“Heartbreak at Hotspur Way: Thomas Frank Confirms Crushing Injury Blow Ahead of New Season………..
By: Football Correspondent | July 26, 2025 | North London
Tottenham Hotspur’s dreams of a fresh chapter under new head coach Thomas Frank have been dealt a heavy blow before a ball has even been kicked in anger.
In a somber press conference at Hotspur Way this morning, Frank revealed that key forward Dejan Kulusevski will miss the start of the 2025–26 season due to a re-aggravation of a foot injury — an injury that now threatens to keep the Swedish international sidelined for several months, if not longer. For a fanbase still reeling from the chaos of last season, the news landed like a gut punch.
> “Dejan is not ready. He’s still working on recovery and will not be available for the start of the season,” Frank stated. “The timeline is uncertain, and we are approaching it week-by-week.
A Shadow Over a New Dawn
For Spurs supporters, this was supposed to be a summer of hope. After lifting the UEFA Europa League under Ange Postecoglou — a bittersweet triumph following a historically poor Premier League finish — the appointment of Thomas Frank was seen as a move toward stability and tactical intelligence.
But just weeks into his tenure, the Danish tactician finds himself grappling with the very issue that plagued his predecessor: injuries.
Kulusevski’s setback is not an isolated incident; it is symbolic of a deeper issue — one that plagued the club throughout the 2024–25 campaign. At various points last season, Tottenham had seven or more first-team players injured, disrupting rhythm, chemistry, and rotation. The club limped through the league, finishing 17th, their worst performance in over 45 years.
Despite the Europa League glory, Spurs’ domestic form was a disaster — and Thomas Frank was brought in to fix that.
Now, just weeks away from their Champions League return, he is already on the back foot.
A Player Lost, A System in Question
Kulusevski’s importance to Tottenham cannot be overstated. The 25-year-old is not just a winger — he’s a creator, a goal threat, a pressing machine. His ability to operate in tight spaces, deliver pin-point crosses, and track back defensively makes him invaluable in the kind of vertical, high-intensity system Frank wants to implement.
But it’s not just his absence that is worrying — it’s the timing.
Spurs begin their season with three games in eight days, including an early trip to Anfield and a high-stakes Champions League qualifier. With Heung-Min Son linked to an exit, and Richarlison’s future uncertain, Frank is now facing an attacking crisis before the campaign has even begun.
Medical Mismanagement? Fans Demand Answers
Supporters are growing increasingly vocal in their criticism of the club’s medical and sports science departments. On fan forums and across social media, questions abound:
Why are Spurs suffering more injuries than rivals?
Why do players return only to relapse?
Are the club’s fitness and rehab protocols outdated?
One fan wrote: “You can’t build momentum when your best XI is never on the pitch. It’s like a bad dream on repeat.”
Another added: “Kulusevski. Maddison. Bentancur. Romero. Son. Every star had an injury spell last season. We need a complete overhaul of medical and training routines.”
Thomas Frank himself acknowledged the need for change.
> “We’re assessing everything — from recovery methods to load management,” he said. “We cannot repeat the mistakes of last year. Every day counts.”
Replacements? Youth vs Experience
With Kulusevski out and other attackers either injured or unsettled, Frank may have to lean on youth. Rising stars like Mikey Moore, Alfie Devine, and Luka Vuskovic — who impressed with a goal and an assist on debut against Reading — could see minutes earlier than expected.
The recent £55 million arrival of Mohammed Kudus offers some creative relief. Kudus, who produced the corner from which Vuskovic scored in that Reading match, is expected to be a key figure this season. But the burden now placed on him has grown considerably with Kulusevski’s absence.
Frank is already under pressure to dip back into the transfer market for another wide forward. However, financial constraints and ongoing uncertainty around player exits make any major moves far from guaranteed.
The Human Side: Kulusevski’s Pain
Beyond the tactical implications lies the human cost. Kulusevski has fought hard to return to form after his injury last season, only to find himself back at square one.
Those close to the player describe him as “devastated,” yet determined. He has been working individually at Hotspur Way, doing light ball work and hydrotherapy sessions. But a full return remains distant.
> “He lives for this club,” a teammate said anonymously. “He wants to fight, to give back to the fans — but right now, his body just won’t let him.”
The silence from Kulusevski’s camp speaks volumes. For a player who wears his heart on his sleeve, this forced absence is more than physical — it’s emotional.
The Road Ahead: A Test of Leadership
For Frank, this moment is a litmus test of his leadership.
He was hired not just for his tactical brain, but for his ability to galvanize teams under adversity — something he did remarkably at Brentford. His calm demeanor and emphasis on culture may prove to be his greatest assets now.
> “Every club faces setbacks,” Frank said. “It’s how you respond that defines you.”
But Tottenham is not just any club. Expectations are higher than ever. Fans want results. They want a return to consistent top-four finishes. And they want silverware — not just in Europe, but at home.
For Frank, that begins by steering the club through this injury storm — and proving that the ghosts of last season won’t return to haunt them
Final Thoughts: Hope Amid the Hurt
It’s easy to feel despondent. Another key player out. Another season starting in crisis. But for Tottenham, this is also an opportunity.
An opportunity for new leaders to emerge. For youth to shine. For the manager to earn the trust of the fanbase. For the squad to dig deep and find its identity.
Football, after all, is as much about resilience as it is about brilliance. And if Thomas Frank can navigate these troubled waters, he may just prove to be the long-term answer Tottenham have been seeking.
As the sun set over Hotspur Way tonight, fans left the training ground with a mix of concern and cautious optimism. They’ve seen dark days before. But they also know — with the right fight — brighter ones are always within reach.