Tottenham Hotspur's recent Europa League victory over Elfsborg was overshadowed by another injury setback, as center-back Radu Dragusin limped off just 20 minutes after coming onto the pitch. The Spurs triumphed 3-0, securing their place in the knockout stage, but at the cost of losing yet another key player.
Dragusin's injury occurred during the match on January 30, 2025, at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, where he replaced Micky van de Ven at half-time. The young Romanian defender went down after an aerial challenge with Elfsborg striker Jalal Abdullai, landing awkwardly on his right knee. Coach Ange Postecoglou, who was cautious with van de Ven after his return from injury, now faces the prospect of managing another absence.
“Unfortunately Radu’s hurt his knee now,” Postecoglou said post-match. “I don’t have any more information but it didn’t look good as he was coming off so we’ll just have to wait and see but it’s disappointing.”
Despite Dragusin’s injury, the game proved to be a showcase for Tottenham’s youth, with 20-year-old Dane Scarlett scoring his first goal for the club shortly after coming on to replace Dragusin. He was joined on the score sheet by fellow academy graduates Oyindamola Ajayi and Mikey Moore, both of whom also netted their maiden goals. This triumphant second half from the young Spurs brought enthusiasm and excitement, as fans appreciated the depth of talent within the academy.
The victory was much needed for Spurs, who have been struggling domestically, sitting just above the relegation zone with recent performances raising concerns about their Premier League survival. The club has faced criticism amid their poor form, with only one win out of their last eight league matches.
Alongside Dragusin, Tottenham's injury list remains lengthy, with nine players sidelined, including notable defenders Cristian Romero and Djed Spence, along with goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario and midfielder James Maddison. This leaves the squad stretched as they prepare for their next match against Brentford on February 2, where Postecoglou will need to continue managing player fitness.
Postecoglou expressed appreciation for the young players’ contributions during the game against Elfsborg, calling the performance “made in Tottenham.” He added, “Brilliant for the club. I’m sure there are academy coaches who will go to sleep tonight pretty excited.”
Yet, as he attempts to instill confidence among the younger squad, the concern grows over the growing injury crisis. Cutbacks on player training and tight rotations have become necessary as the team navigates through this period and anticipates key fixtures, including the upcoming Carabao Cup semifinal against Liverpool.
Former Tottenham player and commentator Glenn Hoddle remarked on Dragusin’s injury, stating, “That looks quite serious because look, he plays the ball there and then he’s landed and wow, he holds his knee.” Such acknowledgment from Hoddle underscored the increasing alarm surrounding player health within the Spurs camp.
The situation leaves the fans and Postecoglou hoping for positive news on the extent of Dragusin’s injury and the prospect of some of the sidelined players returning to action soon. Tottenham’s aspirations for the remainder of the season now hinge on both immediate recovery efforts and the ability of their young talent to continue to rise to the occasion against tougher opponents.
With the pressure mounting and squad depth tested, Spurs must find a way to balance the immediate needs of the team with long-term player health. The coach will have his work cut out as they navigate what promises to be a challenging stretch of games.