Full Breakdown
Mudryk’s Ankle Injury Halts Tottenham Winger’s Return
9/9/2026, 11:01:16 PM
Core Event: Ankle Setback Forces Mudryk Out Until After International Break
Mykhailo Mudryk suffered an ankle injury during a Tottenham Hotspur training session on September 5, 2026. The 25-year-old winger is expected to miss the club’s next three Premier League fixtures – Everton (Sept 12), Liverpool in the Carabao Cup (Sept 15), and Aston Villa (Sept 19) – as well as the league match with Manchester United on October 10. Sources give a recovery window of four to eight weeks (football.london) to six-eight weeks (BBC, ESPN, Fabrizio Romano via sbnation).
Background & Context
Mudryk arrived at Tottenham on a season-long loan from Chelsea on deadline day, the first player move between the clubs in 17 years, with an option to buy for £75 million. He previously served a 20-month suspension after testing positive for meldonium; the ban was lifted after a July 31 resolution between the FA and WADA. His debut for Spurs came as a 74th-minute substitute in a 0-0 draw with Nottingham Forest, his first competitive appearance in 646 days.
Timeline
- July 31, 2026 – FA and WADA resolution, Mudryk resumes training.
- Sept 5, 2026 – Debut and ankle injury in training.
- International break (mid-Sept) – Expected inactivity; return projected after break.
- Sept 12, 2026 – Tottenham vs Everton (missed).
- Sept 15, 2026 – Carabao Cup vs Liverpool (missed).
- Sept 19, 2026 – Tottenham vs Aston Villa (missed).
- Oct 10, 2026 – Tottenham vs Manchester United (missed).
Data & Statistics
- Age: 25.
- Loan fee: £75 million option to buy.
- Chelsea record (pre-ban): 10 goals, 11 assists in 73 appearances.
- Reported lay-off: 4-8 weeks (football.london) vs 6-8 weeks (BBC, ESPN, Romano).
Official Statements & Responses
Tottenham head coach Roberto De Zerbi, who previously managed Mudryk at Shakhtar, said the winger “is not ready yet” and needs more time to reach full physical condition. De Zerbi noted competition from Mathys Tel and Omar Marmoush for the left-wing role and highlighted recent signings adding depth while Mudryk recovers.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Verbatim Quotes
- “He’s not ready yet. He’s working to reach the best physical condition.” — Roberto De Zerbi
What’s Next
Tottenham’s upcoming fixtures – Everton, Liverpool, Aston Villa, and Manchester United – will proceed without Mudryk. Medical staff anticipate a return after the international break, with training likely in October. If recovery is at the lower end of estimates, Mudryk could feature in the latter stages of the season’s cup competitions and remaining Premier League matches.
