Dragusin will undergo surgery on the cruciate ligament of his right knee

Romanian international Radu Dragusin is set to undergo surgery on his right knee after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, Tottenham Hotspur confirmed in an official statement on Tuesday.

The club did not specify a timeline for his recovery, leaving uncertainty over when the center-back will return to action. The injury is a major setback for both the player and the North London side, as Dragusin had become an important defensive option since his arrival in the winter transfer window of 2024.

The 23-year-old defender sustained the injury during Tottenham’s Europa League clash against Swedish side Elfsborg last Thursday. Dragusin was introduced at halftime as part of a tactical change by manager Ange Postecoglou, but his night was cut short when he went down in visible pain in the 66th minute. The medical staff rushed onto the pitch to assess him, and it quickly became clear that he could not continue. He was substituted and helped off the field, leaving concerns about the severity of his injury.

"Radu will be monitored by our medical team to assess when he will be able to return to training," the club stated, offering no immediate details on how long the Romanian international will be sidelined. Tottenham, currently sitting 14th in the Premier League, will now have to navigate the remainder of the season without one of their key defensive reinforcements.

Dragusin’s injury is a significant blow for Spurs, who have struggled with consistency this season. The Romanian center-back had featured in 28 games across all competitions, 25 of them as a starter, quickly establishing himself as a dependable figure in the heart of Tottenham’s defense. His presence added physicality, aerial dominance, and composure to a backline that had seen its fair share of instability throughout the campaign.

Signed from Genoa in the winter transfer window of 2024, Dragusin was brought in as a long-term solution to reinforce Spurs’ defense. The Romanian international had impressed in Serie A, where he developed into one of the most promising young center-backs in Europe. His strong performances for Genoa, as well as his reliability for the Romanian national team, caught the attention of several top clubs, but it was Tottenham that secured his signature. His arrival was seen as a statement of intent from the club, with hopes that he would help solidify a defensive unit that had struggled for stability in previous seasons.

Tottenham’s medical team is now assessing the best course of action for Dragusin’s recovery, but an ACL injury typically requires a lengthy rehabilitation process. Depending on the severity, the standard recovery period for such injuries can range from six to nine months, meaning Dragusin could be out of action for the remainder of the current season and possibly miss the start of the next campaign. The club will likely take a cautious approach to his rehabilitation, ensuring he returns fully fit and does not risk further complications.

The injury also represents a personal setback for Dragusin, who had been making great strides in his career since moving to England. His adaptation to the Premier League had been promising, and his strong performances had won over both teammates and fans. At just 23 years old, he was viewed as a key piece for Tottenham’s defensive future, and his absence will be deeply felt as the club looks to regain form in both domestic and European competitions.

For manager Ange Postecoglou, Dragusin’s injury presents an additional challenge in an already difficult season. Spurs have faced multiple injury issues across different positions, and losing a defender of Dragusin’s caliber further complicates the squad selection. The manager will now have to rely on alternative options, potentially giving more playing time to other center-backs in the squad.

Beyond Tottenham, Dragusin’s injury will also have an impact on the Romanian national team. As one of the country’s most promising defenders, he was expected to play a crucial role in Romania’s upcoming international fixtures. If his recovery timeline extends into the next international window, Romania will have to make adjustments in their defensive lineup, which could affect their performances in crucial qualification matches.

As Spurs fans await further updates on Dragusin’s condition, the club will be hoping for a smooth surgery and an effective recovery process. While his absence is a major loss, Tottenham will look to rally around the remaining squad members to push forward in the Premier League and Europa League. Meanwhile, Dragusin’s focus will shift to rehabilitation, with the goal of returning stronger and resuming his upward trajectory in one of the most competitive leagues in the world.