Tottenham have been dealt an injury blow with Mykhaylo Mudryk set to spend up to eight weeks on the sidelines after suffering an ankle injury.
The Ukrainian forward is understood to have sustained the injury on Monday and is currently believed to be wearing a protective boot as he begins his recovery.
The setback comes at an unfortunate time for Mudryk, who had only recently returned to action after spending almost two years away from senior football.
Mudryk joined Tottenham from Chelsea on a season-long loan deal on transfer deadline day, with the move giving the 25-year-old an opportunity to revive his career and secure regular first-team football.
He made his Tottenham debut as a second-half substitute, coming on in the 74th minute during the goalless draw against [opponent], marking his first senior appearance in nearly two weeks.
The ankle injury now threatens to interrupt that fresh start, although the timing could provide Mudryk and Tottenham with some encouragement.
International break could aid recovery
Fortunately for both the player and Spurs, the injury coincides with a three-week international break.
That extended period without club fixtures could allow Mudryk to complete a significant portion of his rehabilitation before Tottenham return to competitive action.
Although an eight-week absence would represent a considerable setback, the timing of the injury means the Ukrainian could potentially return earlier than initially feared, depending on the progress of his recovery.
Mudryk had also been expected to receive a call-up to the Ukraine national team, making the injury an additional disappointment for the forward.
Mudryk’s difficult road back
The latest setback comes after a difficult period in Mudryk’s career.
The Ukraine international was handed a four-year ban in December 2024 after testing positive for the banned substance meldonium.
However, in July this year, he was cleared to return to professional football after resolving his doping case with the Football Association.
His move to Tottenham was subsequently viewed as an opportunity to rebuild his career away from Chelsea.
Spurs completed the loan deal during the closing stages of the transfer window, with a £75 million buy option included in the agreement.
The clause, however, is not mandatory.
For now, Tottenham and Mudryk will be hoping the ankle problem proves to be only a temporary interruption as the forward looks to establish himself in north London.
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