Softfootball can confirm Tottenham Hotspur have suffered an injury setback with Mykhailo Mudryk expected to be sidelined for a number of weeks after sustaining an ankle problem in training.
The 25-year-old is understood to have suffered the injury on Monday and is currently wearing a protective boot as he begins his recovery.
Mudryk only joined Tottenham from Chelsea on a season-long loan on deadline day and had made his first senior appearance in almost two years during Saturday’s goalless draw against Nottingham Forest.
The Ukraine international entered the match as a 74th-minute substitute, marking his first competitive minutes since November 2024.
His return to football had already been a long and complicated process following a doping case that resulted in a lengthy suspension.
Mudryk was handed a four-year ban in December 2024 after testing positive for the banned substance meldonium. However, he was cleared to return to professional football in July this year after resolving the case with the Football Association.
The winger subsequently secured a surprise loan move to Tottenham towards the end of the summer transfer window, giving him an opportunity to rebuild his career away from Stamford Bridge.
Mudryk’s move to Chelsea in January 2023 came with enormous expectations after the Blues agreed a deal worth up to £100million for the Ukrainian. However, he struggled to consistently produce his best form during his time in west London before his career was disrupted by the doping suspension.
Tottenham were therefore hoping that regular football could help the forward rediscover his confidence and sharpness after such a prolonged absence.
However, the latest injury represents another setback at a particularly unfortunate time.
Having spent almost two years without competitive football, Mudryk was always expected to require time to regain his match fitness and adapt to the physical demands of Premier League football.
The ankle problem means he will now miss several important fixtures, including this weekend’s Premier League meeting with Everton and the Carabao Cup clash against Liverpool.
He is also expected to miss Tottenham’s following Premier League fixture against Aston Villa, at minimum, depending on the progress of his recovery.
The injury means Mudryk’s return to full fitness will now be delayed further, with Tottenham having to wait before they can properly assess the impact he can make during his loan spell.
After making only a brief appearance against Nottingham Forest, the Ukrainian will now return to the sidelines just as he was beginning to rebuild his rhythm.
For Tottenham and Mudryk, the immediate priority will be ensuring the ankle injury heals properly before he resumes training. Once he returns, the winger will still need to build his fitness gradually after his extended period away from competitive football.
