Key Points
- Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank has received a significant injury boost ahead of the North London derby against Arsenal on Sunday.
- Forward Randal Kolo Muani, on loan from Paris Saint-Germain, is unexpectedly available for selection despite a jaw injury sustained on November 8 during a 2-2 draw with Manchester United.
- Kolo Muani missed international duty with France but is now cleared to play after being fitted with a protective mask and training this week.
- Frank confirmed availability of midfielder Pape Sarr, midfielder Lucas Bergvall, and Kolo Muani, noting the forward’s mask requirement.
- Defenders Ben Davies and Kota Takai have also returned to training.
- Centre-back Radu Dragusin, recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament injury sustained in January, participated in a behind-closed-doors friendly earlier this month.
Tottenham Hotspur have been handed a major injury boost ahead of Sunday’s crucial North London derby against Arsenal, with Paris Saint-Germain loanee Randal Kolo Muani unexpectedly available for selection despite a recent jaw injury. Manager Thomas Frank confirmed that Kolo Muani, along with Pape Sarr, Lucas Bergvall, Ben Davies, Kota Takai, and progress from Radu Dragusin, bolsters the squad significantly.
What Injury Did Randal Kolo Muani Sustain?
Randal Kolo Muani picked up a jaw injury during Tottenham’s 2-2 draw with Manchester United on November 8, 2025. The forward subsequently missed international duty with France due to the knock. Initial concerns surrounded his participation in the derby, but medical clearance came swiftly.
As reported in coverage from The Independent, the Paris Saint-Germain loanee has now been fitted with a protective mask, enabling full training this week. Thomas Frank addressed the situation directly, stating:
“Pape (Sarr) trained today, ready and available. Lucas (Bergvall) trained today and is available. Kolo Muani, yes trained today, available – of course he has a mask he needs to play with”.
This development marks a turnaround from early fears of a prolonged absence.
Who Else Has Returned to Training for Tottenham?
The injury good news extends beyond Kolo Muani, with several key squad members back in contention. Defenders Ben Davies and Kota Takai have rejoined training sessions, providing depth at the back. Pape Sarr and Lucas Bergvall, both midfield options, trained fully on the day Frank spoke and stand ready for selection.
These returns come at a pivotal juncture, strengthening Tottenham’s options for the high-stakes clash. Frank’s confirmation underscores the squad’s improved readiness across multiple positions. No further details on their exact match involvement emerged, but availability signals positive momentum.
How Serious Was Radu Dragusin’s Injury?
Centre-back Radu Dragusin has been sidelined since January 2025 with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) damage. Recovery from such an injury typically demands months of rehabilitation, yet Dragusin featured in a behind-closed-doors friendly earlier this month. This step indicates meaningful progress toward first-team reintegration.
While not yet fully available, Dragusin’s participation represents an encouraging milestone. Tottenham’s medical team has managed his return cautiously, aligning with standard protocols for ACL recoveries. Observers note this as part of broader squad management ahead of fixture congestion.
Why Is the North London Derby Crucial for Tottenham?
The North London derby pits Tottenham against rivals Arsenal on Sunday, a fixture laden with historical rivalry and Premier League implications. For Thomas Frank’s side, these injury returns could prove decisive in a match often defining seasonal trajectories. Spurs aim to leverage home advantage and boosted personnel to challenge Arsenal’s form.
As per The Independent’s reporting, the timing amplifies the boost’s value, with Frank’s squad now deeper. Derbies carry intense pressure, where marginal gains like player availability shift dynamics. Tottenham supporters view this as a potential turning point amid a competitive campaign.
What Has Thomas Frank Said About the Boost?
Thomas Frank explicitly detailed the returns during a pre-match briefing. He stated:
“Pape (Sarr) trained today, ready and available. Lucas (Bergvall) trained today and is available. Kolo Muani, yes trained today, available – of course he has a mask he needs to play with”.
Frank’s comments, as covered by The Independent, highlight measured optimism without overstatement.
The Danish manager, known for pragmatic assessments, emphasised training integration. His words reflect thorough preparation, crediting medical staff implicitly. No additional quotes from Frank on tactical implications surfaced in initial reports.
When Did Kolo Muani Get Injured and Miss France Duty?
The jaw injury occurred precisely during the Manchester United draw on November 8, 2025. Kolo Muani’s subsequent absence from France internationals stemmed directly from this. The protective mask facilitated his expedited return, defying expectations.
Timeline details from The Independent underscore the rapid recovery arc. By mid-week, full training resumed, positioning him for derby consideration. This sequence exemplifies modern sports medicine’s efficacy.
Who Is Randal Kolo Muani and His Loan Background?
Randal Kolo Muani arrives at Tottenham on loan from Paris Saint-Germain, bringing proven forward pedigree. The French attacker’s versatility bolsters Spurs’ options. His integration, post-injury, enhances attacking depth.
Media profiles note his prior PSG contributions, now translating to English football. Availability reunites him with squad-mates at a key moment. Loan terms remain standard, focused on mutual benefit.
How Does This Affect Tottenham’s Squad Depth?
Enhanced depth spans midfield with Sarr and Bergvall, defence via Davies and Takai, and attack through Kolo Muani. Dragusin’s progress adds long-term positivity. Frank now navigates selections with greater flexibility.
Such reinforcements mitigate fatigue risks in a demanding schedule. Squad resilience strengthens Tottenham’s derby prospects. Observers anticipate tactical tweaks exploiting these returns.
What Is the Context of Tottenham’s Recent Form?
The Manchester United draw on November 8 highlighted resilience, despite Kolo Muani’s injury. Tottenham’s campaign features competitive results, setting derby stakes high. Frank’s management has navigated challenges effectively.
Broader context includes Premier League positioning, where points from derbies prove invaluable. Injury management underscores strategic depth-building. Fans anticipate capitalising on this uplift.
Are There Any Concerns Remaining for Tottenham?
Kolo Muani’s mask introduces adaptation considerations, though cleared medically. Dragusin’s ongoing recovery tempers full enthusiasm. No reports indicate setbacks for Davies, Takai, Sarr, or Bergvall.
Frank’s tone suggests no major hurdles persist. Monitoring continues, per standard procedure. Optimism prevails without complacency.
