Key Points
- Tottenham Hotspur have endured three significant injuries to key players over the last week, impacting preparations for the north London derby against Arsenal on February 22, 2026.cartilagefreecaptain.
- Mohammed Kudus suffered a thigh tendon injury, confirmed by head coach Thomas Frank to sideline him until after the March international break.sports.
- Rodrigo Bentancur tore his hamstring during the match against Bournemouth, with Sami Mokbel of the BBC reporting that the midfielder requires surgery and faces at least three months out.
- Richarlison sustained an apparent hamstring injury in the FA Cup third-round defeat to Aston Villa, with Thomas Frank stating post-match: “It looks like [a hamstring injury], but we haven’t assessed him yet.”
- James Maddison remains sidelined with an ACL injury sustained in pre-season, expected to miss most of the season.
- Dejan Kulusevski is in rehabilitation from a complicated knee injury and could return in three to four weeks if progress continues smoothly, potentially in time for Arsenal.
- Dominic Solanke has returned after four-and-a-half months out with an ankle injury, making a substitute appearance against Aston Villa and likely available for the derby.
- Additional injuries plague Tottenham, including hamstring issues for Destiny Udogie, Timo Werner, and Wilson Odobert; groin for Cristian Romero; hamstring for Micky van de Ven; and doubts over Ben Davies and Fraser Forster.
North London, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (North London News) January 13, 2026 – Tottenham Hotspur face a mounting injury crisis ahead of the north London derby against Arsenal on February 22, with three key players struck down over the past week and two confirmed absentees for the crucial clash.cartilagefreecaptain.
What Triggered Tottenham’s Triple Injury Blow?
The injury woes began early last week when Mohammed Kudus sustained a thigh injury during Tottenham’s draw against Sunderland. As reported by Thomas Frank in a pre-match briefing ahead of the FA Cup tie, as covered by Yahoo Sports, Frank stated:
“Mohammed Kudus, unfortunately, has a more serious tendon issue in his quad. We anticipate his return after the international break in March.”
This tendon problem in the quadriceps rules Kudus out until April, depriving Spurs of his two goals and five assists from the season so far.
Compounding the issue came Rodrigo Bentancur’s hamstring tear in the Premier League fixture against Bournemouth on January 7. Sami Mokbel, reporting for the BBC, detailed that the Uruguayan midfielder will undergo surgery and miss at least three months. Thomas Frank confirmed post-match, as noted by the Evening Standard:
“Rodri has a hamstring injury – looks like a bigger one, unfortunately. We don’t know the time frame. That we will know later.”
Reports from Uruguay, cited by the Evening Standard, align with the three-month prognosis.
The weekend’s FA Cup third-round exit to Aston Villa at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium sealed the triple setback. Richarlison, Tottenham’s top scorer, lasted only 30 minutes before pulling up with a suspected hamstring strain while chasing a loose ball. Thomas Frank, speaking to reporters after the 2-1 defeat, remarked:
“It looks like a hamstring injury, but we haven’t assessed him yet,”
according to the official Tottenham Hotspur website and Daily Cannon. The Brazilian has a history of hamstring troubles, missing chunks of the last three seasons, leaving Spurs with a nervous wait.
How Serious Are Richarlison and Bentancur’s Hamstring Injuries?
Richarlison’s injury occurred in the 30th minute against Villa, with the forward clutching the back of his left leg. As detailed by the Evening Standard’s report on Frank’s post-match comments, the manager highlighted the festive schedule’s role:
“Thomas Frank has called on football authorities to ‘look into’ mounting injury problems across the Premier League.”
Spurs Web echoed this, quoting Frank blaming the busy schedule for the lead goalscorer’s blow.
Bentancur’s case appears graver, exiting late against Bournemouth and replaced by Archie Gray. Multiple outlets, including Cartilage Free Captain, confirm surgery looms, with Bentancur joining two others who limped off that match with hamstring concerns—Richarlison later faced similar fate. Sami Mokbel’s BBC piece specifies the three-month timeline, aligning with scans from Uruguay.
At this stage, only Kudus and Bentancur are definitely out for Arsenal, per Daily Cannon analysis. Richarlison’s status hinges on assessment, but history suggests risk.
Who Else Is Missing for Spurs Against Arsenal?
Tottenham’s injury list extends beyond the triple blow. James Maddison, 29, tore his ACL in a pre-season friendly against Newcastle United, undergoing surgery in August. As James Maddison shared with Sky Sports, per The Athletic:
“It’s clearly a significant injury that I have. I underwent major knee surgery… More than anything at this moment, it’s crucial to maintain the right mentality.”
He remains out for most of the 2025-26 season.
Dejan Kulusevski battles a rare knee injury, receiving an injection to alleviate pain. Thomas Frank, speaking to football.london as reported by Spurs Web, said:
“It was not going forward as quickly as we thought, but it is an injury we have not seen that much in football history… So in three to four weeks’ time, he will be on the grass pain-free.”
A smooth rehab could see him fit for Arsenal.
Further absences include Destiny Udogie (hamstring, mid-February return), Timo Werner (hamstring, out), Wilson Odobert (hamstring, out), Cristian Romero (groin, end of month), Micky van de Ven (hamstring, end of month), with Ben Davies (hamstring, doubt) and Fraser Forster (illness, doubt), per 90min’s comprehensive list.
What Positive News Emerges from Tottenham’s Injury Crisis?
Amid the gloom, Dominic Solanke offers hope. After 4.5 months sidelined by an ankle injury, he substituted in the 83rd minute against Villa, scoring in a disallowed goal via Xavi Simons. Daily Cannon notes: “Dominic Solanke has finally made his comeback… so he should definitely be involved against the Gunners.” His availability bolsters the attack.
Radu Dragusin and Archie Gray have filled defensive voids capably, while Udogie was on the bench versus Villa despite his issue.
When Is the North London Derby and What Does It Mean for Spurs?
The derby arrives February 22 at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium, a pivotal Premier League encounter. With two confirmed outs in Kudus and Bentancur, and potentials like Richarlison, Tottenham’s squad depth faces severe testing under Thomas Frank, appointed recently amid pressure post-FA Cup exit.cartilagefreecaptain.
Frank lamented the schedule, per Spurs Web: “Spurs have had to play too many matches in a short space of time, which is why Richarlison and other players are getting injured.” This crisis tests resilience in a congested calendar.
How Has Thomas Frank Responded to the Injury Pile-Up?
Frank has been forthright. On Kudus, to Yahoo Sports: “Mohammed, unfortunately, is a bigger one to the tendon in the quad.” On Bentancur: “Looks like a bigger one, unfortunately.” On Richarlison and schedules: Urging authorities to investigate Premier League injury spikes.
His updates, via Tottenham’s site and media, maintain transparency amid fan concerns.
What Are the Broader Implications for Tottenham’s Season?
Spurs’ woes compound defensive and midfield frailties. 90min lists goalkeepers Guglielmo Vicario (ankle, out) and Forster (doubt), centre-backs Romero and Van de Ven out till month-end. The FA Cup exit ends silverware hopes, shifting focus to league survival and Europe.
Yet Solanke’s return and Kulusevski’s potential buoy spirits. Frank’s mentality emphasis, as in Maddison’s recovery mindset, underscores mental fortitude needs.
