

Potential return: 19 October vs Aston Villa

Dominic Solanke

Spurs' first-choice striker from last season has missed nearly two months of action due to a persistent ankle problem suffered during the 2â-0 win over Manchester City on 23 August. After undergoing minor surgery in late September, Solanke's comeback is progressing well.

"The procedure went well," Frank said earlier this month, adding that a clearer timeline would be known after the international break.

Potential return: November

Randal Kolo Muani

The on-loan French forward, who joined from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer, has been sidelined for five matches with a dead leg. However, Kolo Muani returned to training before the break and featured in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Watford, playing 45 minutes.

With another week of full training ahead, he is in contention for a place in the squad, and possibly a first start, against Aston Villa.

Potential return: 19 October vs Aston Villa

Radu Dragusin

Recovering from an ACL injury sustained in January, the Romanian defender has been eased back into training.

Frank stated in late September that Dragusin was "still a few weeks away," meaning his return could come before the end of October.

Potential return: Late October

James Maddison

Tottenham's creative heartbeat remains a long-term absentee after rupturing his ACL during a pre-season friendly against Newcastle in South Korea.

The midfielder, who underwent surgery in August, is expected to miss most of the season.

Potential return: Summer 2026

Tottenham will hope the international break has come at the right time, with several key figures nearing full fitness ahead of a crucial run of fixtures in both the Premier League and Europe.

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