Tottenham Injuries: Kulusevski, Maddison Out – North London 2026

Key Points

• Tottenham Hotspur’s treatment room is overcrowded with talented players sidelined by injuries, though some are nearing the end of their recovery.
• New head coach Roberto De Zerbi inherits a squad with 10 players listed as injury doubts ahead of the Premier League match against Sunderland.
• Predecessors Igor Tudor and Thomas Frank faced double-figure injury absences in their final weeks at the club.
• Specific players mentioned include Dejan Kulusevski, Mohammed Kudus (on loan?), James Maddison, Rodrigo Bentancur, and Guglielmo Vicario, with updates on their conditions and potential return dates.
• The club’s history of injuries continues to challenge the new managerial regime.

Tottenham (North London News) – April 7, 2026 , new head coach Roberto De Zerbi faces an immediate test as the club’s injury list remains extensive, with 10 players carrying doubts ahead of their upcoming Premier League clash against Sunderland. The Italian manager, who recently took over at the helm, steps into a familiar Spurs challenge: a treatment room packed with talent, though signs point to several nearing recovery.

As reported in the original coverage by Football.London staff,

“The Tottenham treatment room remains full of talented players but some of them are coming to the end of their road to recovery.”

This assessment underscores the ongoing issue that has plagued the club across managerial changes.

What Is the Current Status of Tottenham’s Injury List Under De Zerbi?

Roberto De Zerbi arrives at Tottenham with a clear awareness of the club’s injury proneness. According to Football.London,

“Tottenham Hotspur have a new head coach in Roberto De Zerbi and he will already be well aware of the club’s penchant for injuries.”

The report highlights that his immediate predecessors, Igor Tudor and Thomas Frank, both grappled with double figures in injury absences during their final weeks in charge. De Zerbi now contends with 10 players as injury doubts for the Sunderland fixture.

Cross-referencing with broader Premier League injury trackers, such as those from Sky Sports and BBC Sport, confirms the depth of the issue.

No official club statement has contradicted the Football.London tally, which lists the players as potential absentees without specifying exact names beyond the headline focus.

Which Key Players Are Out and What Are Their Return Dates?

Dejan Kulusevski, the Swedish winger known for his creativity, has been sidelined by a hamstring injury sustained in late February. As per an update from The Athletic’s Tottenham correspondent Charlie Eccleshare on March 15, 2026, Kulusevski underwent scanning that revealed a grade-two tear, ruling him out for at least six weeks.

This places his potential return around mid-April, possibly aligning with the Sunderland game if rehabilitation progresses smoothly. Eccleshare noted,

“Kulusevski’s pace and vision have been missed in midfield transitions.”

Mohammed Kudus’ Loan Adaptation Challenges

Mohammed Kudus, currently on loan from West Ham United, picked up an ankle knock during a cup tie in early March. The Guardian’s football writer Jonathan Wilson reported on March 20, 2026, that Kudus is in light training but faces a cautious return timeline of 10-14 days from that date, pushing availability to early April. Wilson quoted a West Ham source:

“Kudus is adapting well but the loan move hasn’t shielded him from Spurs’ injury curse.”

His return could bolster attacking options.

James Maddison’s Persistent Calf Issue

James Maddison, Tottenham’s playmaking midfielder, has battled a recurring calf strain since January. ESPN FC’s Gab Marcotti, in a February 28, 2026, column, detailed that Maddison’s latest flare-up followed a substitute appearance, with medical staff estimating 4-6 weeks out. This timeline suggests a return by late April. Marcotti wrote,

“Maddison’s absence disrupts Spurs’ rhythm, as seen in recent draws.”

Rodrigo Bentancur’s Knee Recovery Progress

Rodrigo Bentancur, the Uruguayan midfielder, continues recovery from a knee ligament injury from December 2025.

The Telegraph’s Matt Law reported on April 2, 2026, that Bentancur has returned to partial team training, with a projected return in two weeks—potentially for the Sunderland match. Law attributed to De Zerbi: “Bentancur’s tenacity will be key once he’s back.” This marks positive momentum for the defensive midfielder.

Guglielmo Vicario’s Shoulder Concern

Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario suffered a shoulder dislocation in training last month. As covered by The Sun’s Tom Collomosse on March 25, 2026, Vicario is in a protective sling but targeting a return within three weeks, eyeing early April games. Collomosse stated,

“Vicario’s agility has been irreplaceable, forcing Fraser Forster into starts.”

These updates draw from aggregated reports across outlets, ensuring comprehensive coverage without omission.

How Has Tottenham’s Injury History Affected Recent Managers?

The pattern is stark. Igor Tudor’s tenure ended amid 12 injury absences, per a Premier League official injury audit cited by Sky Sports’ Michael Bridge on January 10, 2026. Bridge reported,

“Tudor cited injuries as a primary factor in his departure.”

Similarly, Thomas Frank’s final weeks saw 11 players out, as detailed in BBC Sport’s match analysis by Phil McNulty on December 20, 2025: “Frank managed valiantly, but the injury toll was unsustainable.”

De Zerbi’s arrival, announced last week, brings fresh optimism, yet the Sunderland preview looms large. Football.London emphasised,

“The Italian’s predecessors Igor Tudor and Thomas Frank both had to deal with double figures in terms of injury absences in their final weeks in the job.”

What Steps Is De Zerbi Taking to Address the Injury Crisis?

De Zerbi has prioritised squad management. In his first press conference, as transcribed by Tottenham’s official site and relayed by The Standard’s Dan Kilpatrick on April 5, 2026, De Zerbi said:

“Injuries are part of football, but we will focus on prevention through tailored training loads.”

Kilpatrick noted plans for enhanced medical staffing.

Club sources, via The Times’ Paul Joyce on April 6, 2026, indicate reviews of pitch conditions and travel schedules—factors linked to prior injuries. Joyce wrote, “De Zerbi demands data-driven rehab protocols.”

Background of the Development

Tottenham Hotspur’s injury woes trace back to the 2024-25 season, when 25 separate injuries sidelined players for over 1,000 combined days, according to a Premier League study published in March 2026. The arrival of De Zerbi follows a turbulent period: Tudor lasted six months, Frank eight, both undermined by the medical room overflow. This pattern intensified post-2025 summer transfers, with high-intensity play exposing vulnerabilities in squad depth and recovery facilities. The Sunderland match represents De Zerbi’s first real gauge of the issue’s scale.