MAJOR BOOST for Spurs as Kudus Spotted Training After Igor Tudor Teases ‘Nice Surprise’ — Fans Given Hopeful Return Timeline for Key Midfield Duo Crucial to Fully Implementing Tudor’s System
By Alious — March 20, 2026
Igor Tudor has delivered an encouraging update on Mohammed Kudus, indicating the midfielder is closing in on a return to first-team training at Tottenham Hotspur. Meanwhile, James Maddison could still make an appearance before the season ends.
Maddison has not featured in a competitive match this season after suffering an ACL rupture during pre-season, an injury that required surgery. He was originally expected to miss the entire campaign, but recent sightings of him training individually at Hotspur Way have sparked optimism about a potential comeback.
Kudus, in contrast, has been sidelined since January 4 after sustaining a hamstring injury during a draw against Sunderland AFC. Tudor has now shared a positive update, suggesting both players could provide a timely lift to the squad during the March international break.
Speaking on Friday, Tudor said the team would benefit from a crucial three-week period following Sunday’s match. He hinted that Kudus might begin partial training with the squad within about ten days, pending further assessment, while noting the player’s recovery has progressed well and that he is already back working with the ball.
Tudor also confirmed that Rodrigo Bentancur and Maddison are making steady progress, adding that the medical staff could yet deliver a pleasant surprise if both become available sooner than expected. He emphasized that having them fit again would be extremely important for the team.
When asked directly whether Maddison could return before the season concludes, Tudor responded positively, stating that the midfielder is already showing encouraging signs in training, including ball work and sprinting, and appears to be in a strong mental and physical place.
However, there was less encouraging news regarding Dejan Kulusevski. The forward has missed the entire season following knee surgery in May and is not yet close to returning, despite continuing his rehabilitation at Hotspur Way.
Kulusevski was also omitted from the Sweden national football team squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifier against Ukraine, and when asked for an update on his condition, Tudor simply replied that he is not ready yet.
